2.0L TDI Oil Change - DIY Advice

[antone_86]

The bottom cap is something I'd probably say to leave alone for a first go. sure it removes the last 5%, but it also holds the fins of the oil cooler to the filter housing, and apart from being very very messy, it's not simple to just line it back up and screw it back in.

View from underneath.

Hi Greg or anyone else that might be able to answer me,

I changed my engine oil and replaced the oil filter today. I also drained the oil cooler as shown in your photo above.

What is the trick with 'lining it up'? I simply replaced it the same way it came off...? Is there some trick to aligning it?

Cheers.

[Greg Roles]

Nope, it's quite free to spin a bit but best to avoid it rubbing on anything, just make sure you tighten it right up, they are prone to leaking and can make a mess, I often have to do a second tighten after a few drives. There is no special direction, it just needs the bolt tension to keep the seal tight.

[antone_86]

Thanks Greg - you're a gem to these forums mate...

I will prop her back on the hoist today as I want to do a few more inspections I didn't get time for yesterday, check for leaks etc., and re-tighten the oil cooler and ensure it isn't rubbing against anything.

Next service I do I'll probably take some photos and do a DIY write up and put it in PDF format for all to use and have access to... I have to admit something a little embarrassing though... this was the first time I've serviced the Passat. Having serviced the Golf GTI 10+ times I assumed that the oil filter was in the same or a similar position (front of engine under splash guard)... when I unscrewed the oil cooler lock nut I actually thought it was all part of the oil filter assembly and I'd have to get in there somewhere to replace the element... thankfully common sense got the better of me and I searched the forums and viola... there was the 'ahhhhhhhhh!' moment! There's the oil filter!

What oil are you using Greg? I've been running Shell Ultra Extra fully synthetic with genuine filters, sump plug... and I'm impressed.... meets VW 50700, using it in the GTI and Passat.

Thanks again for the prompt, helpful response.

[Greg Roles]

Thanks mate!

Don't fret, when I got under my golf for the 1st 7500km change, i undid the lover bolt too, where virtually every NORMAL car has their filter, and spent a bit of time working out where it was!

I'm running Penrite Enviro, but that Shell stuff is top notch too. So long as the oil rabbits on about 507 you're pretty right, as you really need the anti shear properties in the 507, that is the ability to remain between two surfaces under extreme pressure ( the PD injection cam ) and low oil ash content for those afflicted with a DPF which clogs up due to this.

[poyta]

I've been keen to do a mid oil change too as I'm a little worried that the oil changes are so far apart at 15,000kms but worried that I'll get the wrong oil. Any advice on which oil to get and where to get it from? Will the pimple faced teenager behind the counter of the local repco store know what to give me? Where do I get the oil filter from and finally how much oil do I need?

[gldgti]

I've been keen to do a mid oil change too as I'm a little worried that the oil changes are so far apart at 15,000kms but worried that I'll get the wrong oil. Any advice on which oil to get and where to get it from? Will the pimple faced teenager behind the counter of the local repco store know what to give me? Where do I get the oil filter from and finally how much oil do I need?

1) Which oil to get has been discussed at length in this section and also in fuels and lubricants... and Greg has almost written it in the previous post. Also discussed in the forums has been places to buy it.

2) If you are asking the guy behind the counter at repco for advice...... well just dont

3) You can get the oil filter from a lot of places, like the dealer parts store, many specialist parts suppliers and specialist vw mechanics, etc.
4) The oil capacity should be listed in the vehicle data in your manual, but its roughly 4L.

Seriously though, you could have found out all of this if you just look around a bit.

[Greg Roles]

I get Penrite Enviro, as it's both a cheaper 507 oil, and readly available, plus it comes in a black bottle and that's tough. Supercheap carry it, stock up at the next holiday sale. You can order it in 200L drums if you want.

Filter from VW dealer, they are quite cheap.

Fill up the oil till it hits your dip stick - about 3/4 bottle. Go for a drive, and top up till full. So long as it is on the dip stick and between the marks, you are sweet. Make sure you check on the flat!!

It's really pretty easy, and 7500kms highly recommended!

[Drucey75]

Thanks & a very helpful thread.
Need some extended advice please.

Have done a few oil changes to my other pre 2000 vehicles and wanted to change the engine oil in our Tiguan 103TDI 2009 at 25k, completed most of the info provided up to the point of removing the oil drain plug and found two drain plugs, one with a torx head (black casing) and the other with standard hex head (alloy casing). I did check the dip stick and the oil was black, started undoing the torx nut to which i assumed was the sump and the oil was a light honey colour which made me think the hex head bolt (on the passenger side) was the sump. Which of the two is it?
Thanks in advance.

[Greg Roles]

Standard hex head, the other sounds like the gearbox!

[Dyldo]

Interesting, looks just like the VR6 oil filter housing, just the other way around and not at the bottom of the motor... same size socket as well if I'm not mistaken.

Just tired to change my oil and filter, and was beaten by the light. In any case, I can verify the VR6 oil filter housing is definitely NOT the same size. Much smaller than the VR6 one.