Common problems and weak areas on the D16

wizzer

Road Burner
Points
202
Location
Lyndhurst, Hampshire
Car
VW Golf 2.0 TDi
On the D16, there are certain weak spots and problematic areas. I'll be posting up some engine issue posts, and hopefully, others can add to them and we can discuss these problems together.

The D16 engines are generally dependable and solid units, as long as you adhere to the manufacturer's service schedules and use high-quality oil to ensure long-term performance and reliability. As long as they are serviced and maintained on a regular basis, they should have few problems.

Regular oil changes are essential for the D16, especially when the engine is adjusted, and will help to extend the engine's life and dependability.

Carbon build up

Carbon buildup in the head, particularly around the valves, will cause power to be reduced or flat spots to appear.

This is a more serious problem on direct injection engines, but it should be kept an eye out for on all engines as well. We provide some suggestions for eliminating carbon buildup. https://www.torquecars.com/articles/car-care/direct-injection-carbon-removal.php

Distributor problems

It is recommended that distributors be replaced every 20,000 miles or so, as they can cause problems with tracking and misfiring as they deteriorate. This will cause flat spots, rough idling and poor starting/running.

Crankshaft pulley problems

Crankshaft pulleys are prone to failure, necessitating their replacement. Look for cracks, noise, and vibrations, as these might be early warning signs of impending failure.

Idling problems and issues

Engine idling troubles are frequently caused by throttle issues, which can be resolved by cleaning the throttle body; however, the Lambda (O2) sensor may be the source of the problem in some circumstances.

Problems after mods and tuning

This forums members have reported experiencing flat spots or glitches after installing mods and upgrades or tuning their engines; however, this is not usually related to the engine's design; instead, see our article on diagnosing flat spots and problems after tuning, which should assist you in determining what is causing the issues in question. https://www.torquecars.com/tuning/tuning-misfires.php


To learn more, or simply to receive some kind advise on tuning your Honda engine, please join us in our friendly forum, where you may discuss D16 tuning choices in greater depth with other D16 enthusiasts. It would also be worthwhile to read through our unbiased Honda tuning articles in order to gain a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each adjustment.

More information can be found at: https://www.torquecars.com/honda/d16-tuning.php.

If you have any more problems related to the D16 please post them up here and we can discuss them. Overall though these engines are incredibly reliable.
 
Similar threads
Thread starter Title Forum Replies Date
wizzer Honda K20 common problems and issues Honda Forums 0

Similar threads


Please watch this on my YouTube channel & Subscribe.


Back
Top