Can't find anything specific to the 1.9 so... have done oil and filter changes on previous cars without issue but have never done the octy, so dumb questions coming up:

Does the engine cover just pull off?

Is the oil filter top front right of engine? As I have seen on video for 2 litre? Removed with a 32 socket and elbow joint? How does the filter separate from the 'lid'?

Many thanks

Pull the engine cover up at the front off two sockets that hold it on. Then pull it forward off the peg at the rear.

The oil filter is at the front to the right of the engine.

Yes you need a 32 mm socket and the torque is 25 NM. If you don't have a wrench, then when you put it back, stop turning when the plastic cap just touches the metal body of the filter housing.

The filter has pegs/clips at the top of the filter which clip on to the underside of the filter cap. As you pull the cap/lid up the filter comes with. It pulls off with minimal force.

Make sure you use new rubber seals at the bottom of the filter and on the cap.

It's a little messy so I cut away the top of one side of a 2 lt plastic milk jug. I can hold the milk container next to the lid of the filter with the handle and catch the filter and oil mess as it comes out. Later you can use the container to pour away and waste oil.

The sump plug is supposed to be replaced each time and is torqued to 30 NM.

Anyway, HTH

Edited 7 February, 201313 yr by FriendlyFire

Good advice, FriendlyFire.

It's really a doddle to do on the 1.9, much cleaner, easier and more accessible than the horizontal canister filter types fitted to most motors.

I'd advise to replace the sump plug. It doesn't cost much more than a new crush washer, and the old one won't be as effective.

Be sure to get the correct torque settings when tightening up. The plastic cap into the metal filter body and the steel plug in the alloy sump need care to get them to just the right tightness.

Scan YouTube for some good 'how to's'. As well as Octavia, the procedures for the VW Caddy and Jetta 1.9's are just the same.

Many thanks to both of you

Definitely replace the sump plug......you can't actually get the washer off the plug and a new one only cost me 95p last time I did an oil change.

The lid can be a bit difficult to remove. Dont pull it you'll get oil evrywhere. Just take a flat bladed screwdriver and ease it between the top and case, then twist.