T&SUV or 0W-40 for Passat 1.8T in Palm Springs

[coasterguy]

I've searched and read and am starting to narrow this down but a member of the family just bought a 1999 1.8T Passat (50k miles).

My thoughts are an Arx cycle followed by T&SUV (hard to find in the area) or 0W-40 Mobil 1 (readily available) with the big Mann filter (W950/4) and change it every 6 months regardless of mileage.

Does this seem reasonable? Any suggestions?

Thanks,

 

[bar1]

M1 0W-40 is great for that engine. I've used it in my (old) 2.2T Audi with no problems. Current oil is SLX Longtec but will return to M1 at the next change.

 

[wavinwayne]

Keep in mind, the engine in the Passat is the notorious sludge-monster. The good news is that the sludge-monster will not rear it's ugly head if the correct oil is used & changed at proper intervals.

If I were you, I would use 0w40 & change it every 5k miles under normal driving conditions. Change the oil every 3-4k miles if the Passat is driven in a lot of short trip, stop & go conditions, etc.

The Mann filter is a most excellent choice.

One last thing: Unless you have this car's previous service records, you might consider doing two Auto-RX treatments on this engine just for good measure.

 

[coasterguy]

Thanks,

OR what about Amsoil's reformulated 5W-40 afl, then I could just have it delivered to the house?

 

[wavinwayne]

"what about Amsoil's reformulated 5W-40 afl..."

Amsoil's AFL 5w40 would be a fine choice. You will still want to change it at the same intervals as I described above. Remember, you're constantly taming the sludge-monster in your Passat.

 

[thunderchild]

I have a 1.8T TT. I use M1 T&S with no problems. Car runs smooth as silk. It is a 2001.

 

[hempulator]

I have a 2001 Jetta w/ 2.0 non turbo. I run 0W40 M1. Car is still under warranty. M1 does fine.If you are seeing a lot of highway miles you will not see a sludges problem.Most of the VW`s have electronic/sensor problems,I have not had any oil related issues.

 

[Mud]

02 Audi A4, 1.8T 71K miles. Recently changed the valve cover gasket and was pleasantly surprised to see no gunk in top end. There was some discoloration on the components which I expected, but no deposits.

That is the current results using the big Mann filter and either M1 0W-40 or Syntec 5W-40, whichever is available locally. 8 oz of LC is also added at each oil change. OCI's have been no greater than 4500 miles.

Certainly other oils, like Amsoil are available, just relating my experience. You will also want to research the timing belt experiences of others - seems that the belts become unreliable after several years, around 60K-80K miles. This is a big issue. I just ordered the belt kit for ours and will be doing this over the weekend. The kit replaces the t-belt, serpentine belt, water pump, and all tensioners/roller.

 

[bar1]

Quattro Pete: The car runs great with SLX but it's just to expensive here, close to USD 25 pr. liter.
I can get M1 0W-40 much cheaper. No other reason...

 

[Quattro Pete]

Oh, I see. Yeah, I remember paying about $17-18 per liter for SLX in Poland last year. M1 was around $13-14 then. I seemed to be getting lower iron numbers with the SLX though, but other than that, I had no issues with either.

 

[John_E]

Mobil 1 5W-40 is being discontinued mid-February. Happy Valentine's Day!

 

[chuck wood]

Where did you hear M1 5W-40 is being discontinued?

 

[coasterguy]

I heard that might happen with M1 but there is still Delvac 1 (same oil) available at truck stops and avlube.com (although a bit more than T&SUV at Wally World).

By the way, on the subject of Amsoil, since these are known potential sludgers, would their AME 15W-40 HDMO diesel oil be a better choice (it doesn't get very cold in Palm Springs)?

[ January 09, 2006, 11:19 PM: Message edited by: coasterguy ]

 

[audi_guy]

I ran M1 15w50 & 0w40 in my A4 1.8t up to 91K with no problems. No sludge only brown varnish. Since I wanted perfection, I switched to GC Green 0w30. Ditto on the Auto-RX treatment suggestions. Agree with the Mann W950/4. At the very least run the Mann W 940/25 filter.

The reason I ran the M1 15w50 was that during the free dealer services I wanted to run synthetic and the Porsche side of the dealer used it and I didn't have to buy M1 and bring it with me. I paid $20 on free service for the M1. Now in 20/20 hind sight with the slude problem on the 1.8t engines, I'm glad I did even if 15w50 weight may not have been the best choice for the 1.8t.

 

[Quattro Pete]

quote:

---

M1 0W-40 is great for that engine. I've used it in my (old) 2.2T Audi with no problems. Current oil is SLX Longtec but will return to M1 at the next change.

---

Any particular reason why you're not going to stick with SLX?

I know both are good oils. I had them both analyzed in my 1.8T. I was just curious about your decision.

 

[Ed_T]

I'm going to Rotella syn 5w-40 on a turbo Subie. Can't wait to see the pricing on the TSUV replacements.

Running TSUV now, the 2.5 loves it. Wally Worlds around here have really nudged up Mobil 1 pricing. The EP stuff is close to $6/USqt now.

And they've stopped carrying the SuperTech full syn as well. Oh well.

 

[coasterguy]

LC flush and now Rotella 5W-40 w/Arx in for the next 1500 miles (plus FP in the tank). The sludge monster is at bay...

 

[CosmicFlash]

Valvoline SynPower 5W 40 has been a proven oil for more than 7 years for the 1.8T. Why not use that?

Also, the Castrol Syntec 5W 40 is now getting distribution at retail and even VW/Audi dealers for less than $6!!

 

[thunderchild]

WW has Supertech synthetic here in MD. I just stocked up on 5 - 5 quart jugs. I use it in my truck. I am switching to Rotella T synthetic after I run the gauntlet with my last change of M1 0w-40 in my Audi.

 

[q2bruiser]

I am an 05 GTI owner and am using GC 0w-30 and am pleased with the results so far. Great stuff and meets the VW 502 spec. Can't go wrong with it.
J