New owner of 98 Passat 1.8T

Hi,
I just purchased a 98 Passat 1.8T (136k miles) and I am in the process of
changing plugs, filters and oil etc.
A few questions:
- I read (in this news group) about sludge build up in oil/pan - I drained
the oil, it was very black but not unusually "thick" - any advice how to
proceed?
- Oil leaks around the turbo air lines (front right of car), how much
leakage is acceptable, I assume the turbo seals are at fault - any advice?
- Right front axle, is it sufficient to replace the outer CV boot or is it
better to replace the whole axle .... (and what size allen wrench do I need
for the wheel center bolt (13 or 14mm?), and where can I find/buy it?)
- Shifter handle moves (right) to "manual" mode by itself (i.e during sharp
left turn) - any advice on how to fix?

I appreciate any advice you may have - thanks!

Klaus

"Klaus" <no-email@no-domain> wrote in message
news:1106142129.587739@sj-nntpcache-5...
> Hi,
> I just purchased a 98 Passat 1.8T (136k miles) and I am in the process of
> changing plugs, filters and oil etc.
> A few questions:
> - I read (in this news group) about sludge build up in oil/pan - I drained
> the oil, it was very black but not unusually "thick" - any advice how to
> proceed?

Remove valve cover and take a look.

> - Oil leaks around the turbo air lines (front right of car), how much
> leakage is acceptable, I assume the turbo seals are at fault - any advice?

When turbo leak oil it's blue smoke out the exhaust. But you may have the
oil lines leaking


> - Right front axle, is it sufficient to replace the outer CV boot or is it
> better to replace the whole axle .... (and what size allen wrench do I
> need
> for the wheel center bolt (13 or 14mm?), and where can I find/buy it?)

$500 for new axle or under $550 for the boot kit. 14mm or 17mm


> - Shifter handle moves (right) to "manual" mode by itself (i.e during
> sharp
> left turn) - any advice on how to fix?


needs complete assembly- pricy

>
> I appreciate any advice you may have - thanks!
>
> Klaus
>
>