Nasty suprise when doing Intake manifold seals

[MikkiJayne]

Is it actual sand or particles of baked carbon? It does look pretty grim in there but thats not uncommon on the 2.8 because of its terrible crankcase ventilation. The TDIs get very similar looking buildup from the exhaust gas recirculation.

The NA V6 is generally tough as old boots, plus its less susceptible to cylinder damage than the V8 since its an iron block. The only things I've seen happen which can kill that engine are chain tensioners failing or catastrophic overheating.

[Ronin]

OK after soaking the intake in 10l of brake cleaner the 'sand' turned out to be something else as it turned into sludge but I managed to clean it all off.

I also found this funny looking piece inside which was all dirty so I've cleaned it and lubricated pivot points as well.

[MikkiJayne]

Ah good news Baked carbon then

That cylinder is the variable length manifold switchover thing. The vacuum pod on the front of the manifold rotates it to make either a long intake tract (good for torque) or a short one (good for power).