PD cam failure - Data collection thread

Is there a PD cam/lifter issue?

  • Yes

    Votes: 158 68.7%
  • No

    Votes: 72 31.3%

  • Total voters
    230

SBAtdijetta

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 19, 2006
Location
Houston, TX
TDI
'10 Jetta Cup 6spd, '02 Jetta Auto
Hi guys,

My goal here is to collect as much data as I can. I want to know all the details of every Mk4 and Mk5, BEW & BRM, PD cam failure I can find. So if you, your neighbor, grandmother, or anyone else you know has had a cam/lifter failure in a PD I want to know about it.

Thank you very much for your time and data. That said I would like to keep this to data only as much as I can, thanks! For all non data posts please go here: Off-topic posts from Cam Failure Data Collection thread thanks GoFaster!

So info I am looking for: Please use Whitedog's format below, thanks!

Mine for example:

Engine: BRM
COO: Poland
Year: 2006, 03/06 build
Cam failure Y/N, miles: Yes, 38.7k
Type of failure: Mainly abrasion or wear on #3 exhaust lobe, some on follower #3
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: 5w40 Motul 505.01 @5k, 5w40 Castrol TXT (G052167A2) 505.01 @10k, 5w40 ELF DID 505.01 @20k, 5w30 ELF SOLARIS SLX 505.01 @30k
Miles on car: 39k
Mods: Chipped, EGR X since 9k; chipped, bigger turbo, bigger oil cooler, and exhaust since 31k, bypass filter since 32k
Number of starts per day, typically: 4-7

New cam Data:

When was cam replaced: N/a
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest: Car has been driven for short trips (1 mile) back and forth to work 2x/ day after 9k miles due to changing jobs. I also have a 25+ mile trip (one way) to school after work, and then 25+ miles back home every day during the school semesters. Driving it cold I could get into the throttle too much before it can warm up on those (short trips). Aftermarket Turbo failure and replacement at 34k, was installed at (31k).


EDIT: Changed my format to match Whitedog's much better layout, thanks for the assist WD!

EDIT: For clarification also noted I do also have long trips in my everyday commute as well as the few short trips.

Also added COO (country of origin) data. This was suggested by another poster and I thought it was a good idea.
 
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SBAtdijetta

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 19, 2006
Location
Houston, TX
TDI
'10 Jetta Cup 6spd, '02 Jetta Auto
Ok so I have tried to ask for no speculation, and you may :rolleyes: for posting this thread in the first place. (If so you can just vote in the poll I just added ;)) But whatever it does not bother me either way there may be an issue with the PD and I want to shed some light on it...

If there was a way to automatically poll all the drivers with failed cams/lifters I would love to do so. If we could get them to give their driving conditions, OCIs, all of that info etc, even how many starts per day that would be informative I think.

This thread is the best I can come up with, and I hope some of you take a second to offer up your data.

Thanks again! For taking the time :)
-Steve

...I have edited my own post to remove my own speculation....;) So.... please make sure you do the same when/if you post. Thanks!

EDIT*** Cam info here:
IF you have any other questions about cam failure please first read, then post in this thread! Here: BRM Cam failure Thanks.

Data only please
Non data posts should go elsewhere, or they will be asked to be deleted, thanks. For all non data posts please go here: Off-topic posts from Cam Failure Data Collection thread thanks GoFaster!
 
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whitedog

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2004
Location
Bend, Oregon
TDI
2004 Jetta that I fill by myself
Steve shall we make this easy? Just copy this format, paste it into your new post and add your information.

If people have their UOAs here, you can provide a link to them in the other information section.

Engine:
Year:
Cam failure Y/N, miles:
Type of failure:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Miles on car:
Engine Mods:
Number of starts per day, typically:

New cam Data:


When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest:
 
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whitedog

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2004
Location
Bend, Oregon
TDI
2004 Jetta that I fill by myself
Engine: BEW
Year: 2004
Cam failure Y/N, miles: Yes, 62,000
Type of failure: Radial grooves on #4 exhaust follower. Slight galling on both #4 lobes and #1 Ex. lobe.
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: Castrol TXT 505.01 by me
Miles on car: 68,XXX
Mods: None
Number of starts per day, typically: 3-4

New cam Data:

When was cam replaced: N/A
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest: Short trips have made up probably 80% of the starts for the first 55,000 miles. Occasionally, I would need to give a short burst of speed to get across one road when leaving from work while the engine was cold. A LINK to most of my UOAs
 
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invader

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2008
Location
santa cruz area, ca
TDI
2006 Jetta TDI
Car: Jetta TDI
Year: 2006 Built: 02/06
Cam failure Y/N, miles: Y 70,000
Type of failure: All exhaust lifters shot some worn all the way through, Cam and cam bearings shot See the Photos here: http://pics.tdiclub.com/showgallery.php?cat=4297
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: Up to 67K miles unknown, then 505.01 elf up to cam replacement
Miles on car: 75K miles
Mods: Kerma/ST 19/52 turbo, BL cold air intake, BL 3" turbo back open exhaust, Kerma/Alligator tune
When was cam replaced: 11-26-08

New cam Data:

Miles on new cam: about 2500
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: Switched to Total Quartz 507 and added 1 bottle of ZDDP+ when new cam was put in. Will be changing very soon to M1 TDT
Any issues?: NO
Any wear?: Haven't looked yet. Plan on looking at 5000 miles on new cam. (probably mid spring)

Any other data you find important or of interest: DG oil bypass filter installed at 67500 miles.
 
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cujet

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2005
Location
Florida, Hurricane central
TDI
2006 Jetta
Engine: BEW
Year: 2006
Cam failure Y/N, miles: No, 65,000
Type of failure: No problems at this time.
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Every 5000 miles, Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck, synthetic 5-40, since 1st oil change at 3000 miles.
Miles on car: 65,XXX
Mods: None
Number of starts per day, typically: 4-8 when using the car, as it's not used every day.
 

06SpiceRedTDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2006
Location
Longview, WA
TDI
2006 Spice Red TDI Jetta, 2006.5 DSG Platinum Gray TDI
Engine: BRM Germany 1.9L
Year: 2006 12/05 Manufacture date
Cam failure Y/N, miles: N
Type of failure: very slight scuffing on #2 exhaust lobe.
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: 5k, 10k, 20k, 30k 5w30 ELF Solaris LLX 507.00/40k 5w30 Total Quartz INEO 504/507
Miles on car: 43288
Mods: 0
Number of starts per day, typically: 3-4

Any other data you find important or of interest: Started adding 3 oz of Lucas oils Zinc plus engine break-in at 43000 always driven until 190F never over 2k RPM's until temp rises past 2nd notch
 
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velociT

Top Post Dawg
Joined
May 10, 2006
Location
Not Austin, TX
TDI
06 Jetta TDI *sold*
Engine: BRM
Year: 2006 build 3/06
Engine: Poland
Cam failure: Y/N, miles: N
Type of failure: N/A
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: 5w30 505.01 at 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k. TDT CJ-4 at 21k.
Miles on car: 22.2k
Mods: Intake and 3" straight exhaust
Number of starts per day, typically: 1

Also wanted to add my car is usually only used for 10+ mile trips.
 
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robbinsresort

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2007
Location
Fort Worth, TX
TDI
06 Jetta TDI, 85 Golf n/a Diesel
Engine: BRM
Year: 2006, 03/06 build
COO: Poland
Cam failure Y/N, miles: No. Premature cam wear: yes. Cam inspected by Randy (Mach1) at 54k miles
Type of failure: Premature wear on 2 & 3 exhaust lobe and followers
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Dealer serviced at 5 and 10k (before I bought it)
19k: Pentosynth TS 505.01 5w-40, Mann filter
29k: Pentosynth TS 505.01 5w-40, Mann filter
38k: VW LL III 507.00 5w-30, Mann filter
49k: VW LL III 507.00 5w-30, Mann filter
54k: Mobil 1 TDT 5w-40, VW filter
Miles on car: 55k
Mods:RC1+ at 31k, G60/VR6 clutch/smf at 38k, DG oil bypass filter installed at 38k, removed at 54k.
Number of starts per day, typically: 2-3

Any other data you find important or of interest:Don't beat on the car until up to operating temp. Drive it like I stole it once warm. I like to drive the car fast out on the open roads of west Texas (aka autobahn west).
 
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PDJetta

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Nov 6, 2003
Location
Northern Virginia
TDI
'04 Jetta GLS TDI Pumpe Duce Platinum Grey w/ Leather
Here is my data (for a VERY early PD)

Engine: BEW
Year: 2004 (October 2003 build date)
Cam failure Y/N, No miles: N/A
Type of failure: N/A
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Oil changes per the VW maintenance schedule (within 100 miles of the scheduled mileage, done EVERY TIME by me). Up to about 50,000 miles I used Castrol TXT VW 505.01, then switched to Motul 5W-40 VW 505.01 Use MANN filters.
Miles on car: 92,500
Mods: RC 2 and blocked off EGR, CAT 2 um fuel filter, G60/VR-6 clutch kit.
Number of starts per day, typically: four

New cam Data:
Not Applicable

When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest: Note that the blocked off EGR may be beneficial to lowering the chance of this failure due to reduced soot in the oil. Soot is abraisive. I drive a fair amount in brutal rush hour trafic with extensive engine idling.

I use the TDI heater when the temperature is under 40 degrees in the morning, which may also cut down on engine wear. In the evening I do not use the heater because there is no outlet at work to plug in.

--Nate
 
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DanG144

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 2, 2007
Location
Chapin, South Carolina, USA
TDI
2005 A4 Jetta 5spd
Engine: BEW
Year: 2005 build car 8/2004 engine 7/2004
Cam failure Y/N, miles: N
Type of failure: none
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: First 20k, dealer serviced at 5 k intervals, then 10k OCI with 505.01 Castrol 5w30 from the dealer.
Miles on car: 46k
Mods: RC1+, EGR and cooler delete, Cat fuel filter, Dieselgeek Oil bypass filter.
Number of starts per day, typically: 2

Inspected the cam and lifters at 46k, some discoloration, no wear detectable looking at the chamfer edges. Started using ZDDP last week.
 
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andreigbs

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
TDI
N/A
Engine: BEW
Year: 2004 Build: 10/2003
Cam failure Y/N, miles: None
Type of failure: N/A
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: bought as CPO at 28K.
36K - Elf DID 505.01
45K - Elf DID 505.01
54K - Motul 505.01
66K - M1 ESP 507 (added DG bypass kit, got RC1+ added CAT 2um fuel filter)
79K - Castrol 507
94K - M1 ESP 507
Miles on car: 94,600
Mods: RC1+, DG kit, CAT ff kit, mufflerectomy, vented wheel liner
Number of starts per day, typically: 4-8

New cam Data: None

When was cam replaced: Hasn't been
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest: I do think the DG kit, along with the CAT fuel filter will go a long way to preserving the seemingly fragile valvetrain components of our PDs, even though in my gut I feel the Delvac ESP will do even better than VAG oils while being LESS costly. I had my cam and lifters inspected a few months ago, posted pics in a thread. Not damage or wear to speak of. Pics didn't do it justice.
 
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oldspice

Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Location
Longview, WA
TDI
2005.5 RTDI
Engine: BRM
Year: 2005.5
Cam failure Y/N, miles: Y, 49200
Type of failure: severe wear
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: Dealer serviced with 505.01(supposedly) at 8k, 18k, 35k, ?, 49k by me w/507 total quatrz
Miles on car: 49250
Mods: none performance wise
Number of starts per day, typically: 3-4

New cam Data:


When was cam replaced: in shop now(VW dealer Service dept.)
Miles on new cam: n/a
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest: Bought used w/ 48k on it. If I had only talked the used car dealer into letting me pull the VC before purchase, maybe I wouldn't be in this perdicament.:eek: :confused: :mad: :D :( :eek:
 

SBAtdijetta

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 19, 2006
Location
Houston, TX
TDI
'10 Jetta Cup 6spd, '02 Jetta Auto
velociT said:
Thanks V,
I sent him a PM to ask for his data/post if he does not mind.

Thanks everyone who has posted data so far! Also for keeping speculation or opinions to a minimum so far :cool:. Anyone, can we get some more PD failure/non failure data, if you are out there? Thanks,
-Steve
 

JETaah

Vendor , w/Business number
Joined
Jan 18, 2001
Location
mi 48836
TDI
96 B4V, 1999.5 jettaIV,2005 BEW Beetle
Data for 2006 BRM

I'll fill in the blanks as I find stuff out
----------------------------------------

Engine: BRM
Year: 2006
Cam failure Y/N, miles: Yes, damage is quite advanced at the time that I am seeing it. The car barely runs.
Type of failure: Allfollowers and valve and injector lobes. Most heavily damaged was the exhaust valve cam lobes and followers. Only #4 injector rocker arm pivot bearing has axial play.
Injector cam lobes are damaged due to edge of neighboring follower interference.
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
According to the owner the oil was purchased at the dealer. Castrol with 505.1 rating.
Owner changed the oil himself using extraction thru the dipstick tube.
Miles on car: 180K
Mods: NONE
Number of starts per day, typically:
commuted 200 miles/day --most likely 2-4 starts per day.
New cam Data:


When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest:
 
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khale

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2004
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
TDI
2004 Jetta Wagon 5-Speed, Reflex Silver (Sold)
Here is my data (also a VERY early PD Wagon)

Engine: BEW
Year: 2004 (October 2003 build date)
Cam failure Y/N, No miles: N/A
Type of failure: N/A
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Every 10000 miles per VW Schedule. Always 505.01 or 506.01 and now 507.00

.
Miles on car: 129,500
Mods: RC 1+
Number of starts per day, typically: 6-8

New cam Data:
Not Applicable

When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest:
 

-Adonis-

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2008
Location
Stevensville, MI
TDI
05 Black Jetta GLS TDI
Engine: BEW
Year: 2005
Cam failure Y/N, miles: No
Type of failure: N/A
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: 505.01 every 10k Miles, Mobil 1 TDT starting at 110k
Miles on car: 114k
Mods: None
Number of starts per day, typically: 4-8

New cam Data:
N/A


When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest:
 

hid3

Banned
Joined
Apr 28, 2007
Location
Lithuania, Vilnius
TDI
Golf V 1.9 TDI-PD 105 HP
I voted "No" in the pool even I had a cam failure.

Personally I had a cam failure. It was very slight: followers were ok, cam lobes were a bit deteriorated and a slight corner was felt when touching with finger. The #3 intake (I think) lobe looked brand new. So looked the follower. I guess that cam/followers would have gone another 40k+ miles easily... My cam failure I think is due to wrong oil usage. Anyway, here's my data.

Engine: BKC, 77 KW, 105 BHP.
Year: 2004/12 built, 2005/12 the car was sold and started to use.
Cam failure Y/N, miles: Yes, 83k
Type of failure: "Cornerous" cam lobes. Some cosmetical deterioration/discolourfulness on the cam. Wasn't critical, I think the car was oke to drive.
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
G 052 167 M2 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 0-15k kilometers (0-9325 miles)
G 052 167 M2 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 15k-30k kilometers (9325-18650 miles)
G 052 167 M2 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 30k-45k kilometers (18650-27970 miles)
G 052 167 M2 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 45k-62k kilometers (27970-38540 miles)
G 052 167 M2 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 62k-77k kilometers (38540-47855 miles)
G 052 167 M2 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 77k-92k kilometers (47855-57180 miles)
G 052 167 M2 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 92k-107k kilometers (57180-66500 miles)
G 052 167 M2 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 107k-121k kilometers (66500-75200 miles). Topped up at about 119k kilometers with 505.00 Mobil 1 5w40 (don't remember exact brand, WRONG OIL)
ELF LDX (5w40, 505.00, WRONG OIL) @ 121k-128'235 kilometers (75200-79700 miles)
Motul Specific 505.01 5w40 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 128'235-134'402 kilometers (79700-83535 miles)
##### CAM REPLACED AT 134'402 kilometers ############
Miles on car: 84k
Mods: Alloy wheels in summer, tinted windows, Philips Blue Vision city lights and low beams
Number of starts per day, typically: 7-40

New cam Data:

When was cam replaced: 2009.01.26
Miles on new cam: ~300
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
##### CAM REPLACED AT 134'402 kilometers ############
Motul Specific 505.01 5w40 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 134'402-135'000 kilometers (83535-83905 miles)
Motul Specific 505.01 5w40 oil (5w40, 505.01) @ 135'000- ????? kilometers (83905- ???? miles)
Any issues?:
Any wear?:


Notes: The car was in extreme usage. 100% city driving, short trips (3-10 mile), LOTS of idling, LOTS of cold starts, low speeds, hard driving.

Please also note that G 052 167 M2 is a superceeded oil of G 052 167 A2. My ETKA says G 052 167 A2 was dropped on 2005/01/01 and says that G 052 167 M2 is the replacement.
 
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SuperJ

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2006
Location
Waterloo, ON
TDI
2006 Jetta TDI
Engine: BRM
Year: 2006 (build date 05.2005)
origin: Poland
Cam failure Y/N, miles: Yes, 81,000miles
Type of failure: Slight galling on lobes, most of the hard outter layer on the front face of the exhaust lobes has worn off.
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
8000km oil change with castrol 505.01 by dealer (all subsequent oil changes done by me)
16000km oil change with Lubromoly Diesel High Tech 505.01 5w40
32000km oil change Elf DID 505.01
48,000km Lubromoly Longtime High Tech 505.01 5w30
64,000km Lubromoly Longtime High Tech 505.01 5w30
80,000km Lubromoly Longtime High Tech 505.01 5w30
96,000km Elf 507 5w30 (only 507 ever put in the car)
112,000km Lubromoly Longtime High Tech 505.01 5w30
128,000km Mobil 1 TDT 5w40
130,000km Cam inspection shows very advanced wear with no bevel remaining. You can easily catch your fingernail in the rough cam sections on the "front face"

Miles on car: 81,000
Mods: Chipped, mufflerectemy
Number of starts per day, typically: 3-4

New cam Data:

When was cam replaced: N/A
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest:
Car history:

Driving Habits:
I respect a cold engine by keeping the revs lo and load light till the gauge is halfway up. I usually idle for about 30sec before driving away. I live in Canada so cold starts are all to frequent. I commute 81km each way everyday so I always get up to temperature. I got chipped around 20,000 with Tech9 and then switched to RC around 50-60,000km. I never exceed the redline and try not to go near it.

Some pictures of my failure:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showpost.php?p=2441346&postcount=1051
 
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GoFaster

Moderator at Large
Joined
Jun 16, 1999
Location
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
TDI
2006 Jetta TDI
Inspection done. No issues.

Engine:
BRM
Year: 2006 (Vehicle build date 9/2005)
Cam failure Y/N, miles: None yet as of 222,233 km (approx 137,000 mi)
Type of failure: None, camshaft looks practically like new.
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
To 64,000 km inclusive, dealer serviced as per maintenance schedule by a good dealer who knows TDI's, they used Castrol TXT 5w40 (505.01). From 80,000 km to 176,000 km, oil changes as per maint schedule by myself with Elf Excelium DID 5w40 (505.01) with one service at a good independent shop that used the same oil. From that point on, same deal, except now using Liquimoly 5w40 (505.01). Last oil change was early with half a bottle of Liquimoly MoS2 additive.
Miles on car: 222,233 km at time of inspection
Engine Mods: Unitronics chip (since 27,000 km) that might not use the same amount of EGR as called for stock ... Also it has 0.681 5th gear that was done very early (at about 13,000 km).
Number of starts per day, typically: 3 - 4. Mostly long runs. Quite a bit of trailer towing, these are *always* at least a couple hours at a time.

New cam Data: Nothing below applies - still on the original one.


When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest:



Hmmm ... correct me if I'm wrong ...

All that have posted failures thus far are either saying frequent short trips, or have some history of non-conforming or unknown oil, or are using Xw30 as opposed to Xw40 (SuperJ).

I'm thinking the 506.01 / 507.00 Xw30 oils might not be a good plan. I've used 505.01 5w40 all along. I have a magnetic drain plug installed at the next-to-last oil change - there was nothing on it at the last oil change.
 
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SootHappens

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Location
Scappoose, OR
TDI
2006 Jetta TDI
Engine: BRM
Year: Build Date 04/2006
Cam failure Y/N, miles: No, but showing wear
Type of failure: Premature wear on #3 exhaust mainly, slight on others too
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: Since first oil change it has been ELF Solaris LLX 507.00 on schedule. All done by myself.
Miles on car: 61,000 miles
Engine Mods: Alligator di-sport flashed at 20k miles. Custom downpipe, 2.5" no-cat, no-res, flowmaster muffler.
Number of starts per day, typically: 4

New cam Data:

When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:


Any other data you find important or of interest: ...Photos... Added a bottle of Comp-Cams Break-In additive for the extra ZDDP (I have no cat). Will check cam status at 70k oil change and continue to use ZDDP supplement. Engine has exhibited the 'rough idle' off and on since new, so I adjusted cam timing to +2 which fixed the issue for about 10k then it came back. Adjusted back to 0 and rough idle is gone again... weird.
 
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Franko6

Vendor , w/Business number
Joined
May 7, 2005
Location
Sw Missouri
TDI
Jetta, 99, Silver`
Engine: BEW
Year: 2004
Cam failure Y/N, miles: yes
Type of failure: Severe cam wear... holed lifter
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: non 505.01 oil
Miles on car: 170,000
Engine Mods: none
Number of starts per day, typically:

New cam Data: OEM BEW cam purchased 5/2008,


When was cam replaced: 5/2008
Miles on new cam: 30,000
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: Currently using Castrol 505.01 5/30
Any issues?: Lost lift pump last week
Any wear?: no

Any other data you find important or of interest: I bought the recommended INA lifters from a reputable wholesaler. They were not nitrided. Ruined original cam and lifters in 100 miles!!!. Lifter holed out. The claim from wholesaler was I did something wrong. USE NITRIDED LIFTERS.

I also think a good break-in oil that has the additive ZDDP is very important. 500 miles of an oil like the Redline racing oil or one of the non-'snake oil' ZDDP additives in a break-in oil. Lube cam with anti-wear assembly lube, such as Torco.
 

sdk131

Veteran Member
Joined
May 19, 2004
Location
Calvert County, MD
TDI
2004 Jetta GL RC1+
Engine: BEW PD
Year: 2004
Cam failure Y/N, miles: N, Removed valve cover and inspected cam on 2/2/09. Cam was in pristine condition with only normal goldish discoloration showing on rollers. With all of these reports coming in, and my 3 early oil changes at the dealer (see below) I just had to take a peak. I can post pics if anyone is interested.
Type of failure: N/A
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:

4171mi, Unverified oil at dealership, (suspect non 505.01)
11589mi, Unverified oil at dealership, (suspect non 505.01)
15607mi, Unverified oil at dealership, (suspect non 505.01)
20500mi, Motul 505.01 Specific 5w40, mann filter
27450mi, Motul 505.01 Specific 5w40, mann filter
35110mi, Elf DID 505.01 5w40, mann filter
37517mi, EGR Cooler leaked, and replaced under recall
38000mi, RC1+ tuned
40050mi, Elf DID 505.01 5w40, mann filter
47900mi, Elf DID 505.01 5w40, mann filter
49500mi, EGR cooler removed, and blockoff plates installed
55377mi, Elf Solaris LSX 505.01 5w30, mann filter
63731mi, Elf Solaris LSX 505.01 5w30, mann filter

Air filter changed at regular interval with cold weather model.

Miles on car: 67,000miles on odo 2/2/09
Engine Mods: RC1+ at ~38,000miles, EGR delete at ~49,500.
Number of starts per day, typically: 2

New cam Data:


When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest:

-Ever since the EGR blockoff, my oil seems to be getting progressively cleaner. I am assuming it is due to less soot contamination which can't be a bad thing. Prior to the blockoff, I almost swear I could perceive "grit" in the dirty oil when I changed it.

-Car is kept below 2750rpm until temp guage is half way between cold and normal.
-Normally I shift at about 3k rpms, but I run it up to about 4200 at least twice a week or so. I always "roll into" the throttle, and never beat on the car.
- Daily commute is 12 miles one way of mixed 60 mph half way, stop and go 45-60 half way.
-Long trip are usually 375+mi round trip with cruise set at about 72-77.
 
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sohccammer427

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Location
Eastern North Carolina
TDI
2015 Passat SE TDi 6 Speed Manual
Engine: BRM
Year: Build Date 10/06
Cam failure Y/N, miles: NO
Type of failure: N/A
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
0 - 5K Factory Fill
5 - 10 Castrol TXT 505.01
10 - 20 Quaker State Q Diesel Plus 505.01
20 - 30 Motul Specific 505.01
30 - Present Valvoline Synpower 5w-40
Miles on car: 34,500
Engine Mods: None
Number of starts per day, typically: 5

New cam Data: N/A

Any other data you find important or of interest:
At 40,000 miles will fill with Valvoline Synpower 5w-40 (last of stash)
At 50,000 planning on going to Mobil 1 TDT
 

SBAtdijetta

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 19, 2006
Location
Houston, TX
TDI
'10 Jetta Cup 6spd, '02 Jetta Auto
Good relevant info and thanks guys. But please try to keep posts to data only, thank you.

Info on EGR delete/Chips etc is there (very easily) if they search for it; or by PM etc.
 

RT1

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2006
Location
Central New Jersey
TDI
2005 Golf 1.9 TDI w/tiptronic 09A
Engine: BEW
Year: early 2005
Cam failure Y/N, miles: None apparent
Type of failure:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Pentosynth TS 505.1 5w-40 for all changes on 10,000 mile schedule (since purchase with 20K on the odometer), Extraction via dip tube
Miles on car: 112,000
Engine Mods: None
Number of starts per day, typically: 4-6

New cam Data:


When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest: Mostly highway driving at 60-65 MPH
 

jjblbi

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2000
Location
lbi, nj
TDI
2014 Passat SEL TDI
Engine: BRM
Year: 11/06
Cam failure Y/N, miles: N
Type of failure:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: Elf Excellium DID 5w-40 @ 5, 10, 20, 30k, Total INEO MC3 5w-30 @ 40, 50K miles, Mann filters. Will go to Mobil Delvac 1 5w-40 when available locally.
Miles on car: 58,600
Engine Mods: RC1+
Number of starts per day, typically: 2 w/70 mile commute each way

New cam Data:


When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest: Will inspect cam @ 60k oil change and post pics. In weather below 40F rpms kept below 2000/ 60 mph until up to temp. Minimum 30 sec +/- cool down before each shutdown. Always roll into throttle, not beat but not babied!
 
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zanzabar

Vendor
Joined
Oct 18, 2002
Location
Petaluma, CA
TDI
2004 Jetta BEW 5spd (dual duty track car and daily driver beater)
Engine: BEW
Year: 2004
Cam failure Y/N, miles: N
Type of failure:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Mostly dealer serviced up until 110k, Mobil1 TDT 110-120k, VWLLIII 120-present
Miles on car: 144,000
Engine Mods: None
Number of starts per day, typically: 2

New cam Data:


When was cam replaced:
Miles on new cam:
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it:
Any issues?:
Any wear?:

Any other data you find important or of interest: Visible scarring on at least one cam lobe at 120k. Intend to replace cam and lifters soon, will document fully.
 

elitdi

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2004
Location
Springfield, Ohio
TDI
04 Jetta GL Wheat Beige
Engine: PD
Year: 2004
Cam failure Y/N, miles: No 134,500
Type of failure: None
Full oil service history, type, spec, weight, and brand if you have it: Dealer Castrol 505.01 till 100k (Yes, I witnessed the mechanic getting the bottles of oil from the parts department. It wasn't pumped out of a drum)
Engine Mods: RC1+
starts per day, typically: 2 to 3
The egr was deleted around 100k. I typically drive almost 50 miles to work, then 50 back, so at least 500 miles a week.
Once I start the car when its really cold, I wait till the engine smooths out, then drive it normal (easy). I don't climb on it until the temp gauge climbs. When it is at normal temp, it can see some spirited driving, (has been known to see 80 or 90 mph) Other words, I don't baby it when its warmed up. Intake has never been cleaned, and doesn't look too bad at all. Maybe 1/8" build-up if that.
My last 3 oil changes have been done by Jon Hamilton at his shop. Not sure what oil he uses, but he knows his stuff. After the break-in period, I had oil changed every 10k miles, or close to it. I have managed to add up my overages to 5000 miles past due as compared to the mileage on the car. A 500 miles over here, a 1000 miles over there, u know.

I sure hope the cam and lifter bug doesn't visit me!
 
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