The 2.7 TDI engine is a lot less powerful than the 3.0 liter, but it’s still got some punch in its tank. It may be smoother and more preferable than the 2.5 and 3.0 variants of the same engine family.
Now, we will talk about the general details of this engine and how it differs from other variants. Some say it is smoother and more successful. But let’s see.
What are VW/Audi 2.7 V6 TDI Engines?
The 2.7-liter V6 TDI engine is a less powerful and smaller counterpart of the 3.0-liter TDI engine but is more efficient. This engine was designed by Audi and was only found in Audi vehicles.
We will use that as a reference engine in deference to the larger version since they are of the same framework. Also, the sole distinction between the two engines is that the VW/Audi 2.7 TDI has a shorter stroke.
This engine has a stroke ratio of one to one or is addressed as a square engine. The machine comprises a graphite iron cylinder block, a forged steel crankshaft, four main bearings, aluminum heads with four valves per cylinder, and two camshafts.
In addition, the engine has a Common Rail direct injection system and a single variable-geometry turbine (VGT) turbocharger with an intercooler. More technical information on components may be found in the 3.0 TDI engine description.
Engine Specifications and Design:
- Production Run: 2006 – Present
- Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
- Cylinder Block Material: Compacted Graphite Iron
- Configuration: V6
- Bore: 83.0 mm
- Stroke: 83.0 mm
- Valvetrain: DOHC four valves per cylinder
- Displacement: 2.7 L (2698 cc)
- Compression Ratio: 17.0
- Weight: 450 lbs.
- Maximum HP: 188 HP at 3,300 – 4,250 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 295 lb-ft at 1,400 – 3,300 RPM
Cylinder Block
The VW/Audi 2.7 V6 TDI engine is a better and more efficient alternative to the 2.5-liter, with outstanding performance while using substantially less gasoline than its predecessor.
The engine is built around the cylinder block, composed of Compacted Graphite Iron-450, and has a 90-degree V angle. The material used in this engine saves up to 10% of its total weight compared to gray cast iron.
The crankshaft is also made of forged and tempered steel, and it rests on four main bearings in a gray cast iron bearing frame soldered to the crankcase.
Cylinder Head
The engine has two cylinder heads made of aluminum alloy. These heads have a cross-flow arrangement, four valves per cylinder, two for intake and two for exhaust, for a total of 24 valves. Aside from that, two camshafts and roller rocker fingers with hydraulic valve clearance correction are included.
A spur gear links the exhaust and intake camshafts. In the engine, a complex roller chain system drives the intake camshafts. There are four simplex roller chains employed.
In the intake manifolds, continuously variable swirl flaps are placed. The swirl flaps are closed when the engine is idle or at low engine speeds; when the engine is starting, in limp-home mode, or at full power, the swirl flaps are open.
The engine also has one BorgWarner variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), electronic boost management, and two parallel side-mounted intercoolers for improved cooling and a more compact design.
Fuel Management and Operations
The 2.7 V6 TDI engine, like other TDI engines from the Audi line, features a Common Rail (CR) fuel injection system as well as piezo-controlled seven-hole injectors. All motors incorporate water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a catalytic converter, and a diesel particulate filter to reduce exhaust emissions (DPF).
The Bosch EDC16 electronic engine control unit is in charge of the engine electronic management.
Applications of VW/Audi 2.7 V6 Engine:
- Audi A4
- Audi A5
- Audi A6
Problems Surrounding VW/Audi 2.7 V6 Engine:
It is important to note that the 2.7 TDI engine is a much more successful model than its counterparts in Europe and other markets, especially with regard to safety features. However, it does have some significant shortcomings and issues. Some of the problems here can be encountered among other TDI engines from the same automaker.
1. Heater Core Clogs
The heater core on your Volkswagen or Audi TDI can be a pain to deal with when it’s cold outside, but you’ll still want this part for its ability to keep the interior of your car warm. The radiator essentially functions as an energy storage system that radiates heat from inside out into surrounding spaces, so people don’t get too chilly sitting inside their cars.
There are two significant reasons why they fail: they are either blocked or leaked. When it fails, the heat in your vehicle’s interior will not operate, which is inconvenient on really cold days.
If you live in a colder climate, you will probably go through more heater cores than someone who lives in a warmer climate. These should last up to ten years; however, they have been known to fail on VW cars, which may vary.
2. High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
The HPFP failing may be one of the worst things that could happen to your engine. An HPFP’s job is not just pumping high-pressure fuel into the injectors, but it also helps feed pressure from other parts so they work correctly.
When it fails, it can send metal shards through the fuel system, necessitating the replacement of every component linked to the fuel system to save the gas tank. The pump can fail in two ways: either something inside the pump breaks and sends metal pieces through the fuel system, or the valve on top of the pump fails.
If you take care of your vehicle by utilizing the correct diesel fuel, lubricant, and maintenance, you should not have too many of these pumps fail.
3. Timing Chain Tensioner Issues
Timing chain tensioners failing is a common problem on VW/Audi engines. And the 2.7 TDI engine is no exception. The timing chain tensioner’s job is to maintain the timing belt taut so that the engine’s timing can be managed and the camshafts, oil pump, and balance shaft can be driven.
However, this issue is often encountered on early 3.0 models since they featured four timing chains and two tensioners, whereas previous models only had two.
When one of the two tensioners fails, your engine’s timing may be thrown off, resulting in pistons colliding with valves. Timing chains should never fail, but what occurs is that a faulty tensioner destroys the timing chain, resulting in engine damage.
To decrease the potential of engine damage, we recommend changing the full set, including chains and tensioners.
4. Fuel Injector Issues
The Volkswagen/Audi 2.7 TDI engine has common rail direct injection, which means that gasoline is injected directly into the cylinders rather than through the intake ports. Due to engine conditions, fuel injectors in direct injection cars, such as most VWs and Audis, may become troublesome over time.
The fuel injector’s job is to inject diesel fuel into one of the six cylinders. High-Pressure Fuel Pumps are essential because diesel engines require fuel to be pumped at high pressures.
Injectors frequently fail over time due to the repeated passage of high heat and pressure through them. The injectors will either become clogged and finally malfunction, or they will leak, resulting in less fuel being delivered to the cylinders than is necessary.
5. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogs
Diesel particulate filters are an important component of every diesel engine. They function by collecting up to 90% of the dirt, dust, or other particles that are emitted during operation and would otherwise enter our surroundings undetected. However, in order for these mechanisms in your vehicle’s system to be successful, you must pay close attention to this component.
As a result, carbon accumulates in the route. It is the most common cause of DPF failure, which will cause a DPF light to illuminate on the vehicle’s dashboard.
When the DPF light illuminates, do not ignore it since it can cause catastrophic engine damage if kept on for an extended period of time. If the light turns on, you have two options: drive at a constant speed of 50mph – 70mph at 2,000 – 2500 RPM for at least fifteen minutes or until the DPF light goes off. Or get it professionally cleaned.
When the DPF becomes clogged, the vehicle cannot properly breathe and enters limp mode. This should only happen once in the life of your diesel engine.
6. Glow Plug Failure
Starting your engine in cold weather may be difficult enough without dealing with the extra complication of not having all four glow plugs operational. Glow Plugs are those small devices that need to heat up before they will light up and begin burning gasoline, but when it’s below freezing outside, there may only be three working ones.
This implies you’ll have one major issue: no electricity flowing through these numerous components, such as spark plug wires or coils. If anything goes wrong with any one item during the startup phase, it will make the beginning completely impossible.
It will also make driving more difficult because everything takes longer than usual due to excessively low temperatures impacting electronics such as starters.
When glow plugs fail, your dashboard will most likely display a Check Engine Light. Unless your glow plugs are damaged, you should only need one or two sets for the life of your vehicle because they may last up to 50,000 miles.
Summary
The 2.7 TDI is a great choice for people who need their car to last them through long routes, and it’s got plenty of power. So if you happen upon one in perfect condition that meets these criteria, then go ahead.
However, remember this: higher maintenance costs mean it’s not always worth buying over something cheaper. They will require more scheduled service appointments from professionals like mechanics or bodybuilders who fix small parts quickly before anything breaks down completely.