Oil Help Please?

1212 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Smileybug, Nov 18, 2014

BeetleBugin

Discussion Starter · Nov 17, 2014 (Edited)

Hello, I own a 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (2.0 Automatic Transmission) and I am using Mobile 1 5w-30. This is what the mechanics have been putting in since my last two oil changes. I would like to know if this is the best, and the right oil, cause sometimes I feel that my Bug burns oil a little "too fast".

I really don't know if thats the case, but if it is what could be the problem? Am I not using the right oil!?

I am ALSO hearing that in cold weather you can use 0w-40 (or something like that?), can't I just use 5w-30 all-year round?

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red99

· #2 · Nov 17, 2014

The proper officially approved by VW oils that are widely available in the US are Mobil 1 0w-40 and Castrol 5w-40. Both are full synthetics. The 5w-30 will be just fine if you'd rather stick with that. It is not as critical as with a turbocharged engine. See this thread for more info:

http://newbeetle.org/forums/2-0-liter-gas/48317-what-oil-do-you-use-your-2-0-a.html

As for oil usage, you probably have a leaking o-ring between the engine block and the oil cooler. Mine was very brittle when I replaced it a couple years back. My oil use went from 2.5 quarts/5000 miles to 1.5 quarts and it rally wasn't that obvious from looking at the engine that any was leaking. The coolant needs to be drained and the hoses removed from the oil cooler in order to take it off and replace the gasket.

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BeetleBugin

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 17, 2014

red99 said:
The proper officially approved by VW oils that are widely available in the US are Mobil 1 0w-40 and Castrol 5w-40. Both are full synthetics. The 5w-30 will be just fine if you'd rather stick with that. It is not as critical as with a turbocharged engine. See this thread for more info:

http://newbeetle.org/forums/2-0-liter-gas/48317-what-oil-do-you-use-your-2-0-a.html

As for oil usage, you probably have a leaking o-ring between the engine block and the oil cooler. Mine was very brittle when I replaced it a couple years back. My oil use went from 2.5 quarts/5000 miles to 1.5 quarts and it rally wasn't that obvious from looking at the engine that any was leaking. The coolant needs to be drained and the hoses removed from the oil cooler in order to take it off and replace the gasket.

Thank you, but Do you have any idea how much it would cost for a new O-Ring? Like there is no leaks from the car, cause when I look on the ground I don't see any oil puddles, or anything in that nature. Also if I switched to 5w-40 would that last longer in my bug? And is it all year round? (By the way I seriously appreciate your help!)

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red99

· #4 · Nov 18, 2014

The o-ring is a few dollars:

Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0 Engine Cooling Oil Cooler Gaskets & Seals - ECS Tuning

VW recommends the same oil year-round. Even for 100 degree temps the 0w-40 or 5w-40 is the right weight to use.

I never saw a drop of oil on the ground from mine, either. There was some dampness on the top of the lower splash shield, but nothing major. It only leaks when you are under way and the leaked oil just blows away.

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BeetleBugin

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 18, 2014

red99 said:
The o-ring is a few dollars:

Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0 Engine Cooling Oil Cooler Gaskets & Seals - ECS Tuning

VW recommends the same oil year-round. Even for 100 degree temps the 0w-40 or 5w-40 is the right weight to use.

I never saw a drop of oil on the ground from mine, either. There was some dampness on the top of the lower splash shield, but nothing major. It only leaks when you are under way and the leaked oil just blows away.

Thank you for the help! I'm not a mechanic, but I will be sure to have the garage take a look at my Oil O-Ring. And I will definitely switch my oil to 5w-40.
See when I first got my bug (last year) the dealer told me I could use 2 of the 3 (which were the best in his opinion) I just couldn't remember them. The only one I could remember was 5w-30! And i've been sticking with it, especially with weather like this. I like to keep it simple and use something I can use ALL year round. Thank you so very much for your help!

Hope this solves my problem.

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BeetleBugin

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 18, 2014

red99 said:
The o-ring is a few dollars:

Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0 Engine Cooling Oil Cooler Gaskets & Seals - ECS Tuning

VW recommends the same oil year-round. Even for 100 degree temps the 0w-40 or 5w-40 is the right weight to use.

I never saw a drop of oil on the ground from mine, either. There was some dampness on the top of the lower splash shield, but nothing major. It only leaks when you are under way and the leaked oil just blows away.

ALSO the 5w-40 is for gasoline models right?

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red99

· #7 · Nov 18, 2014

Yes, 5w-40 is for any of the engines.

Be sure to tell the garage that the o-ring is between the oil cooler and the block. They will have to drain the coolant (most likely) which means it will probably be around an hour of labor total.

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Smileybug

· #8 · Nov 18, 2014

The early 2.0's are known for their oil consumption. VW says up to a 1qt every 1000 miles is still considered normal. I never had any consumption issues in my 2.0, but from what I've seen, I was an anomaly. Likely your consumption issues is just the nature of the beast.

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