The longitudinal angle of the crank is different in a diesel Syncro than
in 2WD diesel Vanagon. The 2WD diesels have the nose of the tranny
tipped way up with the use of the diesel only tranny mount. The Syncro
has the tranny nose position determined by the center drive shaft coming
off it and the crankshaft is thus running at much closer to a level
position. I believe this will allow a higher oil level in the Syncro
application before frothing.

Mark

Frank Grunthaner wrote:
>
> Actually, there are several, all equally correct, answers, but only one real
> one.
>
> The original 15 degree diesels (Golf, Jetta, Dasher, etc.) all had a capacity
> with filter of 4.5 liters. The original Vanagon had a capacity of 4.0 liters
> with the 603A pan. The later European Vanagon 1.6L TurboDiesels with the
> different pan (number ?) had a capacity of 4.5 liters. The official oil level
> is then given by the pan number. Old pan ... 4.0 L, new pan ... 4.5 L.
>
> But the optimal oil level can easily be obtained for your installation at
> your powertrain slope angle using the tried and true Smokey Yurnick method.
> To wit:
>
> 1.) Put 3.5 liters in the crankcase after filter change and run the engine
> until fully warmed up.
>
> 2.) Park on a straight and narrow.
>
> 3.) Connect up tachometer to diesel. Use W terminal on Alternator or
> equivalent approach to measure idle rpm.
>
> 4.) Add oil in 0.2 liter increments until engine rpm drops.
>
> 5.) Stop engine, let sit for 15 minutes, check oil level, mark dipstick.
>
> You will have determined the maximum level of the oil sump before the onset
> of heavy crank splash and oil aeration. Actually, I've been known to siphon
> out 200 mls. then add 100 mls. back.
>
> Alternatively there is the borescope method. Add oil and watch the onset of
> frothing.
>
> Frank Grunthaner