EGR Removal - Pinging - Recommendations

[Steve Sealey]

Hi all, new to forum.

I have a B6 2.0 FSI bought 2nd hand. Discovered on a free health check at my local garage that the EGR pipe had been crimped shut.

Had it blanked off and deleted when I had a stage 1 map done. Mappers didn't advise me there was any issues with timing etc as I didn't have a Dyno tune just standard map flash.

Their website stated EGR removal would bring down engine temp and prolong life as well as improve mpg and performance.

I've been getting alot if pinging which my mechanic has advised me is due to to the EGR removal causing the cylinder temperatures to get very hot causing pre detonation.

One tuner closer to me advised cooler spark plugs could help remedy it.

I spoke to a tech guy at NGK who said the closest to the recommended plugs but 1 step colder is the PZFR6Q-11 where as the OE are 5's. They do not make a 7 with the same resistor type so they couldn't guarantee there wouldn't be electrical interference. I've installed the 6's he advised me on and while it has gotten rid of some of the ping it is still there under acceleration. Now does anyone know of a way I can supplement this? Coolant additives like redline, purple ice or Lucas? Going for 0w40 instead of 5w30? Are there any other plugs I can go for of a different brand which would go cooler? I don't want to plumb all the EGR system back in and have to remap again, there has to be a mechanical way of curing it other than that surely? I don't mind spending some cash on it as I'm restoring this car and possibly continuing to modify it as I've fallen sadly in love with the thing.

Appreciate any help.

 

[pauldazzle]

I would be having a look in VCDS/Vagcom to see if there are any fault codes, then in engine measuring blocks to see what the engine sensors are telling the ECU. Check timing & the engine temps in particular.. Coolant Temp Sensor failure is extremely common on VAG engines, & doesn't always cause the ECU to throw a fault code. CTS has 2 seperate outputs 1 for the ECU & the other to the temp gauge, if the ECU output is failing the ECU will fuel incorrectly which can cause pinking/detonation.
Never heard of EGR delete causing the issues you describe.
NGK PZFR6Q-11 are the correct plugs for VAG 1.8T but not sure about the 2.0FSI.

 

[Steve Sealey]

As it has been explained to me EGR delete in NA engines is that EGR cools down the combustion by introducing the exhaust gases at lower speeds to help keep pre ignition under control. With EGR not present the cylinder temps can rise sufficiently to cause ping. So extracting heat and dealing with the matter of cooling is paramount. NGK said the PZFR6Q-11 had the same specs as the recommended plug for the 2.0 FSI but with only 1 ground pole, he figured with its heat range it would have been the best bet for compensating for the added heat.

I've already had the coolant temp sensor changed. The next thing reported on vagcom is something to do with the cam angle but I can't remember the code and the intake runner manifold, my engineer has the codes, we have been systematically going through and rectifying them.one by one...

 

[pauldazzle]

So did it start to ping straight after you had it mapped?
Cam angle fault code could be significant. I'd certainly investigate that further as that could screw up the timing.

 

[Gazwould]

Too far advanced timing hopefully .

 

[Steve Sealey]

The ping was there originally I think to some degree as I bought it not knowing the EGR pipe had been crimped and I had my window shut on the test drive (and for several months as I bought it in the winter). But it definitely became more prominent after the map and full EGR delete.

We replaced the cam angle sensor along with the coolant temp sensor but the current cam code my engineer believes is either the solenoid at the back of the engine or adjuster pulley. The intake runner issue may also be an issue as it could be having an effect on the air side of the fuel mix.. I'm getting those 2 faults looked at next but it does seem oddly strange/coincidental that fitting the 1.8t colder plugs had reduced the ping to only when I increase throttle and not all the time at lower speeds like it was before suggesting a definite cooling issue.