An oil level detection apparatus having a float-type oil level detector
(50) and a mode switching unit. The oil level detector emits a signal
indicating that the oil level has dropped when a movable contact disposed
on a float (54) makes contact with fixed contacts once the level of said
oil (Lu) has dropped to a lower limit level. The mode switching unit
switches between one of two modes selected from a first mode for
actuating the alarm and stopping the engine (10) in accordance with the
level drop signal, and a second mode for actuating the alarm and
continuing to operate the engine (10) in accordance with the level drop
signal.