Slight increase in oil level on dipstick;- Multivan TDI

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi,

Anyone noticed a slight increase in the oil level on the dip stick between servicing? I have. Could it posssibly be Diesel slightly diluting oil? The sniff test of oil on the dipstick would suggest so.

No coolant issues (milky oil).

Any thoughts appreciated.

Cheers, Scott (2008 Multivan TDI)

[Transporter]

How is the performance, fuel consumption, smoke at the back of the van?

[Silver Caravelle]

There is a slight jerkiness at low RPM ( approx 1300RPM to 1500 RPM) speed cruise. Otherwise performance and fuel consumption normal. No smoke.


Cheers, Scott

[Transporter]

How long are your trips? If you do many short trips you can expect more soot in the oil, which could slightly increase the oil level. You could always get the used oil analysis done on your oil, just to be sure.

[Silver Caravelle]

Transporter, yes plenty of short trips - being city bound most of the time. It is due for an oil change in about another 3000 ks.

Even in the city it does get a good fanging whereever possible and on the highway from time to time. The Jerkiness at cruise and a slight hestitation when the auto re engages when accelerator is totalling released and back on again are still under investigation. At this stage not sure of it is auto or engine. Feels smooth when running in neutral. Unless it is a slightly suspect injector.

I am waiting on my V-checker VAG Pro to arrive so I can do a preliminary fault test.

Thanks, Scott

[jimdiesel]

Hi Scott
I have just had 2 years of chasing this problem. Oil analysis proves it is diesel. VW warranty replaced tandem pump, complete cylinder head & no different. Then they reprogrammed the ECU & it was fixed for a while, now it's happened again.
Here's an experience that I found appropriate:

hi there , iv got a mazda 6 diesel 56 plate , my dpf light came on last year , checked my oil level and it was way above the max level but there is also a x marked on the dipstick further up and mine was above that . took mine to a independant mazda dealer he did a regeneration clean. reset the light job done. keep an eye on your oil level, as if you do only short journeys it clogs up the dpf filter which causes unburnt diesel to be dumped into your oil sump , if you look on your dip stick you have min and max then further up is a x mark , make sure you change your oil before it gets to this point as it can blow your engine. dont worry about your oil level rising its doing its job , taking your car out for a spin 45min or more once a week helps stop it rising to much , thrashing it dont help its getting the car up to working temp that helps burm the filters clean ,make sure you use fully synthetic oil aswell, hope this helps

I am doing an experiment to get rid of the STUPID "dpf"

Jim

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the response. I am keeping an eye on it until the next service. It is just above Max on to the bulging shaped section. Had few trips recently (and a few Italian tune ups) and working hard in tiptronic mode through the hills. Even in the city, it gets a work out. The oil level does not appear to be increasing any further, and other than slight lumpiness cruising along at 1500 rpm, is running as normal. Its got me thinking whether it was slightly overfilled last service, but I just remember to be quite honest!

I recently bought a v-checker pro and there are no faults indicated; although i am not how sure useful it is as I pulled the MAF plug and few other sensors and still no fault found!! Although it does perform various ECU checks such checking speakers!, ABS pump, dash warning lights, instrument checks, etc etc.

I reckon I will need to get the oil change done and ensure the dealer doesn't overfill and then monitor oil level very closely. The slight lumpiness (may be a slight miss) has got me a little baffled; hope it is not a slightly leaky injector spray pattern.

DPF regen seems to be doing its job when needed, although I haven't noticed it for couple of weeks. So I am keeping an eye on this.

DPF was replaced a few months ago as the internals had broken up inside triggering the glowplug warning lamp (which is a warning lamp for a number of faults; and can be verified by unplugging the MAF for example).

Thanks, Scott

[Sunny43.5]

Just a question for the poor old buggers like me , do VW tell you either when you buy the van new or in the owners handbook about the DPF ? as it seems to be a bit of an issue with vans that are city bound .

[Transporter]

Just a question for the poor old buggers like me , do VW tell you either when you buy the van new or in the owners handbook about the DPF ? as it seems to be a bit of an issue with vans that are city bound .

People read the review when they buy $195.00 pocket camera, so I don't expect that anyone buying car wouldn't read anything about it.

It's in their advertising booklet, it gets also mentioned in the reviews which buyers read before they buy vehicle. I don't know if there are many people who buy $50,000 + van and don't read whatever information they can reach.

So, yes I can say that everyone buying the modern vehicle is aware of the DPF, though they probably don't mention that the technology is new, can cause the problems and cost you money. Just like every other new product that we buy.

People propbably don't ask the right questions, when they buy the things.

[jimdiesel]

The manual does have section on the dpf. A pal just got a new Audi & it's in there.
It says if the light comes on operate above 2000 rpm for 15 minutes under load.
They do not mention possible oil increase, but perhaps Mazda do admit it??
Which leads us to the question of the special oil for these engines.
I wonder if it's designed to accept a certain amount of diesel dilution??

I have a history of oil analysis on my engine & I'm itching to join a class action against these manufacturers for supplying a defective product that the dealers don't even understand.

Jim