Audi 502 Oil question

"KWS" wrote

If that's 60K MILES, then it's time to replace your timing belt, tensioner, and water pump, too. :-)

Had it been an NA engine, I'd say yes. But with turbo, even 5K mile changes with dino could result in coking under certain conditions. Generally, turbocharged engines are very hard on oil, and the very high temperatures that exist inside the turbo cooling lines could cause dino oil to coke if you don't observe the proper cool-down procedures. Synthetics can also coke, but can withstand somewhat higher temps.

There is a chance that a good synthetic oil will start cleaning out the crud and open some holes here and there. I'm thinking the worse that can happen is that you might have to replace your head gasket. I'd rather do that than have to replace my turbo and/or have sludge all over my engine.

Before you start using synthetic, at this mileage I think I'd do some cleaning first, with AutoRX for example.

For more info on oil and cleaning with AutoRX, head on to:

Cheers,

Pete

Thanks for the response, Pete. Please see my comments

Yep. Got the parts, just need a weekend to do the job. I may post this separately, but do you happen to know what size the extension bolts are that you install to move the front clip forward to service the front of the engine?

What is a proper cool-down procedure? Is this like walking a racehorse?

Synthetics can also

That's it, huh?

I'd rather do that than

What do you mean by sludge all over the engine? Or are you referring to inside the engine?

Thanks for the links. I read some of this stuff and, forgive me if I sound a little skeptical, but expenisve additives kind of raise warning flags.

I am a little surprised that VW/Audi didn't take this a little further and either warn or advise owners of higher mileage cars about any adverse effects of synthetic. Of course, maybe there are none?

Regards,

Ken

"KWS"wrote

No idea. I haven't done mine yet. I'm only at 40K miles right now.

Yes, sort of. Do not shut off the engine immediately right after a hard run / spirited run when you were dipping into boost a lot (hear the turbo spool up). Instead, either take it easy for the last couple of miles of the way or let the engine idle for a minute or two before you turn it off. Some people even install turbo timers if they don't want to sit inside the car and wait.

If you read the AutoRX info, you may not even need to do that much.

Yes, inside of course.

That's generally true, and I've been skeptical about it myself. But seeing a ton of happy customers in the oil forums (the link I gave you), including some very knowledgeable oil gurus and chemists, I've changed my mind. There is also a number of used oil analysis reports to back it up (again - done by customers, not by AutoRX). I've ran synthetic oil in my 1.8T since day 1 at

5K mile intervals and it only has 40K miles, so I don't feel it needs an AutoRX treatment just yet, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it somewhere down the line. Of course, no one is twisting your hand to use it. :-)

Well, they don't get into much details. As it is, the owner's manual is very dumbed-down for an average Joe, me thinks. But the fact that they just went out now and said "start using synthetic" (502.00) just like that, I guess it means there shouldn't be any issues with switching over. Then of course, it's not the first time they messed up. Things like letting customers run on dino oil for 10K miles in a turbo engine, or suggesting that timing belt should be changed at 105-120K mile intervals come to mind...

In Europe, all dealers use high quality synthetic oil, and of course the cars came filled with synthetic from the factory. I haven't heard of any oil-related/sludge issues there (or actually here, since I'm in Europe now).

Cheers,

Pete

It's far easier to just disconnect the radiator hoses completely and swing the entire lock carrier assembly out of the way (to the passenger side if you don't remove the a/c evaporator). Then you have unobstructed access to everything on the front of the engine.

Basically. Just let it idle for a minute or so, especially if you've driven it hard prior to stopping. You can also just drive it very easy for the last few miles as that should cool things down as well but a minute at idle is still a good idea.

You shouldn't have any problems with this. Even today's dino oil is far better than the stuff you would have been using years ago.

Assuming you've taken care of the car and have changed the oil on or before the recommended intervals with a quality oil, your engine should be fine.

I would avoid additives or flushing if at all possible. I just don't believe that a well maintained engine would require such treatment.

I think you hit the nail on the head. Chaning over to synthetic is far better than not doing it at all.

- Charlie

Engine oils with Volkswagen Oil Standard VW 502.00 approval available in North America

Manufacturer Brand Name Viscosity

Castrol Castrol Syntec 5W-40

Chevron Chevron Supreme Synthetic 5W-40

Elf Ele Excellium LDX 5W-40

Kendall Kendall GT-1 Full synthetic Motor Oil 5W-40

Mobil Mobil 1 0W-40

Pennzoil-Quaker state Pennzoil Synthetic European Formula 5W-40

Pennzoil-Quaker state Pennzoil Synthetic European Formula Ultra 5W-30

Pennzoil-Quaker state Quaker State Full Synthetic European Formula 5W-40

Pennzoil-Quaker state Quaker State Full Synthetic European Formula Ultra

5W-30

Seventysix lubricants 76 Pure Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-40

Texaco Havoline Synthetic 5W-40

Total Total Quartz 9000 5W-40

Valvoline Valvoline Synpower 5W-30

Valvoline Valvoline Synpower 5W-40

It has always been Audi's policy to continuously improve its products. Audi, therefore, reserves the right tomake changes in design and specifications, and tomake additions or improvements to its products without incurring any obligation to install them on products previously manufactured.Text and specifications in this Supplement are based on information and knowledge available at the time of printing. All rights are reserved.May not be reproduced or translated in whole or in part without the written consent of Audi of America, Inc. Specifications are subject to change without notice. If you are not sure which oil to use, consult with your authorized Audi Service Advisor.

? 2004 Audi of America, Inc. Printed in USA, July 2004

241.AUDI.APPROVED.OILS.CHART.FOR1.8LTURBO.94