I actually did this once.  I owned a diesel Rabbit (ugh) and had one oil
filter left over when I sold the bunny.  The diesel filter fit the threaded
stud on the engine block perfectly.  The diesel filter is larger in diameter
than the Vanagon filter.  Theoretically, the oil change should require more
oil because of the larger diameter of the diesel filter.  This was not a big
issue to me because I just keep filling oil into my engine until it
overflows.  Then I know it is full.  ;-)  All right, all right, not really.

I did it once because I had a diesel filter left over.  I did not do it
again.  My Vanagon had less than 30,000 miles on it when I did it.  My
Vanagon now has 160,000 miles on the original engine.  Did it hurt?  I don't
think so.  Do I recommend it?  Why would you want to do it?  The Vanagon oil
filter is very adequate for the job.  I change oil and filters every 3000
miles, I don't see any need to go to a diesel oil filter.

Drive Safely,

Dennis Lockwood
91 Carat
Original Owner