4.2tdi swirl flaps

[markobj]

Hi guys,

It seems that I have a problem with swirl flaps on one side. There is some oil leak on the gasket on the right side of the intake manifold.

What do you think is it a gasket, a carbon buildup, swirl flaps that are failing or a combination of all of the above?

Also, there is a check engine light ON which points to the left throttle body.

Any help would be appreciated!

Marko

[ainarssems]

Oil is probably gasket, not sure about swirl flaps, will need investigating. Throttle body is most likely worn plastic gears inside, plenty aftermarket available in plastic or metal on eBay or Amazon. Example https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THROTTLE-...-127635-2958-0

[markobj]

I really hope that it's only a gasket! I think I've read somewhere that a problem with swirl flaps can manifest as an oil leak! Also, I've read horror stories where swirl flap would get in a cylinder head and melt which could result with a need for new motor!

I am seriously thinking about buying a delete kit for swirl flaps. From what I understand, fuel consumption might get higher and power can go down a bit, but compared to a need for a new engine this seems like a small drawbacks. Is there anybody here on the forum who did this?

I was looking at this
delete kit:https://www.ebay.com/itm/11366353408...cAAOSwcgNccsSp

repair kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/11359165000...sAAOSwgyZcSLPh

@ainarssems, thank you very much for the advice, I've ordered a repair kit, I owe you a beer!

[jonnypym123]

From what your describing and as mentioned above sounds like a gasket, each 'throttle body' is attached to the manifold by 3 torx bolts give them a tighten and see what happens, oil residue is from pcv which is normal, just either gasket on throttle body gone or its loose

[markobj]

Perhaps a picture might help? I think it's not leaking at throthle body, probably it's leaking just above swirl flaps.

[jonnypym123]

It's hard to make out, I'd be checking the base of the plastic inlet manifold where it meets the block see if any leakage from there, I know these plastic manifolds can easily crack at the screw fixings if over torqued , I've done it myself before. Or could be gasket. There are crankcase breathers but there near the exhaust manifold on side of block, you'll have to do a bit of detective work I think to find the issue.

[markobj]

Great tip, I'll put my Sherlock hat

Do you by any chance know what is the correct torque so I don't overtighten when reassembling?

[jonnypym123]

I'm not sure on exact torqing from memory might be 20nm, theres a document floating about on here somewhere that has all maintenance instructions

[MikkiJayne]

M6 usually 10Nm, M8 20-22Nm.

Have you tried cleaning off all the mess and then watching to see where the fresh oil appears?

[markobj]

No, didn't had a chance to do this.

I've order a swirl flaps delete kit to have it ready in case I don't like what I see when I dissasemble intake manifold.