VH45DE Oil Pan Oil Level

[qsiguy]

I'm trying to find out if anyone knows where on the oil pan the oil level is for a properly filled VH engine? Reason I'm asking is I'm contemplating drilling or poking/taping a hole in it for an oil return line and want to make sure it's above the oil level if I decide to do it.

If I do it I'd prefer to do it without removing the pan. I've seen a write up where they used gradually larger punches to avoid drilling, and then tapping the hole for an oil fitting. I just need to make sure the hole is above the oil level.

[elwesso]

From what I remember when i did chain guides on a Q you have about an inch of clearance.

See if you can find some pics of the front cover off without draining the oil. I would assume that oil would be somewhat less when the motor is on.

[T45]

Why not just put the oil return into the valve cover?

[RichZilla]

A turbo oil drain should always flow downhill. Or at least not uphill.

[qsiguy]

Why not just put the oil return into the valve cover?

This is my plan, just humoring other options before pulling the valve cover to tap it.

A turbo oil drain should always flow downhill. Or at least not uphill.

My turbo is a rear mount and I have a scavenge pump drawing the oil from the turbo and pushing it back up front to the motor. Not really an option to make it go downhill or even level since the turbo is so low.

[mtcookson]

With a scavenge pump you don't have to worry about up, down, etc. so anywhere on the oil pan or even to the valve cover is fine.