Probably one of the best engines VW has ever made, I regularly see these with 200,000+ miles. I've had two of them personally and haven't ever had any major issues. 300,000+ miles combined on both of mine
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332. Parts that have failed on mine: 2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit (DIY) Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG (Indy shop)
I’m at 190k miles on mine.. just replaced valve gasket, map sensor, spark plugs and coil over packs. Also put on new brakes. She’s running pretty strong still.
Probably why they make it complicated and hard to work because they know this engine would rarely see a wrench. So they give the customer 3 times or maybe more labor cost to fix it. If it's ford or just normal asian car, yeah they easy to work on but that also mean you'll have to work on it at least 3 or 4 times in the lifespan. 😂
This engine is so clean I'd like to believe you're rebuilding these engines or selling them as parts. These generation of cars makes it hard to be an all round mechanic because of specialty tools. I'm a mechanic and I find it frustrating...
Nah I'm not rebuilding. Not worth the effort. And yeah specialty tools are becoming too common place...don't even get started on diagnostic tools for the electronics now
Having a trusted and honest mechanic that actually knows what they are doing is indeed a hard find. I started working on cars and learning about them like you after spending way too much money for a poor service. I also (even though I'm an accountant by trade) have even worked in the auto parts stores. And I can tell you, throughout the car industry the "unspoken" creed is to charge customers for something they do not need. Replacing an already fine part to add to the bill. But also what working at the auto parts store taught me was which brands to buy for specific parts. As it is rare every brand makes every part they sell well and consistent throughout the brand. And then there are the brands that have narrow and focused business focusing on specific parts. Like best bearings are made by FAG (I know, don't laugh). But FAG does not make complete wheel hubs. For Hubs and brakes Centric is a really good focused brand on those parts. But the very best brake pads are probably Akibono. Yep after the Sumo wrestler. lol. So even when working on your car it's good to do a little research. But you are correct about working on your own vehicle, because you can trust yourself. If you do proper maintenance your car will not break down. Driving your car till it breaks is just plain dumb, but happens because not every can afford proper maintenance. But those are your cheap cars. And why I like to buy used premium cars because they are always serviced and cared for so much better than "average" cars. And I don't see a new car worth its price today anywhere. Possibly the new Ford Maverick. Possibly. You are on the right track my friend, and never be afraid of 12V electricity and with a little information you can work on that as well (making sure to have the needed tools). Just remember car companies overly engineer electrical systems in cars to make it difficult to do yourself. And "simplifying" an electrical system is always possible, just think in terms of a "complete circuit" and you should be okay. In other words, running the electrical for the wipers through the cars stereo is pretty dumb. Stereo breaks and you lose the wipers. So to go around it is to have the wipers on their own complete circuit or loop. Anyway take care, and by the way using 100% synthetic motor oil like Amsoil (instead of "full synthetic" which is a blend of 10-40% synthetic with mineral oil) is one of the best things you can do for your car. It seems more expensive until you realize you can go 3x longer between oil changes safely with 100% synthetic. Peace.
one more thing to add because "it should not happen but does" is your O2 sensors. They do not have anything to do with air/fuel mixture unless one goes bad. Then the ECM is programmed to screw up the air fuel mixture to run bad if one of the O2 sensors go out in an attempt to force you to go and get them replaced. The o2 sensors are there on the exhaust simply to stop you from removing the catalytic converter. This is naturally on newer models starting around 2012 forward. Just an FYI because this is the EPA being sneaky. Oh yeah, the addition of an oil catch can is also a great benefit for your engine. And only a "nominal" impact on the environment because of the filters on them today. This is a necessity if you happen to have a "direct injection" engine which so many of the newer engines are today. But they do not add the oil catch can. What, you want the motor to last forever or something? lol. This stops any carbon buildup in the valves and even cylinders from happening. Also, adding a low temp thermostat is also a good idea. Something around 160-170 degress. Thermostat temps have been rising because it is believed a hotter engine "pollutes" less. Uh, no not really, as internal temps in combustion chamber are the same. It is just best for your engine and all the plastic components on them these days to have a low temp thermostat. NASCAR uses a 160 degree thermostat. If it is good enough for NASCAR I figure it is good enough for me. lol
That is a forged crankshaft you have there! You can sell that for a few hundred dollars. Only 06-07 models had a chance of having one. It was like a lottery.
Fantastic engine! Bulletproof with good maintenance. They are not actually that hard to work on and later years do not have the odd bolt under the intake. My 2012 Golf mk6 with 2.5L has 289,000 miles on it today and runs like a top. Great video!
That "odd bolt" exists on all of them, however there is a hole for access in the intake. Just need a real long allen key from like HF. Im at 135,000 on mine and have done no major maintenance except the clutch and oil changes.
166,555 today. My 07k has maintenance from VW records back to mile 11. I do all my own maintenance and repairs now, been working on cars for 20 years. This engine is amazing.
There is a hole for that last hex on the intake manifold. I made my own tool with a long 1/4” extension with a homemade hex loctited into a socket to reach that bolt. Also the socket is loctite to the extension. Reaches the bolt just fine.
I don't understand why 5 cylinder engines are not more popular. When done correctly they are as smooth as a V6, easier to package due to being narrower and cheaper to make due to only needing one cylinder head and one set of camshafts.
@@EdgarsLS I think V6s shouldnt even exist. Thats my based take for the day. The absolute dream engine configuration I can think of would be a turbodiesel i6 with a belt driven camshaft because fuck chains.
Yesterday I was looking for a mechanical review on a Jetta 2.5 5 cyl on your channel because it seems like a nice engine, but didnt find it. Glad I found a breakdown.
It's the most reliable gas engine VW made during that era & they stopped making them like fools. I wouldn't buy one of there direct injection 4 cylinder with turbo engines. BTW you don't need a new valve cover to change the PVC diaphragm on these engines. There's a cap you can pop off but its plastic so use plastic & not metal to pry it off. The PVC Diaphragm is $10 while the valve cover is $100+. If you've come across one thats well maintained its worth buying. It's also important to know what transmission it's paired with. If its an AISIN transmission, which is Toyota, it's even better. VW makes DSG transmission that isn't bad but it's very expensive if it breaks. I've got a 2012 Jetta 2.5L with almost 200K and it runs great, 25 28 mpg & the issues i've had have been minor. The AC compressor does have a solenoid that cost about $25-$30 that goes out & its easy to get to & held in with a clap ring. I buy all my parts off Amazon.
I heard it's common for the valve cover to break when changing the PCV. The transmission that came with this one was toast. I should make a teardown video someday ...
Excellent engines, far more reliable than any of the turbo gas engines they produce. The 2.5, 5 cylinders can easily do 250,000 miles++ easy to maintain and work on.
I love our 2008 VW Rabbit outside of the automatic transmission issues we've run into. The engine still runs strong at 145k miles and still has some great power. As much as I like it, I still found myself a Honda Fit while my girlfriend kept the Rabbit. Cheaper/easier maintenance goes a long way as I use my Fit for work now. Cool video!
@@speedkar99 Well, it has rough shifts or it'll slip out of gear entirely if you accelerate too hard. We've replaced the solenoids and that has made the problem more manageable, but it still happens from time to time.
Still going strong on my 2009 jetta at 173k. I got it from my dad after 6 years of highway, he bought it used and we only had to rework the trans once. Ever since that one problem we've had no issues, love this car
Amazing motor. It has had its fair share of issues, but it has never left me stranded. Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332. Parts that have failed on mine: 2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit (DIY) Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG (Indy shop)
@@speedkar99 the transmission is good bought the car with 100k miles from old people and then it’s been abused for the past 30,000 miles the car has been sitting for over a year because it doesn’t have AC but it still starts and drives
I had 1990 Audi 90 back in the day... I should have never sold that. The 5 cylinder was smooth but slow off the line. But would cruise at 80 MPH like nothing was going on.
Used to drive around in an unloved/abandoned '87-ish Audi 5000 after high school and you're right: these cars would just criuse at 80 mph with that 5 cylinder, maintained or not. Smooth as butter. And that was with a THREE SPEED automatic. I remember thinking the engine must have come through the front bumper in an accident the first time I opened up the engine bay on that Audi. 😂 Not to mention hunting for the battery (under the rear passenger seat)...
I still drive my Audi 1990 90 20v. 170hp 2.3L 5cyl engine code 7A. 221,500 miles, still smooth! Rare engines, although I would love to see you tear one down. They were well engineered.
I learned a lot, thanks for the upload! Also, what you 'took apart' at the end is the secondary air pump. it's connected via hose to the check valve at the back of the engine and the throttle body.
Regular maintenance took mine to 225k miles before it was totaled, still ran like a top. I'd done the valve cover at 220k after it started leaking, it was varnished but the cam lobes were still shiny clean. Changed the oil every 5k, as you should
Here in Europe the most popular VAG 5 cyl is the 2,5 TDI like in the T4 Transporter. These old diesels regularly go over 500k km and they're doing well even past 1 million if maintained.
The house construction stalled up recently...there's a roof with shingles and windows ..no siding or bricks or interior yet. November will be one year ...
I have one of these in a mk6 jetta and she has been the most reliable first car I could ask for. She has 201000 miles on her and she has taken it with Grace. Transmission acts funny in automatic mode but in manual mode shes aight. Ill drive her til she wont drive and hope i see some junkyard jettas lol. Appreciate the teardown. Not a lot of info on these engines all over the place except reapirs for common issues.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332. Parts that have failed on mine: 2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit (DIY) Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG (Indy shop) My auto trans is failing. A replacement is coming soon. My transmission was never serviced until 120k miles, which was around the mileage when it started to shift rough. Six months later after I do a drain and fill, it started slipping anyway.
@@mikealicious3848 Lucas works great for the engine in these cars. Lucas makes a trans additive. Probably won't fix it. But it may give it enough of a kick to live longer. After a while the plastic oil filter housings rod will literally break. Mine happened at 180. Keep one on the ready if you don't wanna get stranded.
15:08 - Later models of the Rabbit (2008 & 2009) Jettas and Mk VI Golfs were able to produce 170 HP and 175 lb-ft torque from their 2.5L 5 cylinder engines.
It isn't true what you said about always having a piston on the power stroke. The typical power stroke is NOT 180 degrees; It starts when the spark plug fires and ends when the exhaust valve opens. Typically, sparks fire just before top dead center, and typically the exhaust valve opens about 120 degrees after top dead center, so figure on 125 degrees +/- a few of power stroke. Since on this engine during the first rotation of the 720 degrees for all cylinders to fire, you have three cylinders fire for 375 degrees of power stroke. But the second rotation only has two cylinders fire, for a total of 250 degrees of power stroke. Thus, there is about 95 degrees of dead zone on the second rotation. You are right about these things sounding cool! But the best was the Volkswagen V5 engine sold in Europe, these sounded amazing! Great video!
@@speedkar99 That is why turbo's work so well. Also, beyond this point, the primary force of the piston is not contributing to rotation of the crankshaft; Instead, it is simply pushing down on the bearings as the piston approaches bottom dead center. For proper exhaust scavenging, the exhaust needs to open early as well.
You were doing ok then you stepped in it and thats why youre reading this, LOl. The diaphram does NOT require you to replace the entire valve cover sheesh ts not a Mercedes. That engine with proper maintenance is virtually bulletproof if not the best engine vw has built in a very long time.
My head spins when I think of the engineering needed to manipulate rotational motion just to move our butts around. Plus there are millions of these contraptions everywhere. Yowza. No doubt the Germans are crafty characters. Five cylinders.....kinda wonder what the big boss said when the idea floated across his desk, especially with the fastener fights the engineers must of had. Great video as always and those comments are a hoot. Mrs in the kitchen making yummy edibles and you out front making a hell of a mess. You two are great and appreciated by us viewers. Better wash those winter woolies. We're both on different sides of the snow machine & the wind decides who gets what. Maybe TH-cam should build you a nice heated garage. ✌🌬
Gotcha, being that I worked outside at old chemical plant in all weather I understand how fingers get in cold. Plus you decide when to call it a day on video, not the engine. With me it was "can't go home till its fixed". Freezing rain is the worst. Glad its all a memory now....
@@RPS13DRlFT I actually drove one of them, well weight distribution (differential located inside the engine oilpan) so quiet and smooth running, not hoarded nice interior, maze-like path shifter. Really miss that years I had sence of joy and life
@@speedkar99 i don't see why not. Super Reliable and sounds like an old group B quattro when tuned. Terrible tuning support but these make 400 hp with stock internals, reliably. Parts are Interchangeable with the Audi rs3 07k as they are in the same family of engines. Tuned These make the same amount of power at every stage as vws TSI while sounding better and handling the power way more reliably. Whats not to love?
Great video and you provide one of THE BEST TH-cam channels about cars! It is absolutely INSANE the number of different fasteners used on auto engines today! Though not a big fan of a 5 cylinder engine - how about just adding some more cubic inches to your inline 4 cylinder? No, that makes too much sense.
Lol what type of car guy doesn't like a 5 cylinder? Whether it's from Volvo or from the VW/Audi group they are special...... They sound so good, and have very smooth power delivery. Tuned they are very visceral........ Did I mention they sound good besides they're great reliability? You've never heard a boosted 07k, group B quattro or a IMSA GTO?
@@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo Yeah this was one of there best engines & they stopped making it because of the new emissions regulations. If people really care about sustainability they'd factor in longevity & reliability but the Green Cult is like a religion & throws obvious truth & logic to the wind because it's about control to them.
I'm also without words how timing chains are designed (including parts used like spring loaded guides) in cars these days. I'm no engineer, but they seem to be overly complicated with questionable parts used. I know, "what you want the timing chain to last forever?" lol
Good info i own a 2.5 passat had to replace the compressor, throttle body, a power steering hose that was cracked and i was able to change that diaphragm and a MAP sensor probably the next thing is new brakes
You don't need a new valve cover to replace the PVC Diaphragm. You can see the cap pops off & you can replace the diaphragm & spring for $10. Just make sure you don't use metal to pry open that pvc cap. I use those plastic trim tools.
This is true but it’s a gamble especially since the last year of 2.5L was manufactured in 2014 (them being atleast 9 years old to 17 years old). Most people replace the entire valve cover as others who have tried to replace the pcv diaphragm don’t have a large success rate (atleast in the VW 2.5l Facebook group).
You can actually replace just the diaphragm, it comes with a spring and new cover. If you can find a parts guy that is any good dorman make one. I got mine from fibi a division of Bilstein. Not very expensive.
very informative video. Vivid explanation and direct. ill try to get mt hands on a jetta 2.5. Was gonna get a Q7 3.0 supercharged but i can already tell this is much easier to work on. i want to start learning auto mechanics, would this be a perfect beginner motor to build?
I have a 2013 jetta with the 2.5, and a manual transmission. I've heard about the secondary air injection pump. During a cold start, for about 5 seconds, it sounds like a toy with a really gunked up plastic gearing setup, then after the 5 seconds it sounds like a vacuum turning off. I've heard that it might be the pump and that it should be replaced. It's about $80USD. Just wanting a second opinion. Also how can I tell when the PCV diaphragm goes?
I have always felt (since living in Germany years ago) that the VW/Audi/Porsche engineers designed the vehicles with the mentality that if any part went bad, you just need to replace the component as a whole. And they definitely did not care about the aftermarket back then. Maybe it was an economic thing..creating jobs/income for anybody who wanted to hold on to their old car?
I've always felt that German engineers design engines with the mentality that if any one part goes bad, replace the entire vehicle. Total deletion of the engine oil dipstick among other totally asinine and hostile to the owner design decisions confirm this.
Really, only 148hp? Not comparing apples to oranges but the Volvo N/A I5 2.4 liter makes 176hp. If this is the block for the RS3 then the head and turbo make drastic hp gains, interesting. Not completely sold on doing a timing job and having to separate the trans from the engine. But those RS3s are fast! IMO
Dude that engine produces 170 or 177 hp in the 2008 rabbit can't remember if 177 was torque or hp but the other is 170 so either way somehow they got an extra 22 to 29 hp after 2007 same engine also produces 150ish in the 2011 jetta.. why I don't know 😕
@@speedkar99 170 HP sounds more like it, thnx for the reply. Honda made some i5s I guess, can you keep an eye out for one of them for a teardown plse? I can only imagine how much HP and torque a direct injected, turbo'd, and V-tech'd i5 would produce? lol
@@michaelstrongbow2336 this engine was handicapped by the factory to not compete with TSI sales. That's why these barely made power from factory. Integrated Engineering makes a nice stage 2 N/A kits that pushes these into 225 hp. They fully built one to 280hp. The sound clips are a eargasm I suggest you research. These can take about 12 bars of boost reliably making 400 hp max with stock internals . With internal modded, they can make as much power as an RS3 due to parts interchangeability. 2. These engines are part of the 07k family of engines including the Audis. These are just watered down. Iroz motorsports in Las Vegas uses the VW iron block for their 1300hp RS3. Again The parts are interchangeable. 2. The 07k engine was designed by Ulrich , who is the head Audi engine engineer. He based it from the Audi IMSA GTO race car motor. This is the same guy you created the Diesels for their dominating Le mans program. Lastly if you see some approachable builds I suggest looking up that Dude from Donut media and 07k swapped golf or ECS Tuning project 944 Safari car.
im not an engineer but i cant think of any reason why in lots of german engines they put the timing part on the side of flywheel. so if something goes wrong with timing ( which lots of them are famous for that ) its would be such a pain to fix a simple timing issue
Agreed. Seems Akward from a servicing perspective. For longitudinal mount it makes more of the weight towards the back of the car but that doesn't make sense in transverse mount....🤔
Probably one of the best engines VW has ever made, I regularly see these with 200,000+ miles. I've had two of them personally and haven't ever had any major issues. 300,000+ miles combined on both of mine
Heartily agree. I have a 2.5 Jetta with 263k and it replaced another 2.5 Jetta that had close to 200k before it was totaled. Zero major issues.
Mine currently has 202,000 miles and going strong.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332.
Parts that have failed on mine:
2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer)
2020: Alternator (Indy shop)
2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY)
2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop)
2023: belt tensioner (DIY)
2024: valve cover kit (DIY)
Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG (Indy shop)
I’m at 190k miles on mine.. just replaced valve gasket, map sensor, spark plugs and coil over packs. Also put on new brakes. She’s running pretty strong still.
Probably why they make it complicated and hard to work because they know this engine would rarely see a wrench. So they give the customer 3 times or maybe more labor cost to fix it. If it's ford or just normal asian car, yeah they easy to work on but that also mean you'll have to work on it at least 3 or 4 times in the lifespan. 😂
LOVE THE SOUND OF A STRAIGHT 5 AND THAT MINI V 10 SOUND !!
This engine is so clean I'd like to believe you're rebuilding these engines or selling them as parts. These generation of cars makes it hard to be an all round mechanic because of specialty tools. I'm a mechanic and I find it frustrating...
Nah I'm not rebuilding. Not worth the effort.
And yeah specialty tools are becoming too common place...don't even get started on diagnostic tools for the electronics now
Send me the top end plz
I have learned a LOT from you, now I actually work on my car myself, I can't believe how much money I've wasted on dealerships. Thank you
I'm glad you appreciate my videos
Having a trusted and honest mechanic that actually knows what they are doing is indeed a hard find. I started working on cars and learning about them like you after spending way too much money for a poor service. I also (even though I'm an accountant by trade) have even worked in the auto parts stores. And I can tell you, throughout the car industry the "unspoken" creed is to charge customers for something they do not need. Replacing an already fine part to add to the bill. But also what working at the auto parts store taught me was which brands to buy for specific parts. As it is rare every brand makes every part they sell well and consistent throughout the brand. And then there are the brands that have narrow and focused business focusing on specific parts. Like best bearings are made by FAG (I know, don't laugh). But FAG does not make complete wheel hubs. For Hubs and brakes Centric is a really good focused brand on those parts. But the very best brake pads are probably Akibono. Yep after the Sumo wrestler. lol. So even when working on your car it's good to do a little research. But you are correct about working on your own vehicle, because you can trust yourself. If you do proper maintenance your car will not break down. Driving your car till it breaks is just plain dumb, but happens because not every can afford proper maintenance. But those are your cheap cars. And why I like to buy used premium cars because they are always serviced and cared for so much better than "average" cars. And I don't see a new car worth its price today anywhere. Possibly the new Ford Maverick. Possibly. You are on the right track my friend, and never be afraid of 12V electricity and with a little information you can work on that as well (making sure to have the needed tools). Just remember car companies overly engineer electrical systems in cars to make it difficult to do yourself. And "simplifying" an electrical system is always possible, just think in terms of a "complete circuit" and you should be okay. In other words, running the electrical for the wipers through the cars stereo is pretty dumb. Stereo breaks and you lose the wipers. So to go around it is to have the wipers on their own complete circuit or loop. Anyway take care, and by the way using 100% synthetic motor oil like Amsoil (instead of "full synthetic" which is a blend of 10-40% synthetic with mineral oil) is one of the best things you can do for your car. It seems more expensive until you realize you can go 3x longer between oil changes safely with 100% synthetic. Peace.
one more thing to add because "it should not happen but does" is your O2 sensors. They do not have anything to do with air/fuel mixture unless one goes bad. Then the ECM is programmed to screw up the air fuel mixture to run bad if one of the O2 sensors go out in an attempt to force you to go and get them replaced. The o2 sensors are there on the exhaust simply to stop you from removing the catalytic converter. This is naturally on newer models starting around 2012 forward. Just an FYI because this is the EPA being sneaky. Oh yeah, the addition of an oil catch can is also a great benefit for your engine. And only a "nominal" impact on the environment because of the filters on them today. This is a necessity if you happen to have a "direct injection" engine which so many of the newer engines are today. But they do not add the oil catch can. What, you want the motor to last forever or something? lol. This stops any carbon buildup in the valves and even cylinders from happening. Also, adding a low temp thermostat is also a good idea. Something around 160-170 degress. Thermostat temps have been rising because it is believed a hotter engine "pollutes" less. Uh, no not really, as internal temps in combustion chamber are the same. It is just best for your engine and all the plastic components on them these days to have a low temp thermostat. NASCAR uses a 160 degree thermostat. If it is good enough for NASCAR I figure it is good enough for me. lol
@@speedkar99 AND your humor! 😂
That is a forged crankshaft you have there! You can sell that for a few hundred dollars. Only 06-07 models had a chance of having one. It was like a lottery.
Didn't know that. Oh well!
Fantastic engine! Bulletproof with good maintenance. They are not actually that hard to work on and later years do not have the odd bolt under the intake. My 2012 Golf mk6 with 2.5L has 289,000 miles on it today and runs like a top. Great video!
That "odd bolt" exists on all of them, however there is a hole for access in the intake. Just need a real long allen key from like HF. Im at 135,000 on mine and have done no major maintenance except the clutch and oil changes.
All I’ve ever done to mine was a vacuum pump delete, the gasket failed twice and I said screw it, 216k and runs like a champ
(Edit: +Maintenance obv)
166,555 today. My 07k has maintenance from VW records back to mile 11. I do all my own maintenance and repairs now, been working on cars for 20 years. This engine is amazing.
There is a hole for that last hex on the intake manifold. I made my own tool with a long 1/4” extension with a homemade hex loctited into a socket to reach that bolt. Also the socket is loctite to the extension. Reaches the bolt just fine.
I'd like to see a VW VR5 engine from the early 2000s. This 2.5 I-5 is underrated and well taken care of with potential
I'd also love to see a vr6
I don't understand why 5 cylinder engines are not more popular. When done correctly they are as smooth as a V6, easier to package due to being narrower and cheaper to make due to only needing one cylinder head and one set of camshafts.
V6's have a lot more parts, manufacturers like that because it drives the service costs up, and that's more profit for them.
@@EdgarsLS True but they cost more to make so less profit when they sell them in the beginning.
@@EdgarsLS I think V6s shouldnt even exist. Thats my based take for the day.
The absolute dream engine configuration I can think of would be a turbodiesel i6 with a belt driven camshaft because fuck chains.
@@alouisschafer7212 Gears
Build it once with gears and never touch it until there is a mechanical failure
@@alouisschafer7212 why fuck chains? If done correctly they last the lifetime of the engine.
Yesterday I was looking for a mechanical review on a Jetta 2.5 5 cyl on your channel because it seems like a nice engine, but didnt find it. Glad I found a breakdown.
It's the most reliable gas engine VW made during that era & they stopped making them like fools. I wouldn't buy one of there direct injection 4 cylinder with turbo engines. BTW you don't need a new valve cover to change the PVC diaphragm on these engines. There's a cap you can pop off but its plastic so use plastic & not metal to pry it off. The PVC Diaphragm is $10 while the valve cover is $100+. If you've come across one thats well maintained its worth buying. It's also important to know what transmission it's paired with. If its an AISIN transmission, which is Toyota, it's even better. VW makes DSG transmission that isn't bad but it's very expensive if it breaks. I've got a 2012 Jetta 2.5L with almost 200K and it runs great, 25 28 mpg & the issues i've had have been minor. The AC compressor does have a solenoid that cost about $25-$30 that goes out & its easy to get to & held in with a clap ring. I buy all my parts off Amazon.
I heard it's common for the valve cover to break when changing the PCV.
The transmission that came with this one was toast. I should make a teardown video someday ...
Well I'm glad you found it!!
That pump you broke at the end of the video was a secondary air injection pump for the converter
I'm a noob lol
I saw coolant lines going to it and thought it was a secondary water pump
Had the joy of driving the 2.5 van in the early 2000s. Heaps of torque and what a great sound this engine made.
Like a v10
Excellent engines, far more reliable than any of the turbo gas engines they produce. The 2.5, 5 cylinders can easily do 250,000 miles++ easy to maintain and work on.
The 2.0 gas 4 banger is much simpler
@@speedkar99yea but it’s boring and slow 😂 so it all evens out😂
I love our 2008 VW Rabbit outside of the automatic transmission issues we've run into. The engine still runs strong at 145k miles and still has some great power. As much as I like it, I still found myself a Honda Fit while my girlfriend kept the Rabbit. Cheaper/easier maintenance goes a long way as I use my Fit for work now. Cool video!
So what happened with the transmission? I have the failed transmission here that I can teardown for y'all
@@speedkar99which transmission? I got a mk6 jetta with this same engine and I’ve been told the transmission is the weakest point
@@speedkar99 Well, it has rough shifts or it'll slip out of gear entirely if you accelerate too hard. We've replaced the solenoids and that has made the problem more manageable, but it still happens from time to time.
Had a stick jetta at 280k, no problem whatsoever
@@dizzinessman6683 I mean, apples vs oranges here, but congrats
Still going strong on my 2009 jetta at 173k. I got it from my dad after 6 years of highway, he bought it used and we only had to rework the trans once. Ever since that one problem we've had no issues, love this car
Amazing motor. It has had its fair share of issues, but it has never left me stranded. Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332.
Parts that have failed on mine:
2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer)
2020: Alternator (Indy shop)
2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY)
2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop)
2023: belt tensioner (DIY)
2024: valve cover kit (DIY)
Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG (Indy shop)
Tip for intake manifold removal use an allan for a 1/4 impact with a multiple or one long extension slide it through the holes and it works.
Thanks for the tip
I ran the last five hours of an 18 hour trip in limp mode in with the 2.5 and it was still smooth even though it was very sluggish
Why was it in limp mode
Drove through deep water on the highway then it went bad
Did the transmission fail on you too?
@@speedkar99 the transmission is good bought the car with 100k miles from old people and then it’s been abused for the past 30,000 miles the car has been sitting for over a year because it doesn’t have AC but it still starts and drives
@@keg4998if it's still sitting depending on where you are and general condition I might be Interested in buying lol
I have this engine. I am at 177722. I plan to take this motor well into upper hundred thousands . She drives dam near like the day she was made
You are one of the best instructors I have ever seen or heard
Glad you appreciate it
My jetta sitting at 305K no issues, it's bullet proof engine I would say
Diesel?
@@speedkar99 2.5 gas
I had 1990 Audi 90 back in the day... I should have never sold that. The 5 cylinder was smooth but slow off the line. But would cruise at 80 MPH like nothing was going on.
Volvo is like that smooth and quiet...
Used to drive around in an unloved/abandoned '87-ish Audi 5000 after high school and you're right: these cars would just criuse at 80 mph with that 5 cylinder, maintained or not. Smooth as butter. And that was with a THREE SPEED automatic.
I remember thinking the engine must have come through the front bumper in an accident the first time I opened up the engine bay on that Audi. 😂 Not to mention hunting for the battery (under the rear passenger seat)...
Awesome!
I still drive my Audi 1990 90 20v. 170hp 2.3L 5cyl engine code 7A. 221,500 miles, still smooth! Rare engines, although I would love to see you tear one down. They were well engineered.
I learned a lot, thanks for the upload! Also, what you 'took apart' at the end is the secondary air pump. it's connected via hose to the check valve at the back of the engine and the throttle body.
I still drive my 08 Rabbit with this engine. 125k MI. I’d love to keep it but based on this video, once something dies I’m junking it.
Awesome. If you have the automatic...watch out
Regular maintenance took mine to 225k miles before it was totaled, still ran like a top. I'd done the valve cover at 220k after it started leaking, it was varnished but the cam lobes were still shiny clean. Changed the oil every 5k, as you should
Here in Europe the most popular VAG 5 cyl is the 2,5 TDI like in the T4 Transporter. These old diesels regularly go over 500k km and they're doing well even past 1 million if maintained.
Special tool for the hoses killed me 😆
Lol
Mine had an aluminium oil pan from factory - something I miss on new VWs
Ok good know. Maybe this was aluminum too then...
I Love your specialty tools! The water pump disassembly at the end was amazing! Done in such short order. Btw how is your neighbors house going?
The house construction stalled up recently...there's a roof with shingles and windows ..no siding or bricks or interior yet. November will be one year ...
I have one of these in a mk6 jetta and she has been the most reliable first car I could ask for. She has 201000 miles on her and she has taken it with Grace. Transmission acts funny in automatic mode but in manual mode shes aight. Ill drive her til she wont drive and hope i see some junkyard jettas lol. Appreciate the teardown. Not a lot of info on these engines all over the place except reapirs for common issues.
Awesome! Transmission issues seem to be what take these cars off the roads.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332.
Parts that have failed on mine:
2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer)
2020: Alternator (Indy shop)
2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY)
2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop)
2023: belt tensioner (DIY)
2024: valve cover kit (DIY)
Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG (Indy shop)
My auto trans is failing. A replacement is coming soon. My transmission was never serviced until 120k miles, which was around the mileage when it started to shift rough. Six months later after I do a drain and fill, it started slipping anyway.
@@mikealicious3848 Lucas works great for the engine in these cars. Lucas makes a trans additive. Probably won't fix it. But it may give it enough of a kick to live longer.
After a while the plastic oil filter housings rod will literally break. Mine happened at 180. Keep one on the ready if you don't wanna get stranded.
15:08 - Later models of the Rabbit (2008 & 2009) Jettas and Mk VI Golfs were able to produce 170 HP and 175 lb-ft torque from their 2.5L 5 cylinder engines.
Yes , I misquoted that
But boy did that uncle have a marvelous voice!
Haha, sure sounds great
im learning more about cars from your videos then from my teachers. Thanks for the help :D
They take boost quite well, even with nothing done internally.
My man!!
So I've heard!
My mother in-law is also an anomaly but you don't see me making TH-cam videos about it with the opening line "let me show you what's inside"
Should
Hahaha
I love both of my 2.5 5 cylinder vws!!
Awesome. Any issues?
It isn't true what you said about always having a piston on the power stroke. The typical power stroke is NOT 180 degrees; It starts when the spark plug fires and ends when the exhaust valve opens. Typically, sparks fire just before top dead center, and typically the exhaust valve opens about 120 degrees after top dead center, so figure on 125 degrees +/- a few of power stroke.
Since on this engine during the first rotation of the 720 degrees for all cylinders to fire, you have three cylinders fire for 375 degrees of power stroke. But the second rotation only has two cylinders fire, for a total of 250 degrees of power stroke. Thus, there is about 95 degrees of dead zone on the second rotation.
You are right about these things sounding cool! But the best was the Volkswagen V5 engine sold in Europe, these sounded amazing!
Great video!
125*? That seems like alot of power will go out the exhaust!
@@speedkar99 That is why turbo's work so well. Also, beyond this point, the primary force of the piston is not contributing to rotation of the crankshaft; Instead, it is simply pushing down on the bearings as the piston approaches bottom dead center.
For proper exhaust scavenging, the exhaust needs to open early as well.
I had one of these in a 1992 Euto van Westfalia wish I still had it,, great engine did 30 MPG Imperial G
I was waiting this video all my life!
Ahhhhhh , if ONLY, it was that easy to tear down an engine. In my dreams only. lol Just love your channel. Great videos, more please.
Sure thing. Gonna see if I can get to review some cars this fall
Is there a change you will ever get a 1.9TDI engine to disassemble.
I've already taken apart one...check my other VW videos 😉
"Kind of like that weird uncle who never got married"
Fitting, because this fiver was the last of its lineage 💀
Haha truth!
220K on my 2012 Passat with the 2.5 one of the best cars I've ever owned.
This makes my head hurt 😂 props to you guys that rebuild motors 💪
0:34 man, im always watchin, looking for potential boat motor upgrades, but at this point, this motor sounds like a nightmare in a boat
Try a Honda K series ?
You were doing ok then you stepped in it and thats why youre reading this, LOl. The diaphram does NOT require you to replace the entire valve cover sheesh ts not a Mercedes. That engine with proper maintenance is virtually bulletproof if not the best engine vw has built in a very long time.
My head spins when I think of the engineering needed to manipulate rotational motion just to move our butts around. Plus there are millions of these contraptions everywhere. Yowza. No doubt the Germans are crafty characters. Five cylinders.....kinda wonder what the big boss said when the idea floated across his desk, especially with the fastener fights the engineers must of had. Great video as always and those comments are a hoot. Mrs in the kitchen making yummy edibles and you out front making a hell of a mess. You two are great and appreciated by us viewers. Better wash those winter woolies. We're both on different sides of the snow machine & the wind decides who gets what. Maybe TH-cam should build you a nice heated garage. ✌🌬
Thanks!!
Would be nice to have a better setting but I'm happy with what I have.
Gotcha, being that I worked outside at old chemical plant in all weather I understand how fingers get in cold. Plus you decide when to call it a day on video, not the engine. With me it was "can't go home till its fixed". Freezing rain is the worst. Glad its all a memory now....
very informative video, i have one of these and it runs great with 120k miles
This is a great video thanks for the detailed teardown🎉
You are welcome
2008 Rabbit with 165,000 miles, runs great. Leaks a tiny bit of oil and coolant. But what's with the tiny little bulbs inside the headlight housing?
Well narrated and very informative! Sir ! I look forward to viewing more on your channel! 👍👍
There’s a slight typo on the title! It’s Anomaly! Great video as always
Thanks. I fixed it a while ago, let me know if it shows up on your end.
Honda did 5 cylinder engine in longitudinal layout for domestic market Inspire, nice torque and hp
Pretty interesting considering it was still fwd
@@RPS13DRlFT I actually drove one of them, well weight distribution (differential located inside the engine oilpan) so quiet and smooth running, not hoarded nice interior, maze-like path shifter. Really miss that years I had sence of joy and life
I agreed...I was pondering over one at the junkyard and was intrigued by the engine/ transmission layout
Best engine ever
Sure..
@@speedkar99 i don't see why not. Super Reliable and sounds like an old group B quattro when tuned. Terrible tuning support but these make 400 hp with stock internals, reliably. Parts are Interchangeable with the Audi rs3 07k as they are in the same family of engines. Tuned These make the same amount of power at every stage as vws TSI while sounding better and handling the power way more reliably. Whats not to love?
Great video and you provide one of THE BEST TH-cam channels about cars! It is absolutely INSANE the number of different fasteners used on auto engines today! Though not a big fan of a 5 cylinder engine - how about just adding some more cubic inches to your inline 4 cylinder? No, that makes too much sense.
I'm glad you appreciate my work. Agreed on the fastener count!
Lol what type of car guy doesn't like a 5 cylinder? Whether it's from Volvo or from the VW/Audi group they are special...... They sound so good, and have very smooth power delivery. Tuned they are very visceral........ Did I mention they sound good besides they're great reliability? You've never heard a boosted 07k, group B quattro or a IMSA GTO?
@@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo Yeah this was one of there best engines & they stopped making it because of the new emissions regulations. If people really care about sustainability they'd factor in longevity & reliability but the Green Cult is like a religion & throws obvious truth & logic to the wind because it's about control to them.
I'm also without words how timing chains are designed (including parts used like spring loaded guides) in cars these days. I'm no engineer, but they seem to be overly complicated with questionable parts used. I know, "what you want the timing chain to last forever?" lol
Good info i own a 2.5 passat had to replace the compressor, throttle body, a power steering hose that was cracked and i was able to change that diaphragm and a MAP sensor probably the next thing is new brakes
You don't need a new valve cover to replace the PVC Diaphragm. You can see the cap pops off & you can replace the diaphragm & spring for $10. Just make sure you don't use metal to pry open that pvc cap. I use those plastic trim tools.
But don't they break when you try prying them off?
This is true but it’s a gamble especially since the last year of 2.5L was manufactured in 2014 (them being atleast 9 years old to 17 years old). Most people replace the entire valve cover as others who have tried to replace the pcv diaphragm don’t have a large success rate (atleast in the VW 2.5l Facebook group).
You can actually replace just the diaphragm, it comes with a spring and new cover. If you can find a parts guy that is any good dorman make one. I got mine from fibi a division of Bilstein. Not very expensive.
@@Tony-375 what does it matter if the last production year was 2014? Are emplying that the plastic is weak due to age?......
@@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo yes I work on cars everyday at a Honda dealership. I’d say you’re gambling with it and that’s even if the new pcv diagram works.
That electric "water pump" is your Secondary air pump for emissions reduction at cold starts
Thanks for the correction. Should have done my research on that one
It's Really awesome 💯, never worked on these Engine VW engine before but trust me .. i totally loved it!
You actually just don't need to service it. They're great.
😢
Is that a forged crank? It sure looks like it. Anyone knows?
Great breakdown, very detailed. Thanks 👍🏽!!
Greetings from Algeria And thanks for the information
Hello from Canada
I love "my brothers old toothbrush, Tshirt, my ladies pajamas on my side of the bed" parts of the video 😂😂😂😂
Haha I'm glad you appreciate the little reality checks.
very informative video. Vivid explanation and direct. ill try to get mt hands on a jetta 2.5. Was gonna get a Q7 3.0 supercharged but i can already tell this is much easier to work on. i want to start learning auto mechanics, would this be a perfect beginner motor to build?
That uncle that never got married we all have is a genius!
Has anyone had any issues with the timing chain?
Yes, it's a common issue in high mileage. Good to take care of it and the transmission at the same time, while you're at it.
I need one of those heavy duty torx sockets.
The T30?
Seems to be pretty common on VWs and I'm always breaking them lol
What gasket goes under the camshaft cradle? Do you happen to have the part number?
Please do a high mileage v8 hemi with mds to check for uneven wear.
If those lower exhaust manifold bolts are so difficult to reach, then how they were being assembled in the factory?
I wonder that too
I'm scratching my head in that too. Crazy designs
probably by robots
Not that difficult. I replaced exhaust gasket in about an hour. Ratcheting box end wrench set of jack stands and new nuts and favorite music.
I have a 2013 jetta with the 2.5, and a manual transmission. I've heard about the secondary air injection pump. During a cold start, for about 5 seconds, it sounds like a toy with a really gunked up plastic gearing setup, then after the 5 seconds it sounds like a vacuum turning off. I've heard that it might be the pump and that it should be replaced. It's about $80USD. Just wanting a second opinion. Also how can I tell when the PCV diaphragm goes?
I have always felt (since living in Germany years ago) that the VW/Audi/Porsche engineers designed the vehicles with the mentality that if any part went bad, you just need to replace the component as a whole.
And they definitely did not care about the aftermarket back then.
Maybe it was an economic thing..creating jobs/income for anybody who wanted to hold on to their old car?
I've always felt that German engineers design engines with the mentality that if any one part goes bad, replace the entire vehicle. Total deletion of the engine oil dipstick among other totally asinine and hostile to the owner design decisions confirm this.
Yes. It's part of planned obsolescence.
The fuel lines are fine buddy, they've been doing that for 40+ years lol
Gotta get me one of those ‘special’ pliers for separating electrical connectors. Must be a newly invented tool or something.
I ve been waiting a long time for this, mk5 vw were the last ones I liked
No problem
As usual very interesting and a great watch and listen.
Thanks
What's an anamoly?🤔
Fixed it. Lol
Idk why but when I was removing intake manifold their access ports where matching with bolts on the bottom when I was doing thermostat 🤷♂️
The dead pan sexual innuendo's are my kinda content!
At least in my Volvo ('99 T5) I can access the intake and exhaust bolts.
Nice.
Those volvo 5 cylinders are designed to be able to be worked on, unlike vw and audi equivalents
What kind of special side cutters are those that can disconnect the harnesses without damaging them? ;)
Snip!
Great information. Thank you!
These engines are related to the audi 2.5 and take boost remarkably well you can throw a turbo kit on it and then make around 300hp reliably
Thanks! Great video.
Welcome
This was a great engine in the Passat if well maintained, if neglected the timing chains fail and the car becomes a money pit.
Always wondered about the chains...being at the rear of the engine it much people mention failures
Really, only 148hp? Not comparing apples to oranges but the Volvo N/A I5 2.4 liter makes 176hp. If this is the block for the RS3 then the head and turbo make drastic hp gains, interesting. Not completely sold on doing a timing job and having to separate the trans from the engine. But those RS3s are fast! IMO
Sorry I got the number mixed up it's 170HP which is more comparable but still paltry by today's standards given 4 bangers are making 200+
Dude that engine produces 170 or 177 hp in the 2008 rabbit can't remember if 177 was torque or hp but the other is 170 so either way somehow they got an extra 22 to 29 hp after 2007 same engine also produces 150ish in the 2011 jetta.. why I don't know 😕
@@speedkar99 170 HP sounds more like it, thnx for the reply. Honda made some i5s I guess, can you keep an eye out for one of them for a teardown plse? I can only imagine how much HP and torque a direct injected, turbo'd, and V-tech'd i5 would produce? lol
@@michaelstrongbow2336 this engine was handicapped by the factory to not compete with TSI sales. That's why these barely made power from factory. Integrated Engineering makes a nice stage 2 N/A kits that pushes these into 225 hp. They fully built one to 280hp. The sound clips are a eargasm I suggest you research. These can take about 12 bars of boost reliably making 400 hp max with stock internals . With internal modded, they can make as much power as an RS3 due to parts interchangeability.
2. These engines are part of the 07k family of engines including the Audis. These are just watered down. Iroz motorsports in Las Vegas uses the VW iron block for their 1300hp RS3. Again The parts are interchangeable.
2. The 07k engine was designed by Ulrich , who is the head Audi engine engineer. He based it from the Audi IMSA GTO race car motor. This is the same guy you created the Diesels for their dominating Le mans program.
Lastly if you see some approachable builds I suggest looking up that Dude from Donut media and 07k swapped golf or ECS Tuning project 944 Safari car.
I loved my Audi 4000 quattro 5-cyl, but even in unboosted, single-cam form it was a money pit. Speedkar's dry humor keeps me laughing.
Glad you appreciate the little reality checks, we all live through them
You're lucky enough. This engine has a forged crankshaft. What year of manufacture is this engine? Are there any numbers on the engine or crankshaft?
2008 was rated at 170hp
Cool vid, you should do a previa pancake
My vw golf 5 2.5l 2008 have 311000k is in great condition you can up 210kmh very easily now
Notification Squad!🔥🔥🔥
Thanks
Thanks!
Welcome
NOT WEIRD at all if you like it.
VW five cylinder..
Mine has 345k miles and still has nearly as much power and mpg as it did at its best
190k going to change the valve gasket cover this weekend
Again great video
Thanks
Man i love this guy av even changed my name to speedkar 99😅😅
Well thank you 😊
im not an engineer but i cant think of any reason why in lots of german engines they put the timing part on the side of flywheel. so if something goes wrong with timing ( which lots of them are famous for that ) its would be such a pain to fix a simple timing issue
Agreed. Seems Akward from a servicing perspective. For longitudinal mount it makes more of the weight towards the back of the car but that doesn't make sense in transverse mount....🤔