I am looking for recommendations with regard to order of operations of using Auto Rx in a high mileage (200k) TDI. The previous owner used Rotella T 5W40 in the engine, at 5k mile intervals, but as a measure of precaution, I would like to clean the engine just the same. The oil pan currently has a stripped drain plug, so I am planning on removing the pan in the near future to replace it. I know a clean and rinse cycle is recommended, should I replace the pan after the initial 3k mile clean, and verify the oil pump screen is clear, or should I replace the pan after the final rinse?
Also, I am planning on using either castrol GTX 15w40 or supertech 15w40 as per your website, am I understanding that these are two approved oils for the TDI for the two 3k mile cycles?
I have read posts where users changed the oil filter at 1.5k into the clean cycle, is this a good practice? With 4.5qts. in the crankcase, do I only need 1 bottle?
Personally I would lean towards replacing the pan first. For one reason it would be a crime for the plug to pop out midstream of an application and leave you stuck on the side of the road. Secondly, it will give you a chance to start with a clean pan. Why waste some of the cleaning power on deposits that may be struck to the pan bottom and sides. While you are in there it would be a good chance to view the pick up screen and clean if necessary.
Rotella T 5 W40 is an approved group III motor oil for cleaning and rinsing. I would tend to stick with the Rotella T. This would also give you the ability to extend the clean and rinse phase out to 3500 to 4000 miles, if you choose. I would base that on how dirty the sump pan was and general appearance of the crank. If the old pan is fairly nasty, then I would stick with the 2500 mile clean and 3000 mile rinse. And consider doing a second application. Nothing wrong with going with the GTX or SuperTech, but at Wally World you can purchase all 3 oils for basically the same money. The Rotella has quite a bit more dispersants for suspending soot, designed for diesels and has better high temperature stability. RichOne
-- Edited by Frank on Wednesday 1st of June 2011 08:25:06 AM
If you are looking for either a permanent or temporary or cheap alternative to replacing the oil pan, auto parts stores should sell a self tapping drain plug that would replace the stripped one. I have used them in the past on older cars and they seemed to work quite well. You may even check with a VW dealer to see if they have an "approved" replacement as I'm sure this happens quite often and it's much cheaper and easier than replacing the whole pan.
