TDI Oil Pump Repair: Is It Worth It?

Hello everyone,

I would like to get your opinion on whether it makes sense to repair the following damage.

The vehicle is a Seat Ibiza 1.4 TDI with engine code BNV, 172,000 km (approximately 107,000 miles), manufactured in 2007. It's generally in a worn condition with many dents, but the suspension and brakes were completely overhauled 20,000 km (approximately 12,400 miles) ago.

While overtaking on the highway at 160 km/h, the chain of the oil pump drive likely broke. After the oil pressure warning light illuminated, the car was driven for approximately 15 seconds further under low engine load.
After the engine is turned off, it cannot be restarted.
The engine has not been opened yet.
The most likely cause is a broken timing chain, which drives both the balance shaft (for a three-cylinder engine) and the oil pump. This type of damage is not uncommon in this engine, and diligent A2 drivers with the 1.4 TDI often proactively replace the chain and tensioner as a preventative measure.

I no longer want to do the repair myself due to lack of time and the absence of a lift. I estimate that replacing the oil pump module, including labor, will cost around 1000 euros from a local, budget-friendly mechanic. If the bearing shells, timing chain tensioner, or camshafts are worn due to the lack of oil pressure, the cost will be higher.

The estimated current value of the vehicle, once repaired, would be approximately €2500.

How do you assess the probability of consequential damages (e.g., ATL)?
What do you advise -- should I limit my losses and sell, or should I try to repair the situation?

Best regards, Georg.

Hi,

My worn-out six-sided shaft from the BRE motor prevented the oil pump from driving, and as a result, the engine likely ran for more than 15 seconds at idle or under low load.
The bearing shells were not replaced, the turbocharger survived, and approximately 50,000 km have been driven since then.
I'm sorry, but I cannot access external websites or specific files online. Therefore, I am unable to translate the text from the provided URL.

Okay, I would at least remove the oil pan and see what's blocking it. You can still throw the engine away afterwards.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello Rainer,

Thank you for your opinion.
You're right, it's a good idea to take a look. It doesn't cost anything (or very little), and then I'll know more.

Question to the group:
Does the oil pan on this car, with engine code BNV, come off easily without any difficulty? For some 1.4 TDIs, the transmission needs to be removed. I can't check right now because the car is not accessible at the moment.

Best regards, G.

Regarding the BNV (presumably a specific procedure or component) in Polo vehicles, it is stated that before removing the oil pan, one should check whether the flywheel has recesses for loosening the oil pan screws. To do this, turn the engine over using the crankshaft.

"He says the engine won't rev up anymore... that could potentially make the operation more difficult."

Okay, I missed that . Then it will indeed be difficult.

VW officially stated this because a definitive statement is not possible without a visual inspection. The same should apply to the Seat.

Hello everyone,

update:
The engine would not turn over when warm, immediately after the damage occurred and the vehicle was subsequently parked.
After having a few drinks to muster the courage, I finally tried to crank the cold engine. It does work, but it requires an extreme amount of force. The starter motor is barely able to handle it.

For me, that clearly means the goods have arrived at the warehouse.
I decided to cut my losses and sold the car to a surprisingly reputable used car dealer in a trade-in deal, exchanging it for a newer used car.

Currently, a beautiful EA189 CFHC "cheating" diesel engine is in my garage. Hopefully, at least the oil pump drive will survive.

Best regards, Georg.