How do I check the oil level in a blower?

To check the oil level in a blower correctly, the blower must be inoperative for at least 15 minutes; this allows the oil to settle.
Ensure that the blower is electrically and mechanically isolated to prevent accidental injury.

Some blowers have oil level windows, others tubular sight glasses or level drain plugs.

• Oil level windows; unless the level is marked up, the oil level should be at the halfway point up the glass.
• Oil level tubes (aka lighthouse-type); unless the level is marked up, refer to the blower manufacturer’s recommendation for quantity. Mark the glass once you know the correct level.
• Oil level plug: this plug is situated just above where the oil level should sit.
  • Remove the level plug; if the oil floods out then the oil level was/is too high: wait for the oil to stop and refit the plug.
  • If you think the level might be too low, gradually add a little oil at a time from the top filler plug until the oil just starts to seep out then refit the plug.

Some package units have oil gauges built into the side of the enclosure. Please remember when using these gauges that remote levels can be affected by air locks in the feed pipes.