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This T6 transporter could be scrap - swirl flap nightmare

DTE TV

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This T6 Transporter Could Be Scrap - Swirl Flap Nightmare! 🚐💥
A 17-plate VW Transporter T6 with a shocking 315,000 miles on the clock is running rough — it sounds like it’s only firing on three cylinders. Is this van headed for the scrapyard, or can we save it?
In this diagnostic and repair video, we investigate the classic “swirl flap” nightmare in the intake manifold. These flaps are known to degrade, get caked in carbon (thanks, EGR!), and cause major issues on high-mileage T6s and TDIs. We check the DPF, pull the intake manifold, inspect the damage, clean the MAP sensor, and test an EGR blank to see if we can get it running smoothly again.
Will the swirl flaps have destroyed the engine, or is there hope? Watch to find out!
Key moments:
• 0:00 - Intro & initial diagnosis
• ~2:00 - Lifting the van & first checks
• ~3:00 - Testing the DPF
• ~7:30 - Removing the front end & intake manifold
• ~8:00 - The reveal: swirl flap condition & carbon build-up
• ~10:30 - EGR blank test & reassembly
If you’re dealing with swirl flaps, intake manifold problems, rough running T6/T5, high-mileage VW diesels, EGR/DPF issues, or just love seeing real workshop repairs, hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more!
What do you think — repair it or scrap it? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
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#VWTransporter #T6 #SwirlFlaps #IntakeManifold #DieselRepair #HighMileage #VWTDI #GarageLife #MechanicLife #DPFEGR

20 Comments

@jonfitzgerald6142 2 months ago

A compression test and a cylinder leak down test first would have saved you a lot of time and work! Apply basic principles first

@AntarezPollux 3 weeks ago

I just witnessed a perfect example of a very confident chap who has no idea what he is talking about! Thank You For the entertainment 🎉

@rafo6577 2 months ago

That diagnosis was a bit like changing the battery because you have a coolant leak.

@desm16rr 2 months ago

My T5 ran like that when an injector failed. Great vid Nathan.
I'll be sticking with the early T5's 😅

@mrbigvanlife7130 2 months ago

This chap didn’t understand how a diesel diagnosis should happen

@Yuwii-u6v 2 months ago

2017 - 2019 have the CXEB engine which was later revised to the CXEC engine with a lot of fixes. Most of these engines fail around 100k and are known bad engines. First you will notice increased oil consumption, then the EGR will become oily.. the DPF will get blocked and when you fix it you will hear the top top turbo (assuming this is the bi-turbo). The underlying cause is the scavenger ring on the pistons dissolve (an oil test will show this) which increases the oil consumption and the rest is history. My T6 DSG 204 failed this way and I had the engine rebuilt with 2019 rings and a hi-capacity oil pump to bring it to the 2019 spec. These aren't bad engines it is the EGR / DPF etc which is killing them as you called out.

@doctorx8467 2 months ago (edited)

sounded exactly like when i had a bad camshaft, exact same noise, and behaviour

@keithraymer9742 2 months ago

And your rant about EGR etc? Totally spot-on!. People don't think about the emissions cost (and actual fuel cost) of all that fuel that gets dumped into a DPF regen - If I drive a 2hr trip, the DPF wants to do a regen for most of the 2nd hour at freeway speeds, and needs to have increased rpms for the regen so running in a lower gear (5th or 6th instead of 7th) on the freeway. And cruise control not available, literally shuts off when the regen starts.

@Bouy53s 2 months ago

What would be amazing is if someone could make a reliable modern version of the original air cooled

@bonjourchimaple1150 2 months ago

Mate it’s showing all signs off injector try wiring harness first then pull the injectors it’s clearly running like that for a injection issue all the signs are infront off you i don’t know how your missing them

@AngusandAndrewfunguys 2 months ago

Watching a non mechanic doing an engine problem is to me very interesting as I am a non trained mechanic, just do it and hope type of guy and of course saving money.

@timprice516 2 months ago

Not sure what stages we didnt get to see before you thought it was air related, but i loved watching pal!

@brianstorm4806 2 months ago

That’s been a busy bus to have that may miles so young!

@marcb5328 2 months ago (edited)

Compression test ? Yep world Cup kick on the egr and dpf , can see why the simplicity under the bonnet of the old t5's are still popular , come on Nathan a Chinese vcds on a old laptop 🎉

@michaelclarke3684 2 months ago

Enjoyed that Nathan really interesting seeing what can happen and how expensive it can be to fix.

@volvos60bloke 2 months ago

Great video, as usual.

@keithraymer9742 2 months ago (edited)

My T6.1 (CXEC) had a flap valve failure at 90,000km. Thankfully it was replaced under warranty (the whole intake manifold) - along with the dual-mass flywheel, both front cv joints, an AC pipe running around the back of the engine bay, the turbo boost controller valve, and the transmission filter wasn't tightened fully out of the factory so was leaking from day 1 too.

Can you say "lemon"? All well and good to offer free repairs etc under warranty, but that doesn't compensate for time without vehicle while paying finance, time with a hire vehicle, time lost with tow trucks etc..