Auto-Rx Customers Questions & Answers

KnoxHotch · Newbie

Thinking about using autorx..

Frank Miller · Guru

You would need to change filters every 500 miles and top off oil as needed will it work I don't know. Will it hurt your engine no. If you don't change those filters on time and keep topping off oil you will create a major sludge problem. Thats you as in you (Auto-Rx not culprit) so do you feel lucky ? if so use Walmart nonsynthetic oil.

TurboJim · Moderator

KnoxHotch -

If you haven't already discovered PassatWorld here is a link to get you started:
http://www.passatworld.com/forums/ There is a wealth of information over there, such has how to maintain or improve your Passat, etc.

It is a little bit of a challenge to change the oil on a Passat because the belly pan must be removed first. Often times you'll find that some of the fasteners are missing in action. Zip ties work for me as quick (and cheap) replacements.

To get to the oil filter you need to move the coolant recovery tank out of the way. I've yet to be able to remove the filter without making a mess, even though there are write ups on how to do it at PassatWorld.

The downside to having anyone change your oil for you is that they may not secure the bellypan on with all the fasteners. Even the dealer can be sloppy in that regard. To replace one of those things is rather expensive.

A possible way around changing the oil the conventional way is to purchase an oil extractor. The oil is then removed via the dipstick tube. I sometimes change my oil this way, but not always. Just depends on if I want to be sure I have every last drop of oil out or not.

Unless you have a big sludge problem I don't see why you couldn't run 2,500-3,000 phases. The oil capacity is small but the oil filters are large.

KnoxHotch · Newbie

afaik the belly pan is gone anyway (haven't looked for myself) when i took it in for a pre-purchase inspection, they said the "gravel guard" was missing.

Passatworld is great, and i've been posting there, and I posted the same question on there several days ago with no reply, so i decided to give it a go here.

I'd love to get an oil extractor, and maybe that's the way to go for me. We'll see, but i'm gonna go ahead and try rx at my next change and hope for the best, and if i can manage changing my filter half-way through, i will.

Frank, i have no idea what you just said, maybe you posted in the wrong thread, or that was way over my head.

thanks for the info! wish me luck

Frank Miller · Guru

Your post said you wanted to do complete application in 3000 miles. Afterthought think you should save your money until you can do application per instructions.

TurboJim · Moderator

"...when i took it in for a pre-purchase inspection, they said the "gravel guard" was missing. "

That was probably their term for the under engine plastic cover (belly pan). I know some think it's critical to have one for engine protection (why, it's only plastic?) the real risk I think is that it also anchors down the inner fender liners. The fender liners could get damaged which might lead to even more damage. Kind of a vicious circle.

-- Edited by TurboJim at 23:03, 2007-09-19

KnoxHotch · Newbie

no, sorry for the confusion. I meant is it OK to run each cycle for 3k miles when i would normally change my oil, (3k for clean, 3k for rinse, 3k clean, 3k rinse, etc.) I don't expect it to work in only 3k miles obviously, i'm not one looking for the "quick fix".

On the other hand, looking into oil extractors, it may be a good gift i can convince my parents to get (especially if i offer to change their oil for em too).

KnoxHotch · Newbie

any second opinions now that the confusion has been cleared up?

dbdeland · Senior Member

KnoxHotch,

I do not see a problem you are going from 2500 to 3000 in the cleaning phase unless your engine is sludged you should be ok.

Daryl Baines