Audi TDI V6 2.5 Diesel Camshaft wear

[BCjohnny]

Is this just one of those engines that wears cams (as it would seem), or has something happened (lower volume/blocked oil feed to the heads/known secondary problem....) that needs fixing prior to replacing 4 camshafts and 24 finger followers?

Haven't pulled the cams yet, but envisage re-using the hydraulic adjusters if the ball studs look ok. Or should these be chucked also?

Any alternative oil recommendations on rebuild?

An 03 plate motor, 110k. Otherwise servicable.

Thanks in advance, John.

"It's not always a case of learning more, but often of forgetting less"

 

[BrianGar]

Up to 01 these units had indeed cam wear problems, it was to do with the case hardening process and the way it had been carried out.
I have come across one only after 01 to have wear issues but I have a feeling after doing a bit of research that the correct oil had not been used or service intervals abused.
Although this is not a pumpe duse(PD, unit injector) engine I do believe that using the VW 505 01 spec oil has not yet reported any problems with the 2.5l unit.

Your Cams and finger followers will be shot.
Cams are approx 220euro each.

Any units that I have heard of failing did not report any other problems such as oil pickup/starvation issues.

I do know that on the 1.8T the non-return valve to head in the oil filter flange/housing would dislodge and restrict the flow of oil to the head completely resulting in failure.

You may get more info on a motoring forum with regards other advice.

Brian.