Purchased motorhome but confused which engine is fitted (1 Viewer)

[DarkOwl]

Evening all,

I recently purchased a VW 1995 Coachbuilt motorhome. I must admit I know very little about engines. The seller advised it has had an aftermarket turbo fitted which I could see with a blue pipe under the bonnet.

I have since had a friend look at it and they advised me it has not had a turbo fitted. Instead it's engine has been swapped for a 2.5 T5 and he counted 5 cylinders.

The engine does have 2.5 imprinted on it but the log book and a vrm lookup states
Engine capacity: 2370cc
Engine number: AAB279xxx

I'm concerned the information registered with the DVLA is incorrect and the insurance currently on it will be invalid in the event of an accident.

I've not driven it since discovering this and won't until I resolve this.

I'm not sure what to do as I have no paperwork to support the engine swap if this is the case and I imagine insurance won't accept the modification if it does not match the DVLA records.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

 

[Outdoors Dad]

Ah just drive it and enjoy it! As long as it performs well.

 

[Podney]

Ah just drive it and enjoy it! As long as it performs well.

 

[Pausim]

If it was me I would get the DVLA information updated and make sure my insurance company knew the engine had been changed.

 

[Figaro]

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[Badknee]

You’re probably going to find more info on a VW forum to be honest.
Good luck.

 

[Lenny HB]

DVLA don't require an engine number for a Motorhome my V5 under engine number says Unknown.
So if it have the wrong engine info you could tell DVLA engine has been changed give the engine size and number as unknown.

 

[Itsmcb]

Google search suggests that the Volkswagen AAB engine is 2.4 litres and has 5 cylinders.

Just because it has 5cylinders doesn’t mean it’s from a T5

Some info here :- https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/new-engine-dilemma.22287/

Also pic:-

 

[Jez1966]

Google engine number and on clubvw list of engine codes, headings don't quite line up.

VW Engine Codes

This list shows all Volkswagen engine codes used around the world from 1947 to the late 2000s.

www.clubvw.org.au

Code

Size

Layout

Fuel

kW

HP

Application

From

To

AAB

2370

I5

D

57

77

T4 Transporter, Syncro

1990

1998

 

[Itsmcb]

Yep, suggests van has its original engine, would your friend know what a turbo actually looks like?

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[Spriddler]

I have a 1995 Compass on a T4 Transporter base vehicle with its original AAB engine - 5 cyl 2.4 litre. No turbo.

 

[Outdoors Dad]

ACV; AUF; AYC; AXL these engines fitted to the T4 chassis had a TDI engine...I just googled it! Can you find these codes on the block

 

[DarkOwl]

Thanks for your responses. I'm struggling to find and engine code on it. I've attached some photos if that helps.

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

Double check if there is a turbo fitted and I think you should inform the insurance company as it may be original or a modification.

 

[Itsmcb]

T4 engine numbers

On the Petrol engine the number is located below two of the spark plugs. The engine number is also shown on the timing belt cover and on the ID plate on the door pillar. On the Diesel engine the number is located between the injection pump and the vacuum pump.

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[Itsmcb]

A bit more googling and reading because I'm relaxing in the garden and I am curious now..... The turbo conversion is a straightforward bolt on job onto the T4 AAB engine and the configuration of that blue pipe certainly suggests that's what you have. Furthermore, it's not possible to swap in a T5 engine without also changing the gearbox and ECU.

I found this little video of a turbo install which you might find informative, you can also clearly see the 2.5 stamp on the rocker cover...

2.4D AAB Turbo Project

www.vwt4forum.co.uk

Lots of interesting chat and information on the T4 forum, you might be well advised to join.

I'm not an expert but my conclusion would be that the seller was telling the truth, its the correct engine for the van and does have a turbo kit fitted. Your 'friend' is mistaken.