Vanagon (1980–1991) Oil Change Guide
1980–1991 Vanagon · 1980–1991 Westfalia · 1968–1979 Vw Bus · 1968–1979 Type 2
✅ 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
- 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
Advanced Details
| 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.