1.4 TDi VW engine - everything you need to know in one place!

The 1.4 TDi engine was installed in Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat cars, i.e. all manufacturers of the VW group. The diesel with direct fuel injection was characterized by good economy, but there were also voices associated with painful defects, for example, strong vibrations or problems with repairing the aluminum crankcase. If you want to know more about the 1.4 TDi, we invite you to read the rest of the article.

Volkswagen's TDi engine family - basic information

A characteristic feature is the use of Turbocharged Direct Injection technology. Turbocharged diesel engines are also equipped with an intercooler. It is worth noting that Volkswagen installs them not only on cars, but also on Volkswagen Marine boats, as well as on Volkswagen Industrial Motor industrial units.

The first TDi engine was an inline five-cylinder engine that was introduced in 1989 with the Audi 100 TDi sedan. The plant was modernized in 1999. The designers added to it the Common Rail fuel injection system. So it was with the V8 engine, which was installed on the Audi A8 3.3 TDi Quattro. Interestingly, the TDi engine was also used in racing cars in the LMP1 category.

Combination of two technologies - direct injection and turbocharging

In the first case, the fuel injector system sprays diesel fuel directly into the main combustion chambers. Thus, a more complete combustion process takes place than in the prechamber, the so-called. direct injection, which increases torque and reduces exhaust emissions. 

The exhaust-driven turbine, in turn, compresses the intake air and increases power and torque in a compact, low-displacement unit. In addition, TDi engines are equipped with an intercooler to reduce the temperature and increase the density of the compressed air before it enters the cylinder.

TDi is a marketing term.

It is used by brands owned by the Volkswagen Group, as well as Land Rover. In addition to the TDi designation, Volkswagen also uses the SDi - Suction Diesel Injection designation for naturally aspirated non-turbo models with direct fuel injection.

1.4 TDi engine - basic information

This three-cylinder unit, which was created in 2014 to replace the 1,2-liter model from the EA189 family, was also used as a replacement for the four-cylinder 1,6 TDi. Interestingly, the smaller unit used some parts from a four-cylinder engine that were retuned to a three-cylinder system.

The 1.4 TDi engine was developed as a downsizing project. One of the measures was to reduce the weight of the crankcase and cylinder sides, these elements were made of ALSiCu3 alloy obtained by gravity casting. As a result, the weight of the engine has been reduced by as much as 11 kg compared to the previous 1,2l TDi engine and 27 kg lighter than the 1,6l TDi.

In which car models was the 1.4 TDi engine installed?

The drive from the EA288 family was installed on such vehicles as:

• Audi: A1;
• Place: Ibiza, Toledo;
• Skoda: Fabia III, Rapid;
• Volkswagen: Polo V.

Design solutions from Volkswagen engineers

The power unit was fitted with a balance shaft which was driven by a 1:1 single speed gearbox in the opposite direction to the crankshaft. The piston stroke has also been increased to 95,5 mm, allowing for a larger displacement.

Other design features include four valves per cylinder, two DOHC camshafts, and the use of the same cylinder head design found in four-cylinder MDB engines. Also selected were water cooling, an intercooler, a catalytic converter, a DPF system, dual-circuit exhaust gas recirculation with low and high pressure EGR, as well as a DFS 1.20 injection system from the manufacturer Delphi.

Technical data - 1.4 TDi engine specification

The 1.4 TDi engine uses an aluminum cylinder block and cylinder. It is a common rail diesel, 4-row, three-cylinder configuration with four valves per cylinder in a DOHC scheme. The cylinders in the motorcycle have a diameter of 79,5 mm, and the piston stroke reaches 95,5 mm. The total engine capacity is 1422 cu. cm, and the compression ratio is 16,1:1.

Available in 75 HP, 90 HP models. and 104 hp For proper use of the engine, VW 507.00 and 5W-30 oils are required. In turn, the tank capacity for this substance is 3,8 liters. It should be changed every 20 XNUMX. km.

Drive operation - what are the problems?

When using a 1.4 TDi engine, problems with the injection pump may occur. Costly malfunctions start after a run of approximately 200 km. km. Retaining rings are also faulty. The bushings wear fairly quickly and are listed as one of the weakest elements of the drive assembly. Because of them, excessive axial play of the crankshaft is formed.

DPF filters are also clogged, which caused a lot of trouble on cars with low mileage. Other parts that require special attention include: engine injectors, flow meters and of course the turbocharger. Despite the fact that the unit has been on the market for a long time, individual repairs can lead to significant costs. 

Is a 1.4 TDi a good choice?

Despite the years gone by, 1.4 TDi engines are still available on many used vehicles. This means that their quality is good. After a detailed check of the technical condition of the unit, as well as the car in which it is located, you can buy a good quality motor. In this case, the 1.4 TDi engine will be a good choice, and you will be able to avoid additional costs immediately after purchasing the unit.