Volkswagen: VW Oil Change and leaks, acorn nuts, sand buggy

Question
Hi Ron,

I haven't purchased a VW service manual yet. Can you recommend one? I purchased a Sand Buggy with a VW engine; I would like to learn the year, model and actual size of the engine from the numbers on the engine. I want to do a full service of the engine before I take it out to the dunes. I've been diligent about the air filter (K & N) the oil (Mobil 1) the oil filter (K & N) and I've greased it, checked and tightened everything that needed it but I'm stuck at the oil change! I can't find a drain plug! I'm searching the Internet for an explanation and I came across something you wrote to Cori about a leaky smoky VW he has. I read the part about a plug and a screen and clean everything up real well etc. My engine does have a round metal piece, 4 ½” across, in the center of what I believe is the oil pan, on the bottom of the engine. It is held in place by six cap/bell/acorn nuts, there is no plug in the center and I'm going a little nuts trying to figure out how to drain the oil. Am I understanding correctly from what I read, that I need a VW oil change kit with these gaskets, screens etc? I had a small oil leak on one valve cover so I bought valve cover gaskets from BAP import auto parts, they seem to specialize in VW. I replaced the gasket on the leaking valve cover, the old gasket was coated in a silicone like material on the valve cover side of the gasket, yes, I cleaned it cautiously but well, now it runs oil out instead of dripping. Does this indicate other problems? Would I do well to use a sealing compound? The BAP guy said not to use a sealer even though they sold it. Are there other places on the net where I might get answers to my VW questions from archived information? I appreciate your assistance in my attempt to learn, and enjoy my experience with VW.

Byron  

Answer
Hi Byron,

1) As to your valve cover leak:

These are a pain in the neck.  You need to clean the cover and the sealing surface to the engine very well.

Place the new gasket on the valve cover with 4 small dabs of silicone to hold it in place.  Rub your finger in oil and coat the side of the gasket that touches the cylinder head.

Put the cover on, slide the bail over it.  

If it still leaks the bail could be loose, and you need to get another, or the valve cover itself is bent.  Either way, these parts are cheap and readily available.


2) As to changing the oil:

Those 8mm screws need to be taken off, along with that round disk.  That is where the oil comes out. (there is no drain-plug on that motor)   You need first to buy an oil-change kit:

www.gowesty.com

Once you have the kit, the assembly order is as follows:

1) install round gasket
2) install new strainer
3) install 2nd round gasket
4) install round disk
5) Place new copper washers on studs, carefully tighten the nuts

Fill car with oil.


3) As to a book

The best, by far is : "Official VW Service Manual"  (you can get it reasonably priced on E-bay).

Best of Luck,

Ron