2002 Jetta Oil seaping out at base of oil filter housing.

Does anyone know if I should be panicing at this oil seaping out from the base of my oil filter housing? Is it an easy fix or am I into major surgery? Any help would be appreciated.

Details: 2002 Jetta TDI. 275,000ish KM, I live in the north where -30 is normal.

oil cooler O-ring

Wouldn,t Worry Too Much About It Unles It Starts Dripping On Bottom Of Housing! And Oil Level Decreses.

volkswheels said:

Wouldn,t Worry Too Much About It Unles It Starts Dripping On Bottom Of Housing! And Oil Level Decreses.

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You are kidding right? Change them now. That leak is BAD and it's going to get worse in cold weather and FAIL. I've replaced 2 engines in 18 months due to this FAILURE. They are $12 at the dealer.

I just did mine the other day. What a mess (the spill not the job).

Yep.

I recommend pulling the filter and evacuating the cooler from the top to knock it way down.

yed do it or pay the cost !!!

Well, Looks like I will see if TDIPARTS.COM will add the $5 o-ring to my shipment. Could someone rate the timeframe in doing this yourself. I do not have a garage but am able to do most things outside @ -35 quite well (I am a Yukoner after all). Worst case I might have to get my local Shop to do this for me.
In the meantime I am guessing that I should keep an eye on my oil levels until I am able to replace the part.

Thanks all for the info. Now that I know what the 'seal' is called I was able to refine my search better on the forums and found my answers. I even found a post about a fellow who replaced his @ -25 so looks like its a Do-it-yourself job for me.

I suspect it is cold, really cold where you live. Where I live I always get days above freezing even in the dead of winter. I would clean the engine with spray cleaner, brushes and low pressure rinse before working on it. Less chance of getting the new seal covered in grime and causing another leak. I am spoiled as I keep my engines fairly clean at all times which is easy to do when you live in a warm climate.

You need a 32mm socket. Wobble extension helps a lot.

33 ft lbs on the nut.

clean it well first.

jasonTDI said:

You need a 32mm socket. Wobble extension helps a lot.

33 ft lbs on the nut.

clean it well first.

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Why 33 ft-lbs? I only see 25 Nm.

Hmm, I seem to be a little stumped here. I opened my well used Bentley book and flipped to the page for the oil cooler



I ordered the following part from TDIPARTS:
http://www.tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=990

From what I gather that is part #14 on the diagram. my question is WHAT is part #12? is it another o-ring? Should I have ordered two?

I can;t quite just run down to the dealership as the nearest one is just a hair over 2500km away.

Does anyone have a part number for that other seal?

Thanks again.

Oh and yes. It gets cold up here.. lol no one washes cars or puts any water near there vehicles for the majority of the winter. I have access to a 'semi-heated' structure for this job if required (wall tent and a propane heater) I will clean the area the best I can as not to destroy my new seal.

You need 12 and 14. 038 117 070 (bottom one) and 038 117 070 A (top one). The one you ordered was #12.

jcrews said:

You need 12 and 14. 038 117 070 (bottom one) and 038 117 070 A (top one). The one you ordered was #12.

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Thanks..Looks like TDIPARTS does not have the Top one. Just a listing for the bottom one. Looks like I might just have my father buy one at his local dealer and ship it to me.

Talk to Peter, he should have one or will be able get one for you.

The older manual has 33 ft lbs in it. 25nm isn't tight enough IMO, lots of things tied to the cooler and it'll back out.

jcrews said:

Talk to Peter, he should have one or will be able get one for you.

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OK, um, but who is Peter?

Northof60 said:

OK, um, but who is Peter?

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peter is more commonly known here as tdiparts. get to know him.. he can save your arse in a pinch.

Yep. first class.