1.4 TSI engine , Experiences and problems... ?

[2stroke]

1.4 TSI engine Experiences and problems....  ?
Feel free to share all your experiences with this engine's problem.
Wife wants to buy a car with the 1.4 TSI engine and manual gearbox.

[Phil-E]

There have been some timing chain problems.

 

The early ones (from 2009) suffered the worst. And there were various revisions of the chain and tensioners.

 

The important things are strict servicing (fixed servicing is the best for these engines).

 

Make sure to start the car up from dead cold and listen to the engine with the bonnet open for the first few seconds. A slight rattle for a couple of seconds is normal but if it's very loud or lasts longer then it will need the chain doing.

 

Other than that they are pretty solid engines and reliable. Are very smooth to drive, decent torque from low down and pretty frugal if driven steady.

[AVHreplica]

I will agree with Phil, I'm 170k (km) just the rattle I'm listening only if I leave car for over 3 days not worked as oil drains from the head.

Otherwise not an issue.

I had a turbo  waste gate actuator failed at 80k but I managed to have it fixed in a specialist garage which it seems it still  lasts.

Also a noisy water pump to be replaced last year.

Not any issues with oil as keep changing it sooner than Skoda indicates.

A good engine with a decent Mpg.

Generally pleased.

[Phil-E]

11 hours ago, AVHreplica said:

I will agree with Phil, I'm 170k (km) just the rattle I'm listening only if I leave car for over 3 days not worked as oil drains from the head.

Otherwise not an issue.

I had a turbo  waste gate actuator failed at 80k but I managed to have it fixed in a specialist garage which it seems it still  lasts.

Also a noisy water pump to be replaced last year.

Not any issues with oil as keep changing it sooner than Skoda indicates.

A good engine with a decent Mpg.

Generally pleased.

 

Make sure the correct oil filter is fitted. It needs the version that has the anti-drain valves. There's a version that fited the 1.4 TSI but doesn't have the valves and so the oil drains back down into the sump and can cause a clatter/rattle from a cold start. But this doesn't happen with the correct filter.

 

My water-pump was squeeking last year. Then the coolant had dropped a bit so I toppped it up and it stopped squeeling and hasn't dropped since. I've read that the seal can squeel and it's to do with the coolant (either the wrong type or too weak mixed). Thankfully the pump is super easy to change on these engines should the need arise.

[2stroke]

1 hour ago, Phil-E said:

 

Make sure the correct oil filter is fitted.
It needs the version that has the anti-drain valves.
There's a version that fited the 1.4 TSI but doesn't have the valves and so the oil drains back down into the sump and can cause a clatter/rattle from a cold start.
But this doesn't happen with the correct filter.

Correct VAG part #  ?

[Phil-E]

I'm afraid I don't know the VAG number. But I do know that the Mann W 712/94 is the right one with 2 non-return valves

[xman]

21 hours ago, Phil-E said:

 

Make sure the correct oil filter is fitted. It needs the version that has the anti-drain valves. There's a version that fited the 1.4 TSI but doesn't have the valves and so the oil drains back down into the sump and can cause a clatter/rattle from a cold start. But this doesn't happen with the correct filter.

 

 

This is not true.

 

The later VAG 03C 115 561 H/D (Mann W712/94) is a modified version of VAG 03C 115 561 B/C/J  (Mann W712/93)

 

The W712/93 style is fitted on early 1.4tsi engines up to production date 06/2010

 

Both have 2 identical "valves", a standard internal bypass valve, which opens when the filter is blocked to prevent oil starvation and an external sprung rubber seal arrangement that seals off the drain down channel in the oil filter housing on the engine when the filter is screwed down. That seal lifts off the drain down channel when unscrewing the filter, to drain the oil and therefore not spill all over the engine when changing the filter.

 

They differ only in the filter to oil housing sealing arrangement, not sure if they are interchangeable.

 

https://catalog.mann-filter.com/EU/eng/catalog/MANN-FILTER Katalog Europa/Oil Filter/W 712~94

 

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/03c115561h-oil-filter-1-2tsi-1-4tsi-1-6-skoda-20525.html

 

https://catalog.mann-filter.com/EU/eng/catalog/MANN-FILTER Katalog Europa/Oil Filter/W 712~93

 

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/03c115561c-oil-filter-1-2tsi-1-4tsi-bosch-22142.html

 

Edited 1 June, 2021 by xman

[Phil-E]

I just know that there's a filter that also physically fits but doesn't have the drain valve in it.

 

And owners have reported a clattering sound from start up.

[2stroke]

The absolute latest updated oil filter that replaces/supersedes all others.
Fits all 1.4 TSI engines ( Both with timing chain and timing belt ) regardless of model year. 

VAG part #    04E 115 561 H


.

Edited 2 June, 2021 by 2stroke

[bigjohn]

The 1.4tsi EA111 engine was also fitted to my 2014 1.4 Superb  II. I've had from 14 months old 14k miles and thus far it's been fabulous and is over 93k miles now:-

• It tugs my big bus along surprisingly well
• Low revved at speed - 60mph = about 2000rpm in sixth gear
• Has been averaging about 46mpg - I've seen over 50 mpg on some long runs. This may change a bit going forward as I no longer do my long commute (yay!)
• Oil consumption very low indeed
• It's very quiet
• The manual is fitted with an external clutch slave cylinder (reliable as well as easy to change - not that I've needed to)
• Water pump is separately driven
• Single Mass Flywheel
• No EGR valve - this function performed by control of the variable valve timing
• Since I've owned it, if left for a couple of days it's always had a very brief rattle on first start-up which has never got worse. Checked at the dealer at the time and deemed "normal". Note as it's a 2014 car this will have about the last version of the 1.4 EA111, by then the 1.4 Octavia was the mkIII which had the totally different EA211

 

NB - important the EA111 engine has regular oil changes and the correct oil filter must be fitted (mentioned elsewhere)

Edited 4 June, 2021 by bigjohn

[Phil-E]

People always seem to slate this engine but it's actually a pretty well and clever designed engine.

 

It's just unfortunate that like any engine with a chain there can and will be failures. But most failures happen after people ignore the warning signs.

 

I really like the separate water pump.

 

No EGR as you said.

 

The oil filter is very easy to access for oil changes.

 

We've also driven with 3 adults, a dog and the boot loaded to the roof all the way to Denmark and it felt completely effortless. Never felt strained or struggled and still returned good economy.

 

We also had a trip with the same luggage and people but also 3 bikes on the tow bar. Up and down mountain roads too. Just a peach to drive.

 

A little quirk of the engine that a lot complain about but that is normal are the "cold" starts. So if the ambient temp is a bit warmer (no idea why) on a cold start the exhaust blows/gargles. It's something to do with a catalytic converter pre-heat where the valve timing is different to let some unburnt fuel out the exhaust valve (or something along those lines).

[leginegdoh]

Currently run a 62 plate Octavia estate with 61000 on the clock. Had the car 3 years now and no problems what so ever with the engine.I have always serviced it at the mot and it has never needed extra oil or water. Returns high 40s mpg on a run,low 40s loaded up all with the 7 speed dsg.

[Phil-E]

I can also confirm that's it's an easy engine service.

 

Changed the oil, filter and spark plugs a couple weeks ago.

 

Didn't have to remove the under body cover as the drain is accessible. So jacked the car up, drained oil, unscrewed filter (not a single drop of oil came out so no mess), new filter in and new oil and was done with the oil change in about 20 mins.

 

The spark plugs were also easier than anticipated. Removed the cover, popped open the wiring clips, pulled the coils out with a screwdriver and whipped out the old plugs and put the new in.

 

I must say it seems to run even better with the new plugs. Has a bit more grunt lower down while just pootling around. And the estimated range is showing more than it usually does (just over 800km or 500 miles) with just doing short local runs.

 

[KenONeill]

34 minutes ago, Phil-E said:

I must say it seems to run even better with the new plugs.

I've noticed that with fresh plugs in spark ignition engines too.

[Phil-E]

2 hours ago, KenONeill said:

I've noticed that with fresh plugs in spark ignition engines too.

 

Yeah I was surprised the difference it seems to have made. Think I'll do them more frequently than the recommend 60,000km!

 

And the last petrol car I had was around 13 years ago now. And that was a Felicia 1.3 SPi. New or old plugs in that didn't matter. Was still gutless! Lol

[KenONeill]

4 minutes ago, Phil-E said:

Felicia 1.3 SPi. New or old plugs in that didn't matter. Was still gutless!

Wel, since we are this far off topic anyway ... I'd say it's only 1 or 2 bhp at most, but fresh spark plugs improve the peak power and, more relevantly, the low end torque, of any petrol engine.

[Phil-E]

Yeah I mean In reality it probably did make a difference. But the engine even in top condition is hardly a smooth or punchy thing.

 

Just shows how much tech has moved on.

 

And even the lowest power 1.4 TSI is leaps ahead of the 1.3 SPi

 

122bhp (5000rpm) Vs 54bhp (5000rpm)

200nm (1500rpm) Vs 94nm (3250rpm)

5,3 l/100km Vs 7,1 l/100km

 

[Phil-E]

So we took a drive out yesterday and cam back via the Autobahn. Was hungry, road was empty and it was dry. So I burried the pedal to the metal for the first time properly in this car.

 

So for a little 1.4 I was surprised. Does 200km/h comfortably but didn't have much puff left to go any faster. Revs around 4000rpm at 200.

 

So they're not what I'd call slow either these engines.

 

Sure, it was no match for me previous Saab that would crack 240km/h with the roof down and almost 260km/h with the roof up! But who needs to drive that fast anyway.

[seriesdriver]

Interesting reading I am looking to replace our mk 2 Octavia as it isn't ulez compliant  and a 1.4 estate on a 16 plate is on the radar. 

[AVHreplica]

I have 173k (km) and still no plugs replaced...

How would I notice any possible mulfunction or the need of putting new (all 4?) ?

 

Is been some time when pressing  hard accelerator, it has plenty of power to give but it shows some small cuts in that progressive power giving?

[Camlobe]

Mine has little holes in the service history, and I'm not sure whether the plugs had ever been changed (80 k miles), so went for new Denso plugs at the last service.

 

What does seem to have improved is that it has lost the tendency to hesitate a little from the first cold start of the day and for just the first  100 yards, or so.

 

Not the worlds most serious problem, and it is a bit of a surprise that plugs seem to have cured it (I suspected 'coil packs', to be honest, so 'plugs' is an improvement)

[Kizotina]

CZDA engine with 150.000km on the clock,no problems so far.

[-mike-]

We had the 2010/11 1.4 TSI with the CAXA engine. I think we were unlucky with ours but it needed timing chain doing in her ownership, coil packs, the cam follower for the high pressure fuel pump and other bits and pieces. Invested a fortune in that car to finally get it running right........... then it got written off! 

[Okedokey]

180K km, no issues.  Regular oil changes = long life.

[Phil-E]

Ours is Just on 145,000km now and is booked in at the Garage next week.

 

We have an annoying rattle/raspy sound that sounds like a failed pulley bearing or similar. Could be coming from the water pump but it's hard to tell. Can hear at idle, gets worse from 1,200rpm and dissapears after 2000rpm.

 

The water pump also "whistles" at idle when the engine is fully warmed up.

 

Will see what they find.