Servicing VR6

[The_Hawk]

Right, most of the little things have been sorted now, but in getting the air con, heating and a few sensors fixed I completely forgot about the oil and all that general maintenance.

Not being sure when the last time anything was done I think it's time to replace a few things.

Air Filter is already done which leaves:

Oil Filter
Oil

Check gearbox fluid level, replace/topup

Brake Fluid (needs a good bleed at the very least)
Check Brake Pads & Discs

Fuel Filter

Power steering fluid

Spark Plugs, although I don't have a spark plug puller so that may prove difficult. Possibly the leads too, but we will see.

Have I missed anything?

What are the recommended fluid types/brands people use? Am I likely to find the parts at a Repco/Super Cheap/Auto One/Auto Pro... we have a few in Campbelltown. Failing all that there is Golf Loon, or WORST case McGrath Parts

[peedman]

Coolant flush? Prob keep with genuine fluids if ur just topping up. The repco/supercheap oil filters are smaller than the genuine ones so i'd prob go back to original for that, the oil can be debateable. I'll be using synthetic stuff when i drop my oil.

[Tim]

go to imparts and get oil filters from there. They keep getting cheaper every time i get one. I got 2 last time for just over $20

[The_Hawk]

Coolant flush?

Already half did that when I replaced one of the temp sensors and lost half the coolant otherwise that would be on the list too (damn the red coolant is expensive )

Any suggestions on plugs?

[runamuk]

Mines not a VR, but I just use champion or NGK plugs.

[Pullstarter]

NGK for sure

[bsting]

New Pollen Filter.

You have to remove the black cover on the passenger side at the base of the windscreen to get to it.

[The_Hawk]

New Pollen Filter.

You have to remove the black cover on the passenger side at the base of the windscreen to get to it.

Also done already when the heatercore was replaced.

[MattyT]

Oil Filter = Genuine. Have read of many things going horribly wrong when you use a generic one. Horrid things like the whole engine dying. BAD. Dont risk it.

Oil = I use Fuchs Titan Super GTO 10-40w, fully synthetic. Seems fine. There was Agip 10-60w full synthetic in the car when I got it. Seemed fine too.
The fuchs (german!) is avail at my local supercheap. I think its only $40.

Nothing else I can really help with sorry. If you can afford it, go Motul for any fluid, apparently its very very good stuff.

[The_Hawk]

wonder if I can get the genuine oil filter locally...

We will see I suppose.

[Pullstarter]

Yes Motul is excellent, Motorex is also excellent. I've got Fuchs in at the moment and so far so good. For gearbox I'd probably use Red Line, very good stuff indeed.

[MattyT]

Ah yes, redline shockproof for the win!

[Golf Loon]

Use a decent gearbox oil and genuine power steer fluid. I have that if you get desperate.

[The_Hawk]

Oil Filter = Genuine. Have read of many things going horribly wrong when you use a generic one. Horrid things like the whole engine dying. BAD. Dont risk it.

Anyone happen to know who makes the OEM filter? Would rather pick up one locally than trying to get to Moorebank for a filter from McGrath.

Working Mon - Friday and the wife working Saturday's makes it harder to get places with a child in tow.


Incidently, I was reading the "conditions" on a McGrath Parts invoice. Gee they suck arse. NO returns on any product purchased on a weekend or a public holiday. Sure it's rarely and issue, but the average man who goes in on Saturday morning needs to be DOUBLY sure he's getting what he wants.

[The_Hawk]

Have been for a bit of a drive round the local parts places getting a feel for whats what. Will also ring Volkswagon to get "genuine" prices during the week.

Most places don't have any of the parts available in store and need to order them which I suppose is fair considering the car.

Bit of a suprise on some of these parts prices from Reco:

Oil Filter Ryco R2600P/R2613P: $31/$32
Fuel Filter Ryco RFF1: $16
NGK Grp 6 BKR5EKU: $14.49ea x 6 = $86.94
TopGun Leads: $274
(the same leads were also quoted by Auto Barn for $193)

Oil... well the Fuchs is proving hard to track down, but the Motul is available in most places and seems to be highly rated.

I'm starting to think that maybe I'll just stick to the oil and filters for the moment and look as plugs and leads later.