2.0 & 1.8 TFSI/TSI Guide

Here is our little guide on the 2.0TFSI & 1.8/2.0TSI engines.
 

We have covered the main issues and servicing needs, if there’s anything you’d like to know more about or be added then please contact us.

These engines are noisy and often sound like a bag of nails when running because of the direct injection & fuel pump setup they use. More often than not the noise is nothing to worry about. We have added some videos below showcasing healthy engine noise.

Unfortunately, due to being direct injection these engines suffer heavily with carbon build up around the inlet valves, this will effect performance as well as cold starts and it’s advised to have the inlet walnut blasted for efficient cleaning, Carbon or hydrogen cleaning as it’s advertised does nothing on these engines, save your money for a proper walnut blast and use some Forte additive in the fuel tank.

Weak and clogged injectors are also a problem. There are many companies that specialise in injector cleaning so this can be easily sorted. When buying a used set of injectors its always best to spend the extra and get them flow tested & re-sealed. It can save you lots of £ further down the line.

The main noise to lookout for is timing chain rattle on start up, the TSI & TFSI engines use a hydraulic tensioner for the camshafts, the TFSI being belt and chain while the TSI (EA888) is purely chain. Check the service history when buying to make sure both the belt and chain has been replaced as this is another common failure. On the TSI the early revision chain tensioners fail. It’s not a case of if, it’s a case of when. This is why we recommend you check what revision yours currently has and update to the latest version.

The part number for the latest TSI tensioner is 06K 109 467 K ✅

The part number for the latest TFSI cam kit is as follows:

Chain - 06D 109 229 B ✅

Tensioner - 06F 109 217 A ✅

Other common issues are the Diverter Valve, PCV Valve & HPFP Cam Follower.

Let’s start with the HPFP Cam Follower, this only applies to the 2.0TFSI EA118 engines as the TSI’s use a updated roller follower. The TFSI engine use a high pressure fuel pump system which runs on the inlet cam via a cam follower or bucket. The HPFP followers are prone to wearing and causing issues which can easily lead to cam & engine damage. We advise to have the HPFP cam follower changed before mapping and at every 5-10k miles after.

DV (Diverter Valve)

Both generations of the 2.0TFSI/TSI engines share the same design Valve. The early OEM diverter valves are prone to splitting and leaking, this results in loss of power and no ability to hold consistent boost. We recommend either upgrading to the latest revision OEM Valve or the GFB DV+.

The part number for the “best” revision OEM DV is - 06F 145 710G ✅

PCV Valves 

The TFSI & TSI run a breather system that uses a one-way valve to stop the boost bleeding off, it is an important part of the engine, which unfortunately is prone to failure.

The one way valve is prone to failing resulting in the engine loosing power along with a rough idle and MPG decrease. An easy way to check your PCV is to remove the oil cap or dipstick when the engine is idling. If the engine note changes and it idles rough then the Valve is generally working.

The latest revision PCV’s are as follows:

2.0TFSI EA113 - 06F 129 101R ✅

1.8/2.0TSI EA888 - 06H 103 495AK ✅

Another common failure is leaking/perished valve cover, oil cap & dipstick rubbers. Any of these will cause rough idling and general bad running. If you want to make sure you have no boost/vacuum leaks we offer a smoke testing service, PM us for more information.

Let’s move onto Service items

For Spark Plugs we recommend use of NGK Spark Plugs (UK) BKR7EIX on all standard and tuned TFSI/TSI engines. These have proven to work well and are what we run in our 1.8TSI development car. For those running high power, BKR8EIX plugs are recommended as they are a cooler plug.

For Oil we recommend Millers Oils NANODRIVE CFS 5w-40 NT+ Full Synthetic. This is a triple ester oil and being 5w40 it slows down the oil use significantly. For those on a tighter budget, Quantum 5w40 will also work perfectly. Remember, frequent oil changes help drastically with engine life, change the oil every 5-10K at least.

Both can be purchased from us, please send us a message to order.

The TFSI & TSI engines are designed to run on good quality fuel (as stated on the fuel filler flap). Using the “Standard” cheaper low RON fuel will result in a loss of mpg and power, even when running the stock factory setup. To get get the best, safe power you must run decent higher RON fuel. Shell V-Power Nitro or Tesco Momentum 99 will give the best results. This is critical for engines running a tune as the lower Ron fuel won’t be able to run the increased ignition timing needed.

We hope this guide has helped you better understand your engine and how to take care of it, If this post has helped you please leave a review here.

For more information on our Remapping and other services please contact us today.