How to Replace the Oil Pan on a 2000 VW Beetle

by Chris Moore

The oil pan on the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is mounted onto the engine block and is directly connected to the transaxle. If there are any leaks or other damage to the oil pan, this will cause your car to lose oil quickly. The oil pan will need to be changed in order to prevent serious damage to the engine. Always consult with your mechanic before working on such a major component of your car.

Oil Pan Removal

Step 1

Block the rear wheels and make sure the parking brake is on, then raise the car's front end and support it on jack stands.

Step 2

Take off the splash shields from underneath the engine by unscrewing their fasteners.

Step 3

Drain the engine oil by removing the oil pan drain plug with a box-end or flare-nut wrench and letting the oil drain into an appropriate pan. Remove the oil dipstick.

Step 4

Remove the three bolts connecting the oil pan to the transaxle bellhousing, using a wrench.

Step 5

Disconnect the oil return tube from the oil pan and turbocharger (if the car has a 1.8 liter engine) by removing its bolts.

Step 6

Unbolt and remove the oil pan from the engine. If the pan is stuck, gently pry it loose with a putty knife of small screwdriver.

Oil Pan Installation

Step 1

Scrape away all traces of the old sealant from the engine block with a scraper, making sure you don't damage the engine block surface. Clean off the surface with acetone or lacquer thinner.

Step 2

Apply RTV sealant to the flange of the new oil pan. The sealant should be 3/16 inch wide and should not be applied more than five minutes before installing the pan.

Step 3

Place the oil pan onto the engine block and install the mounting bolts for the block loosely. Install the bolts for the transaxle bellhousing and tighten them to just more than finger tight.

Step 4

Tighten the pan-to-engine block bolts to 132 inch-pounds. Start at the center bolts and work your way outward, tightening the bolts evenly in three to four steps each. Tighten the pan-to-bellhousing bolts to 33 foot-pounds.