Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

[ope126]

Just a quick update on my situation. After almost a week, I got a call from someone at VW Australia. They agreed to cover the diagnosis fee which was over $1K. The engine has been stripped and I have been given a long list of repairs including 1 new piston, head gasket, timing chain tensioner, some turbo pipework, exhaust pipework, etc. I will try to get to VW to inspect the car and also get in writing the list of repairs needed. I have been quoted over $6K to fix the car up. They will be putting in a claim for good will and we will take it from there.

Great outcome! Keep us up to date!

[ope126]

I picked up my MK6 Jetta 118 1.4TSI at the end of September '16 completely unaware of this issue. Did a Preiinspection through RedBook and they picked up a small oil leak which they told me shouldn't raise too many concerns. After taking my car for its first minor service at an APR dealer in Melbourne, I was informed I would need a rebuild. I was gutted super ****ty start to my first VW experience.

Car is going in for the rebuild on this friday, will post results once its back on the road.

Quick question mate, what is the Build Date (not Compliance Date) of your Jetta?

[lachlanmc]

Hi all.

Car details:
2011 118tsi DSG - Comfortline - Sportspack
<70,000km

So, I've read through the threads here, and have a slightly unique situation, need advice.

I had a service from K-Mart in South Melbourne (they actually came recommended). Typical shudder problem. Included in service was new spark plugs. I was going to do the coils myself, so ordered the parts.

When I got the car back, and parts arrived, I popped the hood to change coils, and saw that an air intake pipe was damaged and disconnected. I also saw that they ripped the coils out with multi-grips, and tore the heads up. Except for the 1st, which is inconveniently tucked beneath a rigid pipe. So I assume they were too lazy to remove it, and just left the first plug untouched.

I noticed several slack, shoddy work which I won't bore you with. But I called to complain, and agreed I'd bring it in the following week to go over it, and talk about a reimbursement.

I used the car typically for the week, including a trip to Lorne & back, and on the Saturday when I went to drive it, it sounded like a second higher rev was happening. It also failed to move up though the gears normally. So I pulled it in, and decided to take it to the service centre first thing Monday.

Monday, it wouldn't start. Roadside suspected flooding. Tow truck guy had an engine error decoder, and it said Air Intake Pressure Loss. I pointed out the loose fitting/ torn pipe, and he (knowing more than me) suspected soemthign else. He poked around the back of the engine, and found another hose disconnected. He fixed it, and tried to start, still wouldn't.

It was towed to K-Mart, and they couldn't figure out what it was. Thought it was a fuel pump problem. They eventually conceded defeat, and towed it to VW South Yarra. I've explained to them what happened, and asked them to contact me before KMart.

They have called today, and identified engine compression issue in chamber 2 & 3. They have recommended a partial engine tear down to identify cause. I asked if this could have stemmed from the shoddy service, and he felt it wasn't anything to do with it.

I'm not sure if there's a code amongst mechanics to never indicate fault of each-other, but thought I'd reach out and see if anyone has advice about what could have happened, and the best way to go about it.

I think it's too big a coincidence that this has happened within a week of a crappy job of a service. Should this issue have been picked up by K-Mart if it was already present?

Any help would be greatly appreciate.

Cheers,
L.

[CraigR]

Well that sucks.

I don't see how the service would be relatable to the low compression, unless something had dropped down the spark plug hole and damaged the cylinder wall/piston ring.

There are several reasons for an engine to lose compression, you/VW have to figure out why that happened. If kmart put the wrong oil/non-approved oil in your car and it has cause engine damage, then they are absolutely to blame. There could have been debris entering the combustion chamber via the disconnected intake pipework, thus damaging the cylinders. I would have take photos of all of the shoddy work, and attached them to an email with a please explain to kmart.

This (for me) reinforces that expensive servicing from either VW or a specialist really isn't that expensive, it's only expensive when you cheap out and backfires, leaving you with a big expensive mess that kmart will not only deny causing, but won't lift a finger to help out - if they are deemed to be at fault.

The partial engine tear down will be head off to inspect the cylinders for score marks/damaged rings. I don't really think you'd have to strip it down to find the culprit. A compress and leak down test should point to the source.

[VW Convert]

I won't comment on what K Mart may or may not have done (although I would never trust my VW to a generalist service centre) but there's a gazillion posts about 1.4 TSI engines and loss of compression on this and other forums. The issue is a known issue with VW and you may (and I emphasise may) depending on service history, age, mileage and which way the wind is blowing be able to get some sort of contribution from VW (unless of course it is determined that K Mart did something to cause the issue which would seem fairly unlikely).

There's 104 pages of rivetting reading in this thread on the subject that should assist you in deciding a course of action:-

Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

Cheers

George

[Umai Naa!!]

I think it's fairly remote that Kmart have caused the engine to lose compression.

These are well-known for burning holes in the pistons due to uncontrolled combustion for various reasons relating to the engine mapping, and the quality of the pistons themselves. Things like warm days and anything less than 98RON fuel, seem to increase the likelihood failure with these engines.

Having said that, it's inexcusable of Kmart to damage the coil packs and associated parts.

[lachlanmc]

Alright, firstly, thanks a bunch for feedback so far.

Sounds like the only chance of fault by K Mart is if the intake sucked something in.

Looking at fixing this problem, ball park on cost? And where I should get it done? VW only?

Other option, I got quoted $4,300 ($3,300 + $1,000) from a wrecker/mechanic to drop in a spare engine. Should I do this and sell>?

[ric]

Hi all, just thought I'd add my misfortune to the thread. 2010 Jetta 118 1.4TSI. Bought it from family member last year, regularly serviced at VW, only 79k on the clock. Started running rough in Nov, test revealed issues with the #4 cylinder. Coils and spark plugs change no help. Will cost $1350 to diagnose the problem and VW say could be anywhere from $7-10k to fix. No guarantee but if I'm lucky I might get some money back from VW but will still be up for about $5k (+diagnosis fee).

[Umai Naa!!]

If it were mine, I'd put a wrecker motor in it, and sell it.

Once you start pulling down a motor at this stage, you're opening a Pandora's box on what else might need doing while it's apart.

[church]

Ric - worth reading the last few pages on this thread.

Another good news update - on my previous post I mentioned some pipework, I misunderstood. The scope of works includes pistons, all the seals including turbo pipework and exhaust seals. Timing chain and tensioner and various other items. VW have contacted me and have approved 100% contribution to all repairs. Not one cent from my pocket! To say I am chuffed is an understatement! Now the wait to get the car back begins. Might be a couple of weeks.