Please help with any DIY on an oil change procedure for this engine. Looks like the filter cannister is accessible only from the top side (frame member looks like it's in the way from below), and there seems to be an electrical line right below the filter housing that connects to the engine mount - is right in the way !

 

you can disconnect the electrical connector....... then unscrew the drain cap.

Theres a special tool that you can drain the filter housing before removing to elimate the mess your going to make without one.

its a 36mm socket to remove the filter housing and the filter is inside. theres a replaceable seal inside too that you have to make sure is properly seated all the way down or it will leak.

 

where can i get the special tool ? Also, the cannister doesn't look as if its accessible from the bottom - looks like a frame member in the way.

 

it is.... the 36 mm on a 6+ inch extension.


http://www.amazon.com/Oil-Filter-Hou.../dp/B000J15AGE

Thats the tool, a little on the expensive side but it is a tool you will use every 5 to 10k miles depending on how you service your car

 

Thats very expensive for that part ! Should be able to make one up from simple parts. I still believe that the cannister would be easier to take off from the top - maybe with a 36mm open end hex.

 

Try looking here for details.

http://www.audiction.com/audi-mainte...0t-oil-change/

 

i doubt you'd be able to get the necessary leverage to go from on top. Beside you have to get under the car to drain the oil anyways.

And to make a tool i doubt it... Some people still screw driver up in it to release the oil... but it makes a mess. But the tool screws into the housing and pops the spring valve up draining the oil thru it and down the hose.

You have to look past a tool's cost and consider its worth in the long run. Maybe you can find one cheaper, But still recommend you use one

 

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-...n_Tool/ES8616/

http://www.mobilfaction.com/T40057.html

 

Thanks for the link - the plastic drain tool may be good enough.

I will vacuum out the oil (have a mityvac) so if I can stay on top there's no need to jack up the car pr put it on ramps etc.

 

Just finished an oil change - did everything from on top. No need to jack up the car or use ramps, no need to take off the bottom cover, no special tools. Used the mity vac through the dipstick. Used a long funnel cut at an agle to catch all the oil from the cannister and just slid a small plastic container under to catch the oil. used a 36mm socket with a small 1/2 drive bar to take of the cannister - all from the top. The hardest thing was removing that electrical connection that's right below the cannister drain cap. This is the way to change the oil on this vehicle.