Change the Oil and Filter on a 2001 Beetle TDI Using an Oil Extractor

This article shows an oil extractor being used to change the oil and filter on a VW 2001 Beetle TDI. Using this method, the do-it-yourself person can change the oil from the top of the engine without crawling under the car. Note: This service method can lead to 'sludge' issues in the oil pan over the long term.

Steps

  1. Run the engine until the engine oil is at a normal operating temperature.
  2. Park the Beetle TDI on level ground and turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position.
  3. Raise the hood with the hood release lever inside the passenger compartment.
  4. Remove the three nuts that secure the top engine cover and oil dip stick, using a 10mm nut driver.
  5. Remove the vacuum hose attached to the bracket on back of engine cover and remove engine cover.
  6. Connect the main suction tube of the oil extractor into the engine dip stick tube.
  7. Extract the oil from the crankcase by pumping the extractor pump lever several pumps to create a vacuum.
  8. Continue the pumping action until all of the old oil has been removed from the sump of the Beetle. When all of the oil has been removed, the suction tube will be clear and no bubbles in the tube.
  9. Remove the oil filter cover with a wrench that is designed for the VW ALH diesel engine. A strap wrench can also be used to remove the filter cover. Remove by turning counterclockwise.
  10. Using the fingers, remove the oil filter (it's full of oil) from the oil filter housing. Discard the removed filter.
  11. Remove the two (2) O-rings from the oil filter stem, using a hook pick of other suitable tool. Discard the removed O-rings.
  12. Install the new O-rings in the filter stem with the fingers only.
  13. Place the suction tube in the oil filter housing, using the oil extractor that was used previously.
  14. Pump the lever on the oil extractor several pumps to remove the old oil from all crevices in filter housing.
  15. Remove the oil extractor suction tube from the oil filter housing.
  16. Fill the oil filter housing with one (1) gallon of 5W-40 synthetic motor oil, using a funnel.
  17. Place a new oil filter on the filter stem. Place the filter in the filter housing.
  18. Screw on the oil filter cover and tighten until snug. A torque wrench was used to tighten the filter cover. The torque specification is 18-ftlb.
  19. Finish up by removing all tools from the work area.
  20. Start the Beetle and run the engine for two (2) minutes.
  21. Shut the engine off and check for oil leaks.
  22. Install the top engine cover that was removed and install vacuum hose in bracket that was previously removed. Install dip stick in dip stick tube.
  23. Close the engine hood.
  24. Test drive the Beetle TDI.

Tips

  • A lifting device is not needed for this repair.
  • A filter cover wrench designed to fit the VW ALH diesel engine can be purchased at most auto supply stores and Internet auto parts store fronts. Also, a filter strap wrench can be purchased at most home improvement and auto supply stores.
  • A hook pick or other sharp instrument should not be used to install new O-rings in the filter stem. Chafed or torn O-rings would result in an oil leak.
  • Oil in Step 14 cannot be removed using the conventional method of changing oil from the bottom of the engine.
  • Shell Rotella T synthetic motor oil meets the VW factory specification requirements. It can be purchased for less than $20.00 per gallon.
  • A new Frame oil filter that meets VW factory specification requirements can be purchased at auto supply stores for less than $10.00.

Warnings

  • Pumping the oil out with this device leaves all of the metal shavings that are stuck to the magnet drain plug in the engine to do further damage.
  • In most cities it is against the law to dispose of old engine oil improperly; namely, pouring down city drains, private property, private and city owned streets and alleys. Most auto supply store chains take oil for recycling. No fee is charged for this service.
  • Using an oil extractor will not remove the heavy sediment from the bottom of an oil pan. This can lead to excessive build up. A traditional oil change is always the best method of proper engine maintenance.

Things You'll Need

  • 10mm nut driver
  • Oil extractor
  • Oil filter wrench for ALH diesel engine
  • Strap wrench
  • Hook pick
  • Oil funnel
  • {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} Shell Rotella T 5W-40 synthetic motor oil
  • 1- Oil filter for ALH diesel engine

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