A few notes about the VW T2 (inc air cooled):
Engine Oil
For this particular vehicle, VW list a number of viscosities and a very basic specification for engine oil; typically this would be a simple monograde however for a more modern alternative something like 15W40 may be an option as we have received feedback that this may work in these air cooled engines.
With service intervals being more in keeping with the age of the vehicle, so potentially twice a year with very short intervals, supplying the customer with a top up pack and reminding them that they should be checking the engine oil regularly might also be prudent here. A quick check before you change might be a good way of reinforcing the importance of top up to the customer.
Brake Fluid
VW used one or two specifications for brake fluid for the T2 Transporter which would typically be covered by DOT 3 however a more modern DOT 4 could also be used if required.
Most people don’t think of brake fluid as a service item however, as with many manufacturers, VW specified a change interval of 24 months for this Transporter. Brake fluid degrades over time by absorbing water from the atmosphere which lowers its boiling point. Boiling point is a critical factor in brake fluid performance because of the amount of heat generated during braking. If the boiling point of the fluid is too low then continuous or hard braking may cause the brake fluid to vaporise which in turn can result in a loss of hydraulic pressure within the system. The message here is that brake fluid is a safety critical item so check and change when specified – don’t assume that it will just be OK.
Power Steering Fluid
There are no power-steering fluid requirements for this series of Transporter.
Coolant
This series of Transporter was air cooled so there is no requirement for coolant in this model.
Transmission
For this particular series of Transporter, VW used a range of transmissions that includes mostly manuals but also some automatic alternatives later in this model’s production cycle. As well as different fluid requirements, change intervals and capacities will vary depending on the type of transmission so we would advise you to consult the handbook to ensure that you get the right product for the vehicle you are servicing.
Grease Points
VW specified the use of grease on various points as well as the wheel bearings on this series of Transporter as a routine service item. Typically for this we would recommend the use of Comma Multipurpose Grease and for the wheel beatings, High Performance Bearing Grease.
Go to comments