Oil weight - 1.9 TDI non-PD

[lukeb]

Haven't found anything in the search so hopefully this isn't a massive FAQ or anything...

I have just aquired a '99 A4 Avant with the 110 TDI, pre-PD engine. I grok the VW 50x.xx specifications - which are quite relaxed for this type of engine - but nowhere in the handbook does it mention what weight of oil. Seems you can pretty much get any weight, mineral to synthetic that complies with 505.00. I know that the oil weight isn't an exact science, but still odd that the manual bangs on about VW numbers without mentioning the basic weight specs. Googling hasn't done me much favours either, TDIFAQ for example just goes on about API specs instead. Anyone know what this engine should take or is it really not that important? I have some 0w30 from an oil change I never got round to doing on my BMW.

Another slightly related question while I'm at it - do these engines have a dual mass flywheel? I was trying to studiously avoid this but since purchase I have seen a flywheel conversion kit that mentions my engine code (AVG).

[eltax91]

In GG there is a bloke who runs a company supplying oil. It's a sticky on the top of the forum. I posted for a recommendation for my Octavia TDi (110) pre PD and ended up doing the last 4 oil changes using Castrol Edge Diesel (5w30 i think) and it's been superb. I do mega-miles so change it every 10k and i hardly have to lift the bonnet between services, it NEVER loses a drop. OK, more credit to the engine than the oil, put it seems the perfect match of viscosity for said engine.

Anyway, on their website it'll do you a recommendation of which weight to use...

edit: http://www.opieoils.co.uk/

Edited by eltax91 on Wednesday 2nd September 10:47

[lukeb]

Cheers, I'll check out that link.