common problems BUL engine

[stevo-dtm]

As the title suggests is there any common flaws or weak spots in the BUL engine that could cause me problems down the line like balancer shaft probs, oil starvation, sludge build up. or other issues cheers

[Lateknight]

Nothing inherently wrong with the 'BUL' engine. Its 99% the same as its 200ps cousin the 'BWE' engine.
Its from the same EA113 family that powers all the 2.0T group models up to 2009 ish. VW Group even went back to this engine to power the higher performance models with 260-270ps (Golf R, Scirocco R ,Leon Cupra, S3, TTS etc.) as it is stronger and more tuneable than the later EA888 version of the 2.0T.

That said, things to watch for are;
- Hi-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear / pitting.
- Camshaft wear in early 'A' cam engines (mostly 2004-2005 engines)
- Exhaust cam to Inlet cam chain/tensioner rattling.
- Its a cambelt engine, so this should be checked every couple of years or so and preferably change every 4 to 5 years or 80,000 miles (whichever sooner)
Now that seem a lot of camshaft related points. I need to make clear, do not expect to get a problem with any of these, but if anyone does get any mechanical problems it does tend to be top end of the engine.

Apart from those, to me the engine is virtually bombproof. (good, allegedly for 350-400ps without causing the engine any undue stress)

Balancer shafts - The engine does have balancer shafts but causes very few problems that I've heard of. (unlike the ones in some of our diesel engined cousins)

Oil related - Use good quality approved engine oil and change it when its due (or before) and you should not see any oil related problems.
Use oil approved to VW502.00 for fixed servicing - 10000 miles
Use oil approved to VW504.00 for variable / longlife servicing.

[stevo-dtm]

thanks for the reply lateknight you put my mind at ease you seem to know your stuff mines a late 06 model so hopefully ill escape the camshaft wear ill be getting the belt changed in about a month thanks again for the info