Increased Oil Consumption Problem (2010 T5 Cali 180 bhp)

[pjm-84]

A poorly type D EGR. Same issue as you're having and EGR was replaced to a type D 15000km ago according to paperwork supplied. 2012 Multivan + 105k km. Although the EGR label look suspect.

 

[787driver]

Latest news… been to VW main dealership. Quote arriving tomorrow. Estimated around £9-10k I’ve also spoken at length to another special. He would replace the engine and blank of the EGR and re tune etc. £6.5k. The reason for blanking off is that from his experience the newer EGRs are still not completely foolproof. The upgrade VW gave them was to coat the inside lining which he believes is just putting a sticking plaster on the problem. Once blanked off he has never had any issues. He’s done around 100 so far!! The twin turbo may( probably likely) need replacing too after 83k miles. VW said they’d put the old one back again. I’m waiting for another quote from an independent who will keep the D type EGR…

 

[Elmo3]

Latest news… been to VW main dealership. Quote arriving tomorrow. Estimated around £9-10k I’ve also spoken at length to another special. He would replace the engine and blank of the EGR and re tune etc. £6.5k. The reason for blanking off is that from his experience the newer EGRs are still not completely foolproof. The upgrade VW gave them was to coat the inside lining which he believes is just putting a sticking plaster on the problem. Once blanked off he has never had any issues. He’s done around 100 so far!! The twin turbo may( probably likely) need replacing too after 83k miles. VW said they’d put the old one back again. I’m waiting for another quote from an independent who will keep the D type EGR…

Sounds like you’ve got your answer. Does blanking off the EGR cause any MOT issues?

 

[787driver]

No MOT issues at all.

 

[787driver]

Before I finally commit, has anyone had a new engine with the EGR blanked off? Any issues? Emissions etc?

 

[Haves1979]

No experience of this, but when I was investigating (prior to buying) I was in touch with Darkside Developments.

Maybe give them a call.

 

[mrbo]

Before I finally commit, has anyone had a new engine with the EGR blanked off? Any issues? Emissions etc?

Did you commit for a new engine in the end?

I'm commiting to buy a rebored and EGR blanked off 2012 180 Van tomorrow.

Thank's to these links and member posts I could ask the right questions what was done and why:
1. https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...010-t5-cali-180-bhp.15142/page-10#post-198599
2. https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...010-t5-cali-180-bhp.15142/page-24#post-544545
Thanks @Spartan, @Perfectos and all other involved here!

When I first checked the car seller stated that engine rebuild and timing chain was done ~13 tkm back.
I asked to check with the shop what and how was done and why EGR cooler version A wasn't changed. Also there was an oil change done few tkm back.
They came back with:

• No engine oil consumtion before oil change. Didn't noticed anything on coldstart myself;
• Rebore done with all parts involved - rings, pistons, valves, bearing;
• EGR plugged off;
• + Alternator change and also clutch change;
• The car is on the road far a year.

This ticks almost all my boxes as I didn't get info about what was done to DPF. Ofcourse time will tell how well everything was done

 

[mrbo]

BTW my jorney to caliclub started with this:

You will love the down to earth German character
You can actually see how and with what (EGR cooler) new exchange VW block is delivered and swaped.
This very well complements this TPI -

Increased Oil Consumption Problem (2010 T5 Cali 180 bhp)

For £5k you got a great price and did all the right things, making the very best of a bad situation. If I owned a Cali with this issue I’d go down the same route (unless the 140bhp was a viable option) This Cali is £20k and whilst it sounds cheap not sure I have the will to put myself through...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[B J G]

Sounds like you’ve got your answer. Does blanking off the EGR cause any MOT issues?

Altering emission system is illegal and MOT testers are now told to check for this having been done. Current Global Warming has brought it into Polital focus.

 

[briwy]

How exactly is it blanked off? I there something visual that an inspector can see? As far as I'm aware it's pretty much impossible to check the emmisions due to the rev limiter on the Cali.
Years ago when I blanked the EGR on our old Bongo it's just a plate inserted in the pipework. Impossible to tell by looking at it.

 

[787driver]

Late reply!! Yes I got a new engine from Retro Resus. Excellent service. £6750 including new turbo units. EGR blanked off. Now does 40mpg and hasn’t used a drop of oil. Retro have had no mot issues and they’ve fitted a LOT of new engines !!

 

[sprout99]

Not been on here for a while.

Our engine died at 98331miles.
Basically.....

The oil cooler failed and cooked the oil. 135 degrees on the MFD!!!

Carbon content in oil was so high that it choked the oil gallery on the crank and disintegrated the big end bearing on cylinder 1 due to oil starvation.

After much deliberation and not feeling particularly confident in the recon engines for sale I bought a genuine crate motor from Vw which was surprisingly good value. Got turbos rebuilt, clutch refreshed and with labour was a smidge over £5k.

Now I have a 2021 vw engine, (which came with oil pump, injectors, egr valve, glow plugs) so no oil worries and when I had software levels updated to suit latest injectors etc she was pulling 185bhp and 425nm stock.

 

[nathandsanders]

Hi Sprout99. May I ask where you got your crate engine from? Did you see direct from VW?

Was it brand new (not reconditioned)?

And lastly, EGR Cooler too?

Thanks
Nath

 

[sprout99]

Good morning.

We looked at all the well known reconditioners and nobody had one available on the shelf.

I tried TPS just for a laugh and was quite shocked at the good value.

The crate motor comes with brand new EGR, injectors, oil pump, sump, head. Totally brand new shiny VW part


All I had to add was the fuel injection ancillaries and a fresh water pump and timing belt. Comes with 2 year warranty which most aftermarket don't.


The engine with some serious discount negotiations cost me £2700.

They had old unit back within same day so I had the engine exchange deposit back on my card same day.

As you would imagine. No oil use now.....

We did get turbos rebuilt and new clutch while we had chance.

We shelled out a smidge over £5k but on these vans a brand new VW engine is going to add resale points.


If you need any info drop me a.PM

 

[Perfectos]

5k for brand new VW OEM engine with rebuilt turbos etc vs 9k + from VW , without rebuilding the turbo etc, I know what I’d be going for.

 

[soulstyledevon]

5k for brand new VW OEM engine with rebuilt turbos etc vs 9k + from VW , without rebuilding the turbo etc, I know what I’d be going for.

Someone on the T6 forum, got quoted £13k by VW…

 

[sprout99]

I got a local garage to do it for me. One I use and trust. They only really charged me for labour and I had one of their lifts taken up for about 6 weeks in total.

They did spend a lot of time pulling old engine apart trying to understand how it failed.

Granted I organized the turbo rebuilds , the clutch went to CG in Leeds to be refreshed and I organised the collection and return of engine but I have a brand new engine and a VW invoice to prove it.

5000 miles in. Never topped up anything. Just like it should be

 

[nathandsanders]

Amazing Sprout99!

Thanks for the info. Extremely useful.

 

[sprout99]

Amazing Sprout99!

Thanks for the info. Extremely useful.

We knew we were on borrowed time with oil use and just had to deal with it when it happened.

The garage didn't really confirm a 100% root cause. They said oil usage was cylinder 3. There was evidence on piston crown.

The effect of failure was complete disintegration of the crankshaft shell bearing of cylinder 1. The oil gallery of the crankshaft was full of carbon.

 

[sprout99]

6 new items by Ian Sproat

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[reserves]

Tempted by a cheap 180bhp 2012 California with engine issues.

Spoke to a specialist who fits at least 1 new 180bhp engine per month.

Essentially they don’t rate the 180bhp engines at all so I’m going to steer clear which is a shame.

Wonder if anyone has considered putting a 140bhp in instead.

 

[sprout99]

agreed it is a minefield - i tried to buy a recon from a specialist but due to availability and factoring in the EGR valve which is £700 ish i decided to go with a factory fresh unit.

I needed an engine and couldnt afford to scrap a £30k+ van

Everyone has good and bad opinions. The garage who did work for me had good and bad experiences with reputable firms too

Most engine rebuilders only offer 6 months warranty. 12 months if they fit which is not cheap

 

[soulstyledevon]

Tempted by a cheap 180bhp 2012 California with engine issues.

Spoke to a specialist who fits at least 1 new 180bhp engine per month.

Essentially they don’t rate the 180bhp engines at all so I’m going to steer clear which is a shame.

Wonder if anyone has considered putting a 140bhp in instead.

Could you not barter with the seller and get a bit knocked off.
If you’re thinking of an engine rebuild, it would be worth it if you delete the EGR and dpf. You might end up with a better van for not much outlay…?

 

[reserves]

agreed it is a minefield - i tried to buy a recon from a specialist but due to availability and factoring in the EGR valve which is £700 ish i decided to go with a factory fresh unit.

I needed an engine and couldnt afford to scrap a £30k+ van

Everyone has good and bad opinions. The garage who did work for me had good and bad experiences with reputable firms too

Most engine rebuilders only offer 6 months warranty. 12 months if they fit which is not cheap

For £5k you got a great price and did all the right things, making the very best of a bad situation.

If I owned a Cali with this issue I’d go down the same route (unless the 140bhp was a viable option)

This Cali is £20k and whilst it sounds cheap not sure I have the will to put myself through it all

 

[reserves]

Could you not barter with the seller and get a bit knocked off.
If you’re thinking of an engine rebuild, it would be worth it if you delete the EGR and dpf. You might end up with a better van for not much outlay…?

The seller has dropped the price for this reason already and has been very honest; they spent about £12k already trying to sort but went down the recon route.

It’s about £9k cheaper than retail price already. It’s tempting but don’t think I have the time and at the end of the day these 180bhp engines don’t fill me with confidence (apologies to 180 owners).

I have a young family and sold my old T2 camper as I didn’t want to deal with garage issues.