AFN TDI catastrophic oil loss...

[JohnnyB]

Hey everybody... Been a member for a while, but my original TDI "needs" got sidetracked by other distractions, so I've not really had the need to lurk/post until now...

I bought my "dream" TDI powered vehicle this past June. It's a 1989 Transporter DoKa Syncro TriStar w/ an AFN TDI swap (supposedly from a 2001 European market Passat). The TDI has a few "enhancements" (injectors, a2w IC, chip/ECU), and other than running it out of fuel on the first tank (no idea how many km it could go on a full tank), being unaware of the IMMOBI, and the IMMOBI having ground issues on my first real roadtrip, it's run spectacularly. The milage has been impressive for an AWD heavy brick (~30mpg city/hwy cycle).

Anyway, the reason I'm posting is that a few weeks ago it had a catrastrophic oil loss while I was cruising @ ~75mph SB in OH. The oil pressure light came on suddenly after passing a slower car, followed by a sudden loss of power. I pulled over as quickly as I could, and when I stepped down out of the cab, I saw a trail of oil on the pavement behind me...

Fast forward a few weeks, after retrieving the vehicle and dropping it off at my trusted mechanic for diagnosis/inspection... The oil filter appears to be swollen from excessive oil pressure, and an inspection of the bottom end revealed cylinder scoring in cylinders 1&2, but apparently no crank/rod bearing damage. Any ideas on what could've caused the failure, and/or suggestions on how to get it back on the road?

[the caveman]

One of the only times i've seen that is on a delivery golf that had maybe over 500,000 kms and who knows how well maintaince was done. The relief valve in the pump seized and then of course the oil pressure climbed up  and burst the filter and then threw a rod through the block . your lucky the damage wasn't worse. It didn't have a fram filter did it ? Ive seen those fail also.

[the caveman]

After you get it fixed you'll have to post some pics of what sounds like a nice combo.

[Green79]

I had a bad bearing which spewed some bits around the engine, and eventually the oil pump pressure relief valve siezed, after which my oil filter seal blew out just like yours.

Maybe if the bottom end looks fine, it could've been from the intermediate shaft bearings dropping chunks into the oil?