Petrol engines oil change
Watercooleds
Recomended brands VW's Quantum 15-40 is the correct spec
Quantity Petrol engines take 4.5 Litres to get half way up the dipstick
Oil is cheaper than replacing the engine!
Hacksawbob
Oil changes at 3000 miles are the nicest thing you can do for your engine. It is something that the most novice mechanic can do with some basic tools.
You will need
Oil, Quantum 15-40 from GSF or other supplier. Both petrol engines take 4.5 Litres including the filter, if you aren't replacing the filter you only need 4L.
Oil filter, some change this every other change so every 6000 miles use a Mann filter they are the same for 2.1 and 1.9 Litre petrol engines
You may also need to replace the copper washer seal that goes under your sump-plug, you could leave it on for a few oil changes, if you've not done it before then best but one at GSF too.
A receptacle for the old oil to drain into. It should hold at least 5 Litres, suitable lie down oil catchers are available at Halfords etc
13mm Socket spanner
Oil filter wrench
OptionalDisposable gloves, goggles, newspaper and sand for spillages.
Remove sump plug with something to catch the oil you might want to put some newspaper down underneath this to catch the drips.
Allow oil to drain and remove oil filter with oil filter wrench
Replace sump plug with new copper seal. Tighten the sump plug up but DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN (25Nm 18 Ftlbs according to bentley). You can tighten the plug by holding the scocket around the centre to prevent you having to much power on it, you just need enough to nip it up, you can always tighten it if it drips but if you strip the thread you'll be sorry.
Fill new filter to with in an inch of the top, It takes a while for the oil to fill so be patient and do a bit at a time. Make sure seal is 'wet' with oil try not to get oil on the sides as this will make tightening it more difficult.
Fit the filter, you have to lean it over 45 degs, some oil may come out if you over filled it. tighten it by hand using a rag
Fill the sump through the main fill point in the engine hatch, note it telescopes out to aid filling, even so you may want to do it with a jug and a funnel. when you start the engine let it run for a few minutes before you drive to allow the oil to flow through the engine.
Any major spillages - you can put sand down (or proper oil-spill grit) and allow it to soak up then sweep it up and dispose of as solid waste. Dispose of your spent oil an a appoved oil recycling point, there is usually one at you local tip. DO NOT PUT OIL DOWN THE DRAIN!
Aircooleds
Many say that a single grade oil is best for aircooleds, but:-
phade:
The correct oil grades for the 2.0 litre Aircooled engine are either of the following:-
- 15W50 mineral oil
- 20W50 mineral oil
I have used Halfords Classic 20W50 mineral oil without any problems.
A quick guide on engine oil temperature on all air cooled engines is that if the oil light flashes for any reason, it means stop at once !!!! Also check the oil level regularly too and make sure that the oil level is near maximum.
I would go for 20/50 mineral oil, not synthetic as this doesn't have such good heat transfer which is needed with aircooled engines when the oil passes through the oil cooler.
Hints & Tips
ghost123uk A tip for (the awkward job of ) filling / topping up the engine oil.
Get one of those plastic bottles that "listerene" mouthwash comes in.
With a Stanley knife or similar, cut a hole about the size of the bottom of a coffee mug into the front, close to the bottom. Discard the cap. You now have a drip free "funnel" that sits inside the ( extendable ) oil filler pipe without you even having to hold it.
Forum user: Never change the oil without warming the engine up to temp first. On the watercooled the sump plug is steel in an alloy sump and the threads "strip" very easily!
Always use a hex socket or spanner, and never over tighten, just over finger tight is plenty, alway fit a new copper washer.
I always change the oil every 2000 miles, and the filter every 4000, maybe a little too regular, but oil is cheaper than an engine.
When refitting the filter take a finger full of new oil from the can and wipe around the oil seal on the filter, and only tighten to hand tight, or your'll suffer next oil change!
It is best to part fill the filter prior to refilling, but if not, take the king lead off and spin the engine to fill the filter before starting.
It takes 1 litre of oil to move the oil from the lower mark on the dip stick to the upper mark, and most 1.9's will burn off the top quarter of the oil on the dipstick within 200 miles, there is no point in topping it up above 3/4 unless you like wasting money on oil.
HM: Excessively overfilling any engine with oil is not recommended, and in some engines can cause trouble (blowing seals, or throwing a lot more than just the overfill out)
Oil Disposal and Safety
Also see disposing of oil responsibly in an oil-bank
Any major spillages - you can put sand down (or proper oil-spill grit) and allow it to soak up then sweep it up and dispose of as solid waste. Dispose of your spent oil an a approved oil recycling point, there is usually one at you local tip. 'DO NOT PUT OIL DOWN THE DRAIN!
Optional items to have to hand - Disposable gloves, goggles, newspaper and sand for spillages.
Oils
Quantum is the brand name for VW approved oils. GSF used to carry most of the Quantum oil range, as well as VW outlets
