VW Type 4 Oil Change

How to Change Oil on a Volkswagen Type 4 Engine

VW Type 4 engines (VW Type 2 Bus, Porsche 914/912E).

Materials

Consumables

• Engine oil (OEM viscosity/spec; we recommend Driven GP-1 or DT50)
• Oil filter (Type 4 specification; Mahle, Mann-Hummel/Wix, Hengst)
• Drain plug crush washer
• Oil strainer gasket set
• Oil strainer (optional)

Tools

Essential:

• Socket wrench
• Torque wrench (6–30 N·m / 5–22 lbf·ft)
• 19 mm & 13 mm sockets
• Drain pan (min. 4 L / 1 gal)

Recommended:

• Disposable gloves
• Paper towels
• Container for used parts
• Funnel
• Brush & cleaning solvent
• Mat or creeper

Procedure

1. Prep & Safety

1. Warm engine 2–3 minutes (thins oil).
2. Park on level ground; chock wheels.
3. Position drain pan beneath engine.

2. Drain & Remove Filter

4. Remove 19 mm drain plug; drain oil.
5. Remove 13 mm strainer nut; clean or replace strainer.
6. Remove oil filter; catch residual oil.

3. Clean & Inspect

7. Clean strainer cover and mating surfaces.
8. Inspect oil/strainer for metal debris.

4. Reassembly

9. Install new crush washer; torque drain plug to 22 N·m / 16 lbf·ft.
10. Install strainer gaskets; torque nut to 10–13 N·m.
11. Install new filter; coat gasket with fresh oil and hand‑tighten.

5. Refill & Final Checks

12. Refill oil to specified capacity.
13. Check level on dipstick; adjust as needed.
14. Secure filler cap.
15. Start engine; verify oil-pressure light extinguishes.
16. Check for leaks; re‑torque if necessary.

Specifications

Torques

Capacities

Notes & Tips

• Follow OEM-specified oil type and service intervals.
• Save strainers for inspection; reuse or replace as needed.
• Dispose of oil and parts per local regulations.