Oil change goof-up...new to the world of VW

[Space Ghost]

I feel a little silly about this, but the warranty just ran out on my 2010 Jetta TDI and I decided to change it myself. Since I build American V-8 race engines for stock cars I figured I was up to the task...

Assuming the oil filter came out from the bottom (like most American vehicles I deal with) I pulled the plastic protective skirt and what I thought was the oil filter apparently was an intercooler or heat exchanger, and now that I've put it back together it's leaking.

I assume there's a gasket or o-ring that can be replaced, but I'm not exactly sure where it is or what the proper term(s) are. I'm hoping I haven't done something monumentally stupid that will require a trip to the dealer via a tow-truck. Any help would be appreciated...

[Keithuk]

Welcome to the forum.

Well if you don't know where the oil filter is you should have it first its not rocket science now its cost you a tow to the dealer, expensive oil change.

DIY engine oil change instructions for 2009, 2010, 2011 VW Jetta TDI, VW Golf TDI, and Audi A3 TDI

[Space Ghost]

I did use "the google" shortly thereafter...I have changed the filter now, but I'd like to know what exactly I took apart and how to fix it. It is on the front of the engine toward the bottom and looks like some type of heat exchanger with fins on the outside, and a cap that looks identical to the one that houses the oil filter. I torqued it back to the same spec as the oil filter (18 ft-lbs) but it leaked. I'm afraid to tighten it much further because the cover is made of plastic.

Again...any help is greatly appreciated!

[chittychittybangbang]

Below the filter there's an oil-water cooler. Above the cooler is o ring "038 117 070 a" . There's a note that says there's an up and a down to it but I don't think there really is because it's the same ring used on an older engine Here is a similar one on an older engine, http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/a...-repair-vw.htm

Below it is o-ring "038 117 070".

Torque spec for your engine is 18 ft-lb.

[Space Ghost]

Thanks! When I took the plastic cover off the threaded union came out with it (and the whole cooler came loose)...I didn't notice a nut holding the cooler to the threaded union. Is there supposed to be one on a 2010?