1.2 TDI engine (Volkswagen) thinking, problems, failures

1.2 TDI engine

1.2 TDI engine

Small engines are usually gasoline. However, there are also small-volume diesel engines on the market. Among them is the 1.2 TDI engine. Is the small diesel Volkswagen worth recommending?

It all started in 1998 - that was the first time it was presented 1.2 TDI engine with 3 cylinders with 6-valves. As you can guess, it was used with the smallest group models (Wolf, Arosa, A2). He initially offered 60 hp. The fuel was injected through pump-injector units, which is clearly linked to the extremely low culture of operation.
2009 was the time for the successor, the 1.2 TDI CR. As the name suggests, the new unit is equipped with direct fuel injection Common Rail. Engineers chose Delphi electromagnetic nozzles. In addition, the engine now has 4 cylinders, 8 valves, a turbocharger with variable particle filter geometry. Also there is a float flywheel clutch. As with its predecessor, a toothed belt is used as a drive.

Problems and malfunctions - 1.2 TDI engine

As mentioned above, the initially offered 1.2 TDI had an extremely poor work culture and poor dynamics. However, it offered very high reliability, which went into low operating costs. Other than the nozzle, there were no elements that were often broken.
The new unit with the Common Rail system had much more power, but also a more complex engine construction. Her headache is an accessory. The 1.2 TDI CR engine is sensitive to poor quality fuel. The clogging of the particle filter is obviously a natural flow of things. The turbine, although not large, is not the most durable. On the other hand, the toothed belt deserves praise and can last over 100.000 kilometers.

Recommendation - It all depends on expectations. If one demands decent dynamics, the 1.2 TDI with 60 horsepower will not meet all expectations. It is made only for driving from point A to point B. It offers high reliability, but also driving pleasure cannot be said. On the other hand, the 75 hp variant has significantly better performance, however, it has much more complicated equipment, which means higher operating costs. Something for something.


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