The Simplest Modern Engine - From Volkswagen?

Who said that German brands have complicated designs that are difficult to service and complex in design? In this video we teardown a Volkswagen 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. This engine was the base model engine used in the 2010-2015 A6 VW Jetta. It does NOT have any variable valve timing, uses a timing belt instead of chain, has a manually adjustable eccentric belt tensioner instead of a hydraulically controlled one, has only two valves per cylinder instead of 4, has a cam-on-bucket design instead of using roller/rocker arms, still uses an ancient iron block instead of aluminum, and does NOT have any EGR, secondary air injection, direct injection, turbo chargers or any power enhancing / pollution reduction technology like any modern engines of the era.

The caveat is that the engine only produces 115HP from a 2.0L displacement! Surely its a testament that German car brands can make a simple engine design if they put cost cutting at the forefront.

Skip to section in this video:
0:00 Introduction
1:33 Teardown
9:40 Analysis
12:29 Final Thoughts

Keep your Volkswagen engine maintained with parts that can be purchased here:
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Timing chain tool:

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[Kantoh]

It doesn't even matter what motor you are breaking down, or what car you are working on. I love watching you work, and teach. Its refreshing, relaxing, and informative. Not to mention funny, due to the use of your brother's tshirt, toothbrush, and so on. 🤣😂

[charlesadeoye]

Engine's great. Has enough torque and its super reliable and easy to maintain compared to some new nasty engines!

[gratigo]

These engines have gone nearly unchanged since 1993. Dead reliable and simple to work on. Very slow, but they take abuse like a champ. I’ve owned 6 VW’s with the 2.0, one had 246k miles before I sold it and it was running smooth as silk! Still see it all the time driving around town

[gsilva]

These engines are legendary here in Brazil. Bonus points if mounted longitudinally.

[mikefraser]

“It’s been stained enough already” 😆 great review of the two.slow

[tigerseye]

Simple is GOOD. Dependable, reliable, easy to work on. And iron blocks are strong, don't require sleeves. If this were turbo charged, it would put out at least 180 hp, 200 pound feet of torque. Need more like this in other cars.

[VolksTrieb]

As a VW engine builder (look at my channel) I have to correct you. The oil does not go up in the middle of the head. Look at 5:04
The seconds bolt hole from the right. There a tiny hole. From there it feeds around the head bolt (2nd from the right) up around the bolt and somewhere under the washer sideways into the head. The hole in the middle-front is the oil return.

[kevinbarry]

My mother had this engine in her 2002 golf which she purchased new. The engine was not powerful, but it was durable. Never had any problems with it and we had it a long time. One camshaft and two valves per cylinder. It was old in 2002

[John_Findlay]

These EA287 engines are an older design. I had a 1989 B3 Passat with this engine in it. Absolutely bomb-proof. I sold mine at 15 years old with 160, 000 miles on the clock, and saw it on the road 2 or 3 years later. Great cars that handled well, with strong simple and economical engines.

[BorisZech]

The lawn mower sound in the back - absolute authenticity, no fluff, just content! ;-)

[nobster]

Man I am just amazed by how clear you explain each and every stuff being so complicated yet easy to understand and learn!

[pliedtka]

It's basically the same engine since late 90's. But they have good torque in their midrange making it very flexible in their operating range. The 2.0L also has good longevity.

[Haffmatthew]

My 2013 VW base model Jetta with the 2.0 has been so reliable and it’s never even been to any dealer or mechanic. I’ve been able to teach myself how to fix and repair all the things that have come up - which is minimal compared to other cars I’ve had. I recall several folks telling me to run from VW when I was considering it back in 2016 and I’m so glad I used my gut instinct and got it. I have about 200k on it and it hasn’t given me any reason to consider selling it so I’m a happy customer.

[ostrich]

Tonight my 2003 Jetta 2.0 just turned 200, 000 miles, with nothing but regular maintenance. Still runs like a watch. Can't kill it.

[NateThatGuy]

These are incredible engines. Low power, but super longevity and low maintenance. These still use the same basic technology from the 1.6 in the late 70’s. Same block, slightly different cylinder head was introduced in 1993 but hasn’t really been changed since. Way to go VW. More manufacturers need to do this.

[Lcsg]

We love those here in Brazil. With forged internals and a big turbo they can produce up to 400 whp

[mattderynioski]

This looks almost exactly like the 2.0 I had on my 2002 Jetta. No turbo, aluminum head on iron block, eight valves on a single camshaft, and belt-timed, though I remember a metal intake manifold and coil-on-plug, I do believe. Stupid simple, insanely reliable, and strong like they don’t make them any more. The electronics around it went out all the time but the engine will run, and run, and run, and run. Love to see them around!

[chestnut]

These are still fitted to the forklift's service as a day job. running on LPG, the highest hours reading I've come across was 22000 hours without major repair. Roughly equivalent to 660000 miles.

[fernandocastro]

we had this in brasil for years, since the 90's until mid 2010's we love it its caled AP and it makes good power once you turbo it

[TommyG]

This 2.0 L is a bullet prof engine, with regular maintenance they run forever. And yes you can do plugs and wires with the intake on. Great video