I know there are a few threads running but they are lengthy and quite old so I thought that I would start a new one as I can't seem to get to the bottom of what is fact and what is speculation.

 

Here's what appears to be factual

 

 - The twincharger engine used in various platforms across the VAG group has a reputation for excessive oil use

 - Aside from the oil issue some have had replacement engines fitted following total loss of compression on one cylinder.

 - VAG have tried various fixes to stop these issues namely ECU changes, crankcase breather modifications and I believe some updated pistons.

 - Following a couple of years of manufacture of the said engine under the CAVE campaign VW allegedly changed the campaign to CTHE. 

 - The CTHE campaign was supposedly an answer to the past engines.

 

Here's what I would like to know

 

 - The 2012-2014 production of the CTHE engines apparently had failures on the early 2012's did VAG make further changes?

 - There is speculation that these issues only affect a percentage of the engines - what is the percentage? And what is the breakdown in terms of CAVE and CTHE?

 - If a percentage only had problems then surely it must be an issue with quality of components or manufacture? If it was a design flaw then it would be extremely widespread.

 - With VW releasing various mechanical modifications to the architecture of the engine that suggests that it is not down to a batch issue or similar and infact more of  a widespread problem waiting to explode. Does anyone actually know what this situation is?

 - does anyone know what things were actually changed or improved from the first CAVE to the last CTHE?

 

I know a lot of people have opinions but does anyone have any hard factual evidence?

 

Was this problem only in the UK?

Edited 26 January, 201511 yr by Wakey

I know there are a few threads running but they are lengthy and quite old so I thought that I would start a new one as I can't seem to get to the bottom of what is fact and what is speculation.

 

Here's what appears to be factual

 

 - The twincharger engine used in various platforms across the VAG group has a reputation for excessive oil use

 - Aside from the oil issue some have had replacement engines fitted following total loss of compression on one cylinder.

 - VAG have tried various fixes to stop these issues namely ECU changes, crankcase breather modifications and I believe some updated pistons.

 - Following a couple of years of manufacture of the said engine under the CAVE campaign VW allegedly changed the campaign to CTHE. 

 - The CTHE campaign was supposedly an answer to the past engines.

 

Here's what I would like to know

 

 - The 2012-2014 production of the CTHE engines apparently had failures on the early 2012's did VAG make further changes?

 - There is speculation that these issues only affect a percentage of the engines - what is the percentage? And what is the breakdown in terms of CAVE and CTHE?

 - If a percentage only had problems then surely it must be an issue with quality of components or manufacture? If it was a design flaw then it would be extremely widespread.

 - With VW releasing various mechanical modifications to the architecture of the engine that suggests that it is not down to a batch issue or similar and infact more of  a widespread problem waiting to explode. Does anyone actually know what this situation is?

 - does anyone know what things were actually changed or improved from the first CAVE to the last CTHE?

 

I know a lot of people have opinions but does anyone have any hard factual evidence?

 

Was this problem only in the UK?

 

A few??

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/279292-cavecthe-enginewhats-the-diffrence

You won't get to the bottom of what is fact I'm afraid, not in a forum anyhow. VAG have always played their cards very close to their chest on the whole issue. They won't admit any problems. I'm sure George will be along in a moment or two to elaborate.

Let's be honest I doubt very much VAG themselves have any kind of clue what is wrong with the engine or how to definitively fix it. They are dropping the 1.4 twincharger as a result I'd imagine.

The CTHE revision definitely helped as reported issues seem less common.

Are you having problems? If not I'd suggest not worrying yourself about it and just enjoy the car.... ;-)

No problems at all my end, but before a career change I was a chartered engineer and I'm pre programmed to try and understand problems and need to separate fact from heresy.

 

It's an intriguing engine and I am just hungry for info thats all 

Worth making an enquiry to Volkswagen on the engines.

 

You can watch the Videos on the operation of the Twinchargers as they were when 125kw & Euro 4 Emissions.

http://revotechnik.com/support/technical/14tsi-twincharger-engine-issues

 

The link to the 'Fundamental Faults with the 1.4 TSI Twincharger' thread covers the issues.

I think VAG know exactly what is causing the issues but cannot fix them without altering the emissions and breaching the type approval regulations.

 

I believe the engine is designed to run quite lean and coupled with fairly generous piston ring clearances this can in some cases cause increased wear especially if the pistons get hot

 

All the fixes I have seen so far seem to be related to trying to reduce heat or reduce crankcase pressure and so reduce load on the rings

 

Mind you my CAVE doesnt burn a drop of oil service to service , but I ran it in correctly and drive it quite hard ONCE the oil is above 70 degrees

Edited 26 January, 201511 yr by Richf

have a look at the link George posted we found numerous hardware changes,(oil systems, cam systems, pistons..ect)  and software changes.... they also changed suspension bushes... loads of stuff changed.

Excellent, thanks for the info. That other thread linking to the seat forum is a great read.

 

It's a real cracker of an engine. MInes only done 800 miles and still tight but it feels really pokey already.

I love the engine to be honest... such massive torque from low revs due to the supercharger means It feels so strong, like you dont have to wind it up...... and the 7 speed DSG means that when changing up at top revs it goes to 5 + k and keeps max power at all times on full throttle (very few engines do this if you look at the graphs) ... I love it... mine has eaten some plugs, and uses a litre every 3,000 miles or so, but I'm happy with that , some active maintenance and all is well My car is deffo a keeper