VW 180 BiTdi (CFCA) Engine Failures

Discussion in 'General chat' started by Peter, Nov 6, 2019.

  1. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    Anyone come across the above issue with the above ‘180’ engine?

    Some on the forum may know my family run VW Caravelle and Transporter vans.

    The current ‘180’ engine Caravelle had an oil service (~72k miles) a few weeks back, since then it has burned/used oil. Threw an oil light coming up the M6, had been topped off about a 1,000 miles earlier. The last litre of top up oil has disappeared in about 300 miles. :eek:

    The Caravelle is at the VW dealer, they are currently running a ‘weighed’ oil test, have admitted the engine is not their first with this issue, and if the test confirms the oil use, a new engine is required. A bit of research shows the issue is well documented, there is an emissions system failure and particles (of aluminium) from the EGR cooler appear to be getting into the engine causing damage. Common for the oil service to 'flush' this issue out into the open. Caravelle is at the mileage where this engine issue shows up.

    To add to the problem, we have a ‘180’ Transporter of the same suspect build period, similar mileage, used in similar driving conditions. It fits the same criteria, due an oil change quite soon. The second Transporter (from the known engine build period) was traded a while back, so that is at least one escape.

    VW will be covering a big part of the bill (goodwill, loyalty, dealer support) for the Caravelle. Re the Transporter, the best move appears to be 'trade it' before the oil service and put any impending issue back in VW’s court.

    It seems you can’t ignore the issue, ‘keep topping up’, as engines are known to seize once the internal damage is done, evidenced by oil consumption.

    Makes a change from VW DSG gearbox issues.:rolleyes:

    Peter
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2019
  2. bishbosh
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    bishbosh WARLORD

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    Not heard of this one Peter. I'm presuming the aluminium particles are getting into the cylinders and scoring the bores. I bet the crankshaft won't be looking too happy either.
     
  3. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    Still getting more information from the dealer as this issue develops. Does appear the mode of failure is causing physical damage, not sure what typically fails first. New oil can be part of the 'trigger' for developing a positive failure. One vehicle failed within a few miles of an oil change, had to be recovered. Looking online, there does appear to be particles of Al and Fe in the oil when the oil is analysed.

    Peter
     
  4. rigeng
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    rigeng

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    What a mess! Has anyone taken the filter apart to see what debris it had collected?
     
  5. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    To be honest haven't gone too deep into the whole problem, just did a quick search to establish we were hearing the right things from the VW garage. They are being up front with the issue, no hiding. My sister has been dealing with the garage, as the Caravelle is her main transport.

    Peter
     
  6. zarnd
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    zarnd

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    How old is it Peter? There are three supersceded oil coolers for this engine. Is it around 2012? Haven’t seen one failure myself, but two customers have mentioned it to me. There is a TPI that is more to do with oil consumption and about engine replacement under warranty and how to code and claim it.

    Good luck


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  7. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    Caravelle is still with the Dealer. Sister is away for a week, so not up to date with how it is going. Definitely in the build period for known failures. Not sure of its registration/build date, 2013/14 I would say from memory.

    Peter
     
  8. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    My sister has finally got her Caravelle back from the VW dealer this week, fitted with a new engine.

    It failed the 'measured' oil consumption test, so qualified for the replacement engine. Must say it sounds sweeter and pulls smoother than the old one, I suspect at least one cylinder was down on compression at the end. We'll see how this one goes.

    The Transporter of the same suspect build period is being traded, but trying to get a new replacement is another headache with VW. They can't supply them immediately, due to issues with emissions. There is a well spec'd example sat at the dealer which can't be put on the road. The original customer who ordered it, gave up and walked away, as it can't be licenced, even though it is at the dealer. My sister can't have it either, even if she wanted it, as it has still not been cleared. First VW Transporter (to order, made a few weeks ago) is possibly available in March, if they are lucky.

    Peter
     
  9. zarnd
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    zarnd

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    WLTP has been a nightmare for CV and still causing a few headaches for us with vehicles we can’t register.

    We have a 2010 Caravelle in our workshop that is having a replacement engine as we speak for issues with oil consumption and blue smoke.

    Cheers


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  10. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    Thanks Alex, we had gathered it is not just an isolated example, both for engine problems and registration delays.

    Appears there may be a lot of possible failures out there, I'm informed that some users are simply topping with oil and not taking it any further.

    Seems VW still have more work to do, to get full type approvals on some of the models. I'm not up to date with the latest T6 and future T7 manufacture, but understand current models are simply a slight facelift version, (T6.1), but still not cleared for registration. I know my sister has discussed getting a new Caravelle as well, but really wants the T7 model if she goes ahead, rather than just a slightly different T6.

    My nephew is running a T6 Transporter, (Bi-turbo) with the AdBlue, SCR emissions system. That drinks a lot of AdBlue, true it is worked hard and often carrying the maximum payload, but appears thirsty all the same.

    Peter
     
  11. zarnd
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    zarnd

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    The T6.1 looks like a Transit as VW and Ford are joining forces. The Amarok will be replaces with a joint venture as well.


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