VW Passat TDI 130PS Oil Consumption | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Sat 11 Sep 2004 19:06

VW Passat TDI 130PS Oil Consumption - Billsboy

A question in HJ's column today got me thinking.
My first two Passat TDI's (Bought new) used about a litre of oil during the first 10k miles or so. My current one was an ex demonstrator with 4000miles and the dip stick indicated the oil to be 5 or 6 mm over the full mark. Now at 11000 miles, the level has dropped but is still just over the full mark. I am still awaiting the first service due indicator but as the car is mainly used on motorways, this may be some distance away yet.
Are there any implications of the lack of oil consumption and would anyone recommend an oil change now, irrespective of the service indicator?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 11 Sep 2004 22:00

VW Passat TDI 130PS Oil Consumption - Civic8

I dont know the car. but it should not come with oil level that is over the max.Your point is. engine is burning/losing oil. it as most cars burn a bit. but not that much.Would suggest you take it back and find out why?
when a car is serviced oil level should not be over Max. if it is. its what is known as comeback. ie oil has to be drained of untill it is at max Only. Not above/below
--
Was mech1

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 11 Sep 2004 22:46

VW Passat TDI 130PS Oil Consumption - Billsboy

Thanks Steve.o. I reported overfill to Dealer a few days after the purchase, and they advised it was not significantly overfilled. These engines are well known for burning oil during the first 10k miles or so and my concern was that this car is not doing so.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 11 Sep 2004 23:07

VW Passat TDI 130PS Oil Consumption - Civic8

Sorry but it is.You mentioned oil being 5 or so mm above max. It now is only just above Max.This says it is burning/losing oil.Fair comment.It may be. Would suggest overfill due to this.Wont make it right though. If that bad would suggest waiting untill service. Keep an eye on level. and see whether oil consumption drops. If not probs
--
Was mech1

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 11 Sep 2004 23:53

VW Passat TDI 130PS Oil Consumption - Avant

I don't think you need to worry. The TDI engine uses a little oil in its first few thousand miles, and should then settle down to nil or minimal consumption. It shouldn't have been overfilled, but half a centimetre isn't much.

If the level is now 'max' and doesn't change, you should be fine.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 12 Sep 2004 10:41

VW Passat TDI 130PS Oil Consumption - SlidingPillar

How accurate is the dipstick?

The correct volume of oil inserted into the dry engine may be over the indicated maximum on the dipstick. I'd not worry.

Usually the maximum level is so chosen such that the crank does not quite "hit" it with a cold engine.

If the level is over the real upper limit you usually burn it off quickly (as the bores get drenched), but if the overfill is by lots, excess crankcase pressure is produced and seals etc are at risk of damage. The oil wants "out" and by jingo it finds a way!

While I'd agree the dipstick should be checked regularly, the British do have a history of being paranoid about this. The Mark 1 Austin/Morris 1800 had a history of poor oil consumption (ie lots) but only in the UK. Same car sold in Austalia didn't. It turned out the British were keeping topping the thing upto max on the dipstick and the Australians wern't. A new dipstick with a lower max fixed the problem.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Ask Honest John

Sell Your Car

Real MPG

Fuel Calculator