1980–1991 Volkswagen Vanagon Oil Change
Exact oil type, capacity, filter part numbers, drain plug size and torque for the 1980–1991 Volkswagen Vanagon with the WBX / Type 4 engine, plus the tools you'll need and a step-by-step video.
⚠️ Safety first: Always use jack stands or drive-up ramps before getting under any vehicle. Never rely on a floor jack alone. Chock your wheels and engage the parking brake.
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VW Air/Water Cooled — Vanagon/Bus 1972–1991
1980–1991 Vanagon · 1980–1991 Westfalia · 1968–1979 Vw Bus · 1968–1979 Type 2
Some Experience Helpful
✅ Classic VW rear engine — everything is at the back. Uses thicker 20W-50 oil. Frequent changes recommended for vintage engines. A labor of love for any Bus or Vanagon owner.
⚠️ VW Bus/Vanagon is rear-engine — drain plug and filter are at the back of the vehicle, not the front.
Specs not yet verified. We're still checking this guide's oil type, capacity, part numbers and torque against the manufacturer's data. Confirm them in your owner's manual before you start.
Oil Type
20W-50 Conventional or Synthetic
Capacity
4.2 quarts (with filter)
Oil Filter
VW #056115561B | Fram PH2822
Engine Code
WBX / Type 4
Tools You'll Need
- 19mm drain plug socket or wrench
- Oil filter wrench (standard spin-on type)
- Oil drain pan — minimum 2 gallon capacity
- Torque wrench
- New crush washer (VW #N90813202)
- Funnel
- Rags or shop towels
Instructional Video
Video by YouTube — Watch on YouTube ↗
| Drain plug size | 19mm | Torque: 25 ft-lbs |
| Crush washer | VW #N90813202 |
| Filter type | Spin-on — standard filter wrench |
| Filter location | Rear engine — filter and drain at the back of the vehicle |
| Oil change interval | 5,000–10,000 miles (full synthetic) or per OEM monitor |
| Oil life reset | No oil life monitor — use mileage interval. Change every 3,000 miles recommended for these vintage engines. |
🛢️ Oil Pal tip: At 4.2 quarts this is a compact drain — Oil Pal handles it easily.
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