AXR Disasters: Next Chapter!

Hi,

As announced, here is the next chapter of the AXR problems.

So, I only had the trailer hitch installed for a week, and already I'm having problems! When I was attaching the trailer, I noticed that my detachable tow hitch was rattling noticeably in the receiver. So, I went to VW and asked about it - "... no, that's not normal..." They told me to come back after their vacation, and they would replace the part... "Have a nice vacation..." Well, I thought, it's going to be really noisy, and that's exactly what happened.
The journey went quite smoothly and without any problems. However, when I was in the Kassel Hills, I wondered where the hills actually were. Have the hills been eroded away?
The descent into the Werratal valley, however, brought a great surprise: Because the 5th gear is slightly longer than on my old 1Z, and the engine brakes a little less, I actually had to use the 4th gear (since I didn't want to use the brakes). So, onward towards Hanover. Suddenly, I realized that I was experiencing water temperatures far beyond what was good, while riding in the slipstream of a beautiful truck (a "Schrankwand" truck). So, I used my 100 km/h speed limit and passed it. The temperature quickly dropped back to a normal level. So, no slipstream driving .
During a short break, I checked the oil level (everything was okay) and the coolant. What kind of coolant was that? The container contained (almost) only white foam (oil foam) . Carefully, I then poured in a little water. Nevertheless, drafting behind other vehicles was only possible on flat stretches (thankfully, it's not so hilly anymore after Hanover).
Upon arriving at the vacation spot, the smell of burning was reminiscent of the head gasket that needed to be replaced.
The return trip on Monday was trouble-free because it was a bit colder. Even drafting behind a very fast vegetable truck wasn't a problem. From Göttingen onwards, I had a motorhome in front of me that was traveling at exactly 98 km/h (according to the navigation system).
Conclusion:
- The car is running great.
- Water consumption: approximately 1 liter per 800 km .
- 9.0 - 9.3 liters of diesel per 100km (pure coupled operation)
- annoying rattling of the AHK

Okay, so today I went to the friendly mechanic. Silence can also be an answer! I have a one-week appointment on May 5th, and they want to figure out where the oil is coming from in the coolant. The trailer hitch needs to be replaced.

In a conversation with one of the mechanics, it turned out that "... this is not the first TDI engine for this year..." . So, praise be to the "great" VW quality }. Those who only focus on the price and neglect supplier quality will soon be in trouble. But VW is in good company in that regard... (see DC).

Hi Bertil,

...if I have 500,000 km on my 1Z engine and the original injectors, I'll give you my engine ....That's unbelievable....what can go wrong with a head gasket on a LL engine One question about the foam: Are you sure there's oil in the coolant White foam reminds me of my old TD, because that only happens if you've poured in radiator sealant. Normal coolant usually doesn't foam, even if it's bubbling a lot (G12 ). Are you sure the head gasket was replaced, or were they just trying to get out of the warranty period quickly by using radiator sealant

Hi...

"...The coolant leak would also explain the high water temperatures observed in the wake..."
I'll never put that stuff in my cooling system again.

But we don't want to scare Bertil...

Best regards, Rainer.

Hi Christian,

haehnlein wrote:

Are you sure that there is oil mixed in with the coolant?

Yes! Everyone should know from chemistry class what's in a good hand cream: oil, water, and glycerin. I probably don't need to mention where the water and oil come from, but the glycerin comes from antifreeze. When you touch the white foam (clumps), it feels like Nivea.

Quote:

White foam reminds me of my old car, because it only occurs when radiator sealant has been added beforehand. Normal coolant usually doesn't foam, even if it's bubbling a lot (G12 ). Are you sure the head gasket was replaced, or were they just trying to get rid of the car quickly by using radiator sealant and getting it out of the warranty period

?
As far as I remember, Kühlerdicht is not compatible with G12 coolant.
Yes, the timing chain tensioner was replaced, and additionally, the timing belt and the engine oil were also changed.
Your description might be accurate, but now the whole matter is with the lawyer (due to a threatened claim for rectification). I hope things will finally be sorted out now.

Bertil wrote:

Yes! Everyone should know from chemistry class what makes a good hand cream: oil, water, and glycerin. I probably don't need to mention where the water and oil come from, but the glycerin comes from antifreeze. When you touch the white foam (clumps), it feels like Nivea.

Hi Bertil,

Good explanation . I was just surprised that it's white foam, because motor oil normally contains soot particles and is dark (oxidation?) . Of course, if there are clumps in it, then it must be related to oil in the water.

hi bertil,

That's just how it is when you want to get to your destination quickly with the camper! *grin*. Also, you should use G12 coolant and not just any water with detergent. *big grin*

Seriously, my condolences and sympathy.

It seems like it's definitely a coolant leak issue. My father's old car used to have similar problems, and in that case, it was definitely the head gasket! It really seems like the VW guys have messed something up again, and maybe they didn't replace the head gasket back then or didn't find the actual problem! What happens if, after all the trouble you've been through, you insist on getting a replacement vehicle? Any reputable inspector will certainly confirm that there's probably something seriously wrong, combined with chronic incompetence!

'Just reading this again gives me anxiety! Why do I have to buy a PD (presumably a trailer brake controller)? Mine has its first 'baptism of fire' next weekend! Hopefully, it won't have a similar result! At least the AHK (trailer hitch) isn't rattling! And I've already pulled around 1700 to 1800 kg for about 50 km (at a brisk pace) without overheating.'

a slightly shaky Jörg.

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Addendum:"

After the ZKD (cylinder head gasket) replacement, the cooling system had to be flushed several times because black and white clumps kept coming out. Then, there was a period of 3000 km without any issues, until now.

Rainer K. wrote:

...A radiator seal would also explain the high water temperatures in the slipstream...

Basically, yes, but I don't think so. The coolant doesn't foam as much as it would with a radiator sealant, but only on the surface. Besides, I would have seen the foam much earlier, about 5000 km ago (after the "change").

joergs wrote:

It seems to be related to a coolant leak.

glaub ich nicht. Please provide the text you would like me to translate from German to English. I will then provide the translation.

Quote:

It seems like the VW guys were at it again, and maybe they didn't replace the ZKD (cylinder head gasket) back then, or they didn't find the actual problem!

I don't think so either. The old cylinder head gasket had been marked by me.

Quote:

What happens when, after all the chaos you've caused, you insist on getting a replacement machine? Every expert will certainly confirm that there's likely a combination of extreme laziness and chronic incompetence at play!

That's what my lawyer is also trying to convey.

Quote:

Reading this again just gives me a headache! Why do I have to buy a PD?

No, you shouldn't blame yourself for that. I would rather ask the question of why you bought a VAG product?
The quality of cylinder heads and engine blocks seems to be not ideal in all current VAG engines. I personally know of four cases of cracked cylinder heads (all after MJ2001, and not just TDI engines).

Quote:

My trailer is facing its "baptism by fire" next weekend! Hopefully, the outcome won't be similar to what you're describing! At least, the trailer hitch isn't rattling. And I've already pulled a load of around 1700 to 1800 kg for about 50 km (at a brisk pace) without any overheating.

In October, I also didn't experience any problems with overheating.
By the way, this overheating cannot be simulated by driving the vehicle at full throttle.

Quote:

a slightly trembling Jörg

Okay, understood!

Here are three points from my side:

1. If VW didn't thoroughly flush the system afterward, Kühlerdicht can make the coolant cloudy. However, if it's mostly removed after a short time, it probably won't cause any significant harm.

2. I have never had any problems with radiator sealant in various older vehicles. At worst, it simply didn't help.

"If the overheating only occurs when driving in the slipstream, and not when driving at full throttle, it might also indicate a problem with the radiator fan. It's likely that the fan hasn't been activated or needed during the winter months."

Bertil wrote:

The quality of cylinder heads and engine blocks seems to be subpar in all VAG engines currently. I personally know of four cases of cracked cylinder heads (all after MJ2001, including non-TDI models).

Hi Bertil.

Just to put things into perspective: from how many cars would you actually learn such (and similar) things?

If the answer is, for example, 10, it would have a different meaning than if it were 10,000 vehicles...

christians wrote:

Let me give you three points from my side: 1. If VW didn't thoroughly flush the system afterward, Kühlerdicht can make the coolant cloudy. However, if it's mostly removed after a short time, it probably won't cause any significant harm.

Here's what I can contribute:
When I went to pick up the car after the head gasket replacement, I noticed black clumps in the coolant again after the test drive with the workshop manager. An hour later, I went back, and my car had a new expansion tank, and the old coolant was standing next to it - light red, almost orange!
I had to leave the car there for another day, and the cooling system was flushed several more times.
After that, everything was fine even after 5000 km.

Quote:

2. I have never had any problems with radiator sealant in various older vehicles. At worst, it simply didn't help.

Foam can occur if the product is not used correctly. However, I am not aware of any damage caused by it. We have used it in various rally cars to address minor head gasket issues, and it has always worked, except for one engine that failed. In that case, however, water was also leaking from the block.

Quote:

3. If the overheating only occurs when driving in the slipstream, but not when driving at full throttle, it might also smell like a radiator fan. During the winter, it certainly wouldn't have been started or needed.

The radiator fan is running! After 2 km of slow driving in the village (after returning home), the fan was running, but no unusual temperature was displayed on the gauge.

Ulf wrote:

Hi Bertil. Just to put things into perspective: from how many cars would you actually learn such (and similar) things? If the answer is, for example, 10, it would have a different meaning than if it were 10,000 vehicles.

Hi Ulf,
I work at a company where there are approximately 1500 cars in the parking lot (all brands), plus about 40 prototypes and test vehicles from various car manufacturers. So, there's a lot of potential. Among the company cars, there are also some vehicles from the VAG group. One of them (not a TDI) had a crack in the engine. I met someone affected by this issue while at the counter (it was an Audi). Three colleagues had a similar problem (VW, Seat, and Skoda!). I know of another case from my circle of acquaintances. And when I read through the various forum posts online, the problem seems to be quite widespread and concerning.
Here's the translation:

"In addition, I received the following comment from a VW mechanic I know, who is a member of our motorsports club: "...it's well-known..." ... No further comment."

VW is clearly on a downward trend! First, there was the timing belt issue (which seems to have been resolved), then problems with the engines themselves. Most recently, the Golf 5 is no longer offered as a station wagon. With this, the Golf will likely fade away, alongside the Astra and the 307 (which has already surpassed the Golf in registration statistics). Good luck finding new customer groups!

Quote:

2. I have never had any problems with radiator sealant in various older vehicles. At worst, it simply didn't help.

Hi,

My father once experienced a local overheating damage to a VW bus engine in the USA due to this stuff, because a thin ventilation hose was blocked. Also, the scraping during a head gasket replacement takes especially long .

Hi,

A quick update on AXR.

TOMORROW, IT WILL BE TOWED AWAY!

As I was about to get out of the car a short time ago, there was a sudden jolt, and I no longer felt any acceleration. The error message in the error memory reads: "17964 – Turbocharger pressure control, regulation limit exceeded, 35-00--"
Now, the engine is running as if it only has 50 horsepower. After being frustrated, I fully accelerated, and from approximately 3500 RPM, the full power was noticeable. So, I connected VAGCOM and found that there is hardly any boost pressure up to about 3000 RPM, and then the full boost pressure builds up. When shifting gears, the boost pressure immediately disappears and only builds up hesitantly. Now, I can only use the engine above 3500 RPM.

Hi,

Well, I unfortunately had similar experiences today. This morning, on the way to work, the car was running perfectly - but after work, the engine seemed to think it was time for the weekend => 0, absolutely no boost when accelerating. From about 3000 rpm, I had 0.3 bar on the LDA (lambda датчик), and even a vacuum of 0.1-0.2 bar in overrun .
The first look under the hood revealed nothing unusual; all the hoses were in place.
Tomorrow, I'll start troubleshooting, but I'm done for today. Unfortunately, I don't have a VAG-Com .
The large loading container has also arrived; perhaps the VTG is now so tightly jammed that the small container is completely overwhelmed .
I will report.

@bertil

The car, however, doesn't shy away from anything!

There's only one option: either the device works within a reasonable timeframe, or we need a replacement! Maybe your friend should contact the manufacturer's customer service.

Bertil wrote:

As I was about to get out of the car today, there was a sudden jolt, and I no longer felt any acceleration. The error message in the error memory reads: "17964 - Boost pressure control, regulation limit exceeded 35-00--". Now, the engine is running as if it only has 50 horsepower. After I got frustrated and fully accelerated, I noticed that from around 3500 RPM, the full power was noticeable. So, I connected VAGCOM and found that there is hardly any boost pressure up to about 3000 RPM, and then the full boost pressure builds up. . .

Hi Bertil.

Based on my previous attempts to adjust the VTG (Variable Turbine Geometry), I believe it's possible that, for example, the boost control valve is no longer opening, which would cause the VTG to remain at a minimum pressure level.

So, maybe "just" a solenoid valve failure, or a detached vacuum hose .

Wasn't there something about "I'm going to find myself another 1Z" ?