Servicing a 300 tdi

Sorry if my questions are too 'blonde' first of all but never owned a disco before and think iv possibley read up on stuff too much! Is there anything I need to know before doing a oil change and fuel filter change or anything I should be aware of or do? Done loads of filter changes before so think it should be the same except I shouldn't need to jack it up ! Also what oil will be best on a 300 tdi, 1999 with 69k on it? Read alsorts on this and am confused! Many thanks, Richard

worth warming the engine,before you drop oil out-going to need a container to hold 7 litres.

When fitting the new fuel filter, have some clean diesel available to fill it up before installing it - make the job easier.

With axles and gearbox etc always make sure you can open the filler plug before draining the oil.

Thanks a lot guys, like the tip with fuel filter too, dies it tAke a while to drag through if not?

Castol link doesn't work on my iPod, please could someone tell me which oil spec is best, thank you!

Dont necessarily need the best, these engines have a 6000mile/6month service schedule so youll be changing more regularly than a eurobox, i use 15w40 from Halfords etc own brand.

I have just bought 20ltr drums of shell stuff to save some cash.

castrol is half price in Asda at the moment £10 for 4 liters.

Aah yes but,

MTF or ATF ???

davek0974 said:

Aah yes but,

MTF or ATF ???

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Don't put either in your engine!!!! (Which is what the original post relates to). For the manual gearbox, use MTF94, the picture is of the original manual which was printed around 1996, time has moved on and the manufacturer changed their recommendation.

You need a good reason not to follow the manufacturer's recommendation on oils and fluids used.

Rich-300tdi said:

Thanks a lot guys, like the tip with fuel filter too, dies it tAke a while to drag through if not?

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Possibility of winding the battery flat-lift pump after all, runs off camshaft

paul_c said:

Don't put either in your engine!!!! (Which is what the original post relates to).

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My bad, i was going by the general "servicing a 300tdi" heading, of course do not put this in the engine

I did put ATF in my box but have now got MTF waiting to go in on the next service as so many have recommended it, as you say times change.

Got Castrol SMX in mine -all ok ,but thats another story

So 5w 40 the best stuff to put in?! Take it that will be fully synthetic? Thanks for the pic and the heads up with asda price!

ASDA's own 5W/30 is great for the price, thats what's in mine, its cheap enough to change every 3000 if you so wish, and great for the winter.

dont forget to do your 'fuel sedimentor' as part of your service.

5 30 fully synthetic? Castrol for £10 sounds good too though! And heard about the sedimentor filter, where is it please and how hard/ easy to change? Thanks

Rich-300tdi said:

5 30 fully synthetic? Castrol for £10 sounds good too though! And heard about the sedimentor filter, where is it please and how hard/ easy to change? Thanks

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go to your nearest farm supplier and get a 25l drum of 10w/40 it is just as good as any oil you might buy from halfrauds or asda? and will cost a hell of a lot less. there's no point putting semi/fully synth oil in an old tdi engine just change it regularly.