VW LT Van info??

[merlin's S4]

Bit of a random one this, but I was hoping someone may be able to help me out with some info regarding the VW LT 2.5tdi vans (2000-2006 ish).

I'm very familiar with the Merc Sprinters of the same age but am a bit fed up with the so called 'Black Death' injector related troubles so I'm wondering whether an LT may be a better bet this time around.

Is the 2.5tdi essentially the same as the Transporter engines? I know they have cambelts to check (Sprinters have chains) but is there anything else in particular to look out for? Any info or opinions on the LT vs Sprinter subject would be very helpful!

Thanks

[Christophski]

Yep the LT engines are the same as the T4 ones. I know the T4 engines are an ACV engine code but im not sure if the code is the same for the LT. I do know though that anything that goes on the T4 2.5 tdi engines will go on the LT ones too. Watch out for the 5th injector on these that has the sensor on it as the wire for the sensor snaps and rubs through. I also know that the T4 wiring loom goes across the top of the engine making the wires brittle and causing them to break. I also know the VNT turbos get issues if they arent looked after and this causes the vains to seize. Oh... and with these engines they have 2 cambelts, 1 either side of the engine and to set them up properly they need to be adjusted with vagcom... basically all of these things put the engine into limp mode and can be a real pain to fix. I should know... I had a 2.5tdi T4 with the ACV coded engine and after changing virtually everything on it over 18 months including all of the above and more and using dti guages and vagcom I couldnt get it out of limp mode so got rid of it.

Dont get me wrong, they are great engines and fly when the van is going well. The T4 is 102 bhp which I suspect is the same for the LT seeing as everything fits to both engines. They are very comfy and easy to drive too but make sure you buy one that has been looked after I guess and if you are planning to carry out the work to it yourself just be prepared for a lot of hassle and money to be spent. They are the most expensive engine in the range for that period from what i can work out and everything that needed doing to the engine meant the intercooler had to come off!!!

Saying that, i now have a 1.9td ABL engine and miss the other one like mad.

Good luck and hth's

[caterpillar]

i dont know about the LT does have the 2,5 tdi in....longitude mount, or....?? the clutch in t4 to 2003 may cause an expencive cost... they dont use mutch fuel.../ toyota d4d drink 3 times more...
in the newer t5 fron 2003( 04) to 2009 they have the new genration 5pot ( may alu engine with chain driven cam) AXD= 131 hp and AXE =174 hp.... may same angine as CRAFTER....

[Christophski]

Im not sure which way the engine is in these... the clutch is expensive so check for juddering when you pull away. If it judders then the dual mass is on its way out and it means a fair outlay straight off.

The T4 used to get between 25 - 30mpg... pretty poor for a diesel if you ask me (when it was working ok)... they can be a bit juicy.

[mrt105]

Bloody hell that's rubbish, I'm getting 38-40mpg out of my t4 and it's now on 205k.
The engines are the same I think, I have driven an LT and it was like driving a bus. The t4 in comparison is like a car with seating position etc.

The 2.5tdi 102bhp is plenty for hacking about in a van, mine pulls like a train still.
The wiring has been an issue in the past so as previously mentioned keep an eye on that if you get an LT.

[spink]

Don't discount the 2.8, sounds crap being a 4 pot but fast as **** (158bhp)

[merlin's S4]

Thanks!

Doesn't seem like there's much in it between the Sprinters and LT tbh. They've obviously both got their common faults.

Thanks Spink, I wouldn't discount the 2.8 although they're almost as rare as the 2.7L 316 Sprinters. Just thought there may be some good info regarding the 2.5 specifically.

[merlin's S4]

Just looking at some engine pictures online. Engine is obviously mounted longitudinally as it's RWD but how are you supposed to get to the belt on the rear of the engine!?

Doesn't look much fun to have to do a belt job on one of these.

[Christophski]

The engine in the T4 must be the other way then as the belts are either side of the engine bay. (not the front and back)