On Wed, 14 Nov 2001, Shawn Wright wrote:

> From looking at pictures of the filter orientation on diesel
> Vanagons, it appears that changing the oil filter would be a real
> pain, and very messy, due to the angle of the filter, and the hoses
> in the way. I assume this would be similar for any I4 conversion
> using the diesel mounts. So is it really a pain, or am I imagining
> it to be worse than it really is?
>
> I am thinking a remote oil cooler along with remote filter mount
> would solve this problem. I assume that provided the attachment to
> go on the oil filter flange has a bypass valve with the appropriate
> pressure, (ie: designed for VW engines, 30psi?) it should work well.
> Is anyone using such a setup?

I have an 83 diesel I bought new.  There is a black plastic part that
snaps around the oil filter and hangs underneath it.  This is a stock
part that you put on right before you screw on the new filter.  It has a
reservoir that catches *most* of the oil that wants to spill when you
unscrew the filter.  Even putting down some paper towels, I still manage
to spill a little.  It's a trick twisting the old filter out through the
coolant hoses without pouring out the rest of the oil, but it can be
done.

Always use a quality filter with pressure relief valve; I use
Mann W 940/25 or VW 068 115 561B.

paul
'83 Diesel Vanagon