Litch
Well-Known Member
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- 2,235
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- Oxfordshire
This one comes up all the time with capacities varying from the official 6.8L right down to 5L. I have always maintained that the engine should take over 6L and that if you aren't using that much then you can't be draining all the old oil out. I gave my wife's TD4 its 6-monthly oil & filter change today (using Castrol Edge as usual) and this is what I found.
Just to clarify the situation this includes the oil-filter. When checking the dipstick level the vehicle was perfectly level and the dipstick pushed fully home. All measurements were made using a 1L jug with lines at every 50mL so there is no guessing, 'about' or 'near enough' in it. Both the old oil and the new oil were accurately measured. After a 'certain' amount of oil was put in the engine it was run and then allowed to stand for a few minutes, this was repeated and small (measured) amounts added until the dipstick level was spot on. The level was also spot on before the old oil was drained out. Engine was warm as it had been for a run earlier this morning plus it is a very warm day. For draining the vehicle was run up on ramps so it was sitting nose up and the maximum amount of oil could be drained out of the sump. It was left to drain for nearly 2-hours while I mowed the lawns (well, you have to keep busy don't you?).
The amounts? 6.8L drained out and 6.8L to re-fill it.
What did I notice that might explain the different amounts people quote?
Firstly the oil was warm, I drain it with the nose up and it is left it to drain for a long time. Does everyone allow for ALL the old oil to be drained? Even though it had been draining for over 30-mins and there was barely a drip out of the sump-plug (well, the Difflock Drainplug hose actually), the moment I released the oil-filter housing there was a gush of oil (I wish I had measured it). If people are re-fitting the sump-plug before changing the filter this will make a difference.
I would love someone else to do an equally accurate oil-change and publish their results or have you all got a life?
Just to clarify the situation this includes the oil-filter. When checking the dipstick level the vehicle was perfectly level and the dipstick pushed fully home. All measurements were made using a 1L jug with lines at every 50mL so there is no guessing, 'about' or 'near enough' in it. Both the old oil and the new oil were accurately measured. After a 'certain' amount of oil was put in the engine it was run and then allowed to stand for a few minutes, this was repeated and small (measured) amounts added until the dipstick level was spot on. The level was also spot on before the old oil was drained out. Engine was warm as it had been for a run earlier this morning plus it is a very warm day. For draining the vehicle was run up on ramps so it was sitting nose up and the maximum amount of oil could be drained out of the sump. It was left to drain for nearly 2-hours while I mowed the lawns (well, you have to keep busy don't you?).
The amounts? 6.8L drained out and 6.8L to re-fill it.
What did I notice that might explain the different amounts people quote?
Firstly the oil was warm, I drain it with the nose up and it is left it to drain for a long time. Does everyone allow for ALL the old oil to be drained? Even though it had been draining for over 30-mins and there was barely a drip out of the sump-plug (well, the Difflock Drainplug hose actually), the moment I released the oil-filter housing there was a gush of oil (I wish I had measured it). If people are re-fitting the sump-plug before changing the filter this will make a difference.
I would love someone else to do an equally accurate oil-change and publish their results or have you all got a life?
