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Fri Nov 28, 2008 6:21 pm

Can someone tell me, just typically, what how long these engines last before a replacement or rebuild? This would be for a '93 Eurovan Weekender.

I really appreciate it.

Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:25 pm

The I-5 AAF and ACU engines have a great reputation for longevity. They routinely go 250k and you will find stories in the files section of 350k+.

This engine is often called the Audi engine, because Audi produced a inline 5 cylinder for years which was highly regarded. It is actually a VW engine designed for the van, based on Audi's input.

Interestingly, my daughter just bought an 08 Jetta which has a newer version of the inline 5 engine now with 170 horsepower and a ton of low end torque....the thing is a rocket!

Sat Nov 29, 2008 4:53 am

tds3pete wrote: The I-5 AAF and ACU engines have a great reputation for longevity. They routinely go 250k and you will find stories in the files section of 350k+.

This engine is often called the Audi engine, because Audi produced a inline 5 cylinder for years which was highly regarded. It is actually a VW engine designed for the van, based on Audi's input.

Well, since they are all built and engineered at the same place, and have both logos on them, it is a little hard to draw the line where one starts and the other ends.
It does have a different displacement than Audi models.
The engines will perhaps run that far, but often do not because a hose breaks and the driver does not shut it off immediately.
I have one of those. I bought it as needing a head gasket. And it did, about 1 hour before it stopped. Now it needs 5 pistons and a head, too.
Al

Sun Nov 30, 2008 3:07 pm

Al makes a good point. It doesn't matter how well built these engines are if you run them out of fluids and keep on driving. My son did that with his Volvo I-5 and fried it.

As long as you do the routine maintenance, which includes replacing the timing belt and serpentine belt at recommended intervals......AND keeping it full of fluids, you will likely get great longevity.

Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:13 am

roseymonstah wrote: Can someone tell me, just typically, what how long these engines last before a replacement or rebuild? This would be for a '93 Eurovan Weekender.

I really appreciate it.

The AAF engine is very popular over here in Europe ( not as popular as 2.4 diesel ). I owned a single cab with 250 kmiles on a clock with auto gearbox, sold the car now it has 270 kmiles and still going strong. Saw several times for sale with 300 kmiles
At the moment I have Multivan with AAF engine run on LPG with 130k miles one the clock and engine runs very well.
From my experience the engines which works with auto goes more comparing to the ones with manual box lest say 20% more
But once I had a 1997 T4 with VR6 engine, it was ex police car, it had 500kmiles on the clock. :shock: :shock:

Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:06 pm

The mechanical nature of the 5 cylinder design promotes excellent torque due to the power stroke every ~70* of crank rotation. IMO, the best design. The Viper V-10 are ferocious

When viewing the hp and torque specs of the Audi 5's, you'll notice ~140 hp and ~170 tq. Whatever, but the tq is always higher.
The Asian engines are known for hp. Their hp numbers are higher or the same as the torque. Spin 'em to 10k.
A V8 is two 4-bangers side by side. Again the hp and tq is usually equal.

There is no replacement for displacement, but for a tight package, my money is on the 5 cylinder design. VW stepped up to the plate as of late. IIRC, Volvo make one also.

Just some thoughts.

Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:41 pm

Can someone tell me what is the engine code of eurovan camper(mpv) built in february 1994.Is it a AFF or ACU engine?Thanks!

Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:53 pm

ern670 wrote: Can someone tell me what is the engine code of eurovan camper(mpv) built in february 1994.Is it a AFF or ACU engine?Thanks!

it is AAF engine

Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:58 pm

ern670 wrote: Can someone tell me what is the engine code of eurovan camper(mpv) built in february 1994.Is it a AFF or ACU engine?Thanks!

According to the Bentley the engine code is stamped on the cylinder block between cylinders 1 & 3, and on the toothed belt guard, and on the vehicle data plate.

Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:21 pm

My brother loves his 93 and he had a manual transmission. He had heard from others that the automatic is junk, and I have heard the same from owners that I have talked to.

That said, he is pushing the 2 century mark on his engine, and other than a clutch, regular tune ups and service he has had no problems. Over the winter he is planning to do some major work to it as they are planning a est to west coast trip next summer.

Sun Nov 18, 2012 5:19 pm

So, a 1992 Eurovan with 250,000km or 155343miles, could still have another 100k miles left?

How do you know a hose broke or you need to stop driving it? Does it make noise or lights come on or something else?

My first car was a 72 Pinto in the 90s and only thing I ever remember it doing wrong was not starting. Don't remember steam/smoke coming out of the hood or anything obvious wrong with it, that told me it needed to be fixed, again. I'd just go to start that stupid old thing (to go to work/school or worse an exam) and it wouldn't start on me!

The one I am now looking at is a '92 "2.5 cylinder Audi engine, 5 speed". Price is right, unless it needs a $5,000 engine replacement this/next year and/or that timing belt problem the Eurovans are plagued with. No idea what that costs to fix!

tam

Sun Nov 18, 2012 5:31 pm

tam_shops wrote: So, a 1992 Eurovan with 250,000km or 155343miles, could still have another 100k miles left?

The one I am now looking at is a '92 "2.5 cylinder Audi engine, 5 speed". Price is right, unless it needs a $5,000 engine replacement this/next year and/or that timing belt problem the Eurovans are plagued with. No idea what that costs to fix!

tam

The "timing belt problem" you are referring to is a timing chain guide issue on later model V6 EV's. The AAF engine had no timing belt problem.

Sun Nov 18, 2012 5:35 pm

I own a 1992 Eurovan GL with the 5 cylinder and Automatic.

310,000kms, no engine or transmission work and still runs fine.

The criticisms on the durability of the transmissions are really overblown. Some people experienced failures but no more than the Vanagon.

My only issue with the Eurovan is difficulty of working on some areas due to limited space. An engine removal is one of the last things you would ever want to do to a Eurovan.

Mon Nov 19, 2012 12:21 am

regis101 wrote: The mechanical nature of the 5 cylinder design promotes excellent torque due to the power stroke every ~70* of crank rotation

You meant to say ~140*

RonC