216,000 Mile R32 Engine Teardown and Inspection

[@SMDH.2204]

Now I understand labour costs. I fully get it now lol

[@zd74]

me too, after watching this and a bit of google research im thinking of getting rid of mine now. didn't realise labour costs would be so high.

[@AndrewPenner]

I pulled wrenches for a couple of years in a small tire shop. I mostly did tires, oil changes, brakes, minor stuff but occasionally I’d help the more experienced mechanics with tear downs or troubleshooting. I kinda miss it some days, watching stuff like this helps scratch that particular itch. Keep up the great vids. I don’t know if I’ll ever own a VW but it’s extremely interesting none the less!

[@skylinefever]

Well, if you own a VW, call it "A labor of love." Some cars tend to need a little less in repairs, but aren't as fun. Since I want something that is AWD, has enormous brakes, and racing band seats, I'm buying an Evo X instead of a VW. Sure, even an Evo X is a labor of love, but certainly less labor.

[@sletourneau3]

VW are an addiction. I'm on my 4th. Seriously. Once you start... lol 😆

[@michaelw6277]

HumbleMechanic engine teardown video? Yes please!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yeassss

[@TonyDiazNYC]

A well maintained R32 will easily go 300K miles. Thanks again Charles

[@Mk5.maniac]

As someone who’s got one with 170k I’m glad to hear that, bought with 150k, one owner, still has window sticker, 0 rust and a HUGE list of every maintenance record, anytime anything wasn’t perfect he would immediately have it worked on. The interior is pristine too, no faded plastics, no broken cupholder or vents or grease or anything. I truly think the car is going to go for a while

[@clauschristoffero]

So about 17 minutes in I realize, "that's not a skyline engine" 😂🤣

[@BBBoiko2004]

хахаха Nice

[@kevinroman3157]

i noticed the VW symbol on the cams at 14 minutes lmfao

[@JamesBalazs]

Literally says in the first 10 seconds it's a VR6 And it's clearly not an inline 6 in the thumbnail

[@mcfrosty8739]

same with me at work with a colleague. Told me it was an R32, "wow, nice man!" comes out.. it's a golf...

[@ardonjr]

This comment cracked me up.. whahaha :')

[@seabass3104]

Recently bought a German car, Audi S4. I thought so negatively of them for a long time and am realizing I didn’t like them because I didn’t understand them. That car... is... so legit. I’m a fan for life.

[@dankline9162]

I've only ever had GM and volks. Bc I've fixed them, and don't want to relearn for a new make for a daily at least.

[@michaelbeale7960]

Thank you Humble for keeping VR info and vids informative and well produced. The broader motoring community don't really know much about these engines and how sweet they are. Doing god's work right there sir, keep em coming!

[@restaurantattheendofthegalaxy]

Charles you are a very organized and efficient mechanic. The naration you do while you are working is very natural and super helpful! My son-in-law and I are doing this project starting in March 2025!

[@invertedpolarity6890]

Starting to think maybe VW should pre-break all of the plastic connectors on their cars to save you the trouble. They could market this as a new feature.

[@carbonio28]

I love the idea 👍🏼👍🏻👍👊

[@shaadydog1]

and... the update part will add mpg lol

[@donbrashsux]

So this is responsible for the magnificent symphony that comes out the pipes

[@HumbleMechanic]

You know it

[@alexrosado3890]

Yes expect when something goes wrong.

[@Nikola-wk8si]

Vr6 GeRmAn EnGeNiRing iN ThE House, ja. Nice work bro . HUGE FAN OF GOLF R32.

[@thomasofficial1981]

Im in UK my Porsche Cayenne got this engine sweet as hell ❤

[@fastboatster]

When you said "thiiis is a vr6 engine", I almost thought you gonna continue with "and today I'm gonna show you around it's quirks and features..")

[@HumbleMechanic]

Haha

[@roberthargrave573]

For 200,000 miles it's pretty clean inside not much sludge guess it's had regular oil changes great video Charles

[@HumbleMechanic]

I was very surprised

[@benjaminbeebe9182]

lots of highway miles keeps the oil clean also

[@desmondcorreia8765]

This engine look amazing for the milage. Why not wash down the engine before taking it apart? I usually do this it really makes working on the engine alot nicer plus keeps everything nice and clean.

[@juhomaki-petaja]

I dont know what we Europeans do differently, but our engines dont have sludge(ok some have, but not many)

[@raoulrr]

@@juhomaki-petaja I haven't met any old engineers in Europe who still believe gr.3, semi-synth (or even mineral oil) are just as good as full-synthetic, while there are plenty of those guys on this side of the pond; also in the US oil makers are allowed to label anything they want "full-synthetic", while in Europe (esp. Germany) they have laws against this (see difference in oil specs in US vs Europe for the same oils) tl,dr: oil. the answer is oil

[@reallyhappenings5597]

You're a smart guy Charles, and clearly a decent fellow, a quality youtuber, and an overall model of excellence!

[@HumbleMechanic]

You got all kinds of salty today huh. Must be having a tough morning. I legit feel bad for ya

[@Swordie100]

@Karl Bischoff I think someone posted something, and removed the comment later.

[@danielmarshall4587]

Thank you so much for this... as someone who gets a "sweat-on" changing wiper blades and bulbs, your videos bring so much joy and the filming and narration is very good, again cheers.

[@danielmarshall4587]

To the previous owners of this car, you lovely people.

[@TheJmebe]

Love the camera work and editing.. great tip with cardboard. Was expecting the bore condition to be good - have seen a 400k mile VAG diesel where original honing marks still visible!!

[@PostMeridianLyf]

I just got one of my old junkers running. 93 vr6 passat. Was amazed at how well it runs. Then realized it only has 130k miles. I can't wait to tear it down!

[@WouterB76]

I really like your personality and the way you explain things, keep up the good work Charles!

[@HumbleMechanic]

thanks!

[@xNmMmAx]

You just changed my life forever with the cardboard organizer idea. I can't believe I never thought of that

[@panzerveps]

Colleague of mine forgot a transmission bolt once and forced the transmission out. Not the best way to inspect the crank shaft, I'd say...

[@HumbleMechanic]

Haha damn

[@fila1445]

Wow didn't see that one comming :/

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

Ouch...

[@john_dee1431]

Charles, great stuff. Your commentary when working on the parts helps a person like myself learn, really, mechanics in general.

[@stephenprice7502]

Nice tear down. Engine looks in really good condition given the mileage it’s covered. I was expecting to see a bit of wear on the big end and main bearings, but damn, they could do the same again and still be good. Look forward to the next instalment!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Right!!! I was surprised

[@blockbertus]

In Germany, quite a few tuners convert the R32 into a "R30". They do interchange some parts between different engines to get a more robust engine which can get more boost and power.

[@patriklenck1735]

exactly. they Get the Crankshaft out of a 2.8/2.9l 12v VR6 to reduce compression

[@tomaskusnir2374]

just out of curiosity, which parts do they swap out?

[@carlkwasnjuk9518]

In 2003 I purchased a brand new Eurovan with the 24v VR6(2.8). I sure do miss that van. Kept it for over 10 years and about 80,000 miles.

[@labradormcgraw]

A proper old school nuts and bolts video - always a good day when HM uploads. Gotta love The Humble Mechanic.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Im interested to see this, as our r32 is nearly 15 years old now. Ours has low miles though, which is not always a good thing but weve tried to give it plenty of oil changes. Have to say, its never missed a beat.

[@cebusam7545]

Mr. Humble! Found a 80s VW Caddy Diesel Truck, Clean at a VW/AUDI parts yard in West Phoenix. $1500. Complete. These look nice lowered with BBS style wheels. Don't see these around anymore!

[@Jekylnhyde55]

This vid would have been great to have when I did my chains and installed the DKM twin disc. Relied on a couple old threads from VW Vortex and Bentley. I left engine in and dropped trans/ transfer case. A little tricky getting it back in, but all is good!

[@jarhead1145]

I did it that way too. That bolt on the other side of the engine that threads into the transmission is a pain if you don't pull the engine out and among other problems it's safe to say I'll never do it that way again.

[@kottyking]

@@jarhead1145 You would pull the engine with the trans? Asking for a friend LOL

[@jarhead1145]

@@kottyking No I didn't pull the engine. You can do timing chains and clutch with the engine still in there but it really is a pain.

[@kottyking]

Archer yeah I know that. That’s why I asked if you had a do over you would pull it instead of doing that in the car? I’m about due! Wondering how I should handle it lol

[@jarhead1145]

@@kottyking Yeah If I had a do over I'd pull the engine 100% (with the transmission attached of course). It's annoying wrenching at some of these bolts on feeling alone and putting the trans back on took waaay longer than it should've.

[@2secondslater]

Hey Charles, a great tool for engine disassembly is an engraver, I pull down and reassemble multiple engines per week and engraving parts during disassembly is a no brainer, the parts go through the parts washer, ultrasonic cleaner, acid bath etc and the markings don't come off like a paint mark does. I use an air engraver with a tungsten carbide tip.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

It really helps to soak every nut and bolt you can find, with good old liquid wrench or similar, the day before you tear into it...same goes for spray cleaning the engine so its easier to see everything not covered by grime

[@ryanr3071]

This is a clear example of changing you oil on time can due. Very impressive

[@faisalhussain603]

Do*

[@jamesmurin9974]

I always keep the head bolts too. I cut the heads off of the long ones and put them a few threads were the short ones go to align the head to block when doing head gaskets. The same bolts work great for studs to align the transmission. I have also used them instead of Loli pops in a pinch.

[@SloMoShort]

I don’t know if you recall, but earlier this year I mentioned that I had a misfire on a 2006 mk5 gti. The misfire was on one cylinder and went away when the engine was stopped and restarted. After VW couldn’t find the answer. I found out that it wasn’t plugs, coil packs, injectors, fuel system or anything like that. It turned out to be the fuel control module that sits above the fuel tank underneath the rear passenger seat.

[@filename3094]

Thanks mate, much appreciated. It's unhelpful that so many amateurs do these types of videos.

[@kylestewart4444]

Watching people disassemble, clean, fix and reassemble engines is incredibly interesting and it really makes me want to do it but I’m finding it difficult to get started. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and I already have the tools I would need to get started. I think I need to just find a super run-down car that is standing at death’s door. Something I could just go pick up for $0-500 and get started. I don’t have the experience or confidence to start attempting major jobs on my daily driver. I need to find something to work on that wouldn’t cause me any financial hardship if I were to completely screw something up and ruin it.

[@jamesmedina2062]

You are thinking ahead like playing chess in your head. We always make a mistake or two or else we can proceed very slowly and have our work checked by another mechanic. Have you thought about taking an automotive class somewhere? Or of working on someone else's stuff? Generally the hardest part is the cost of tools and machinery. For me too its about finding space to put stuff. Remember that if its a car that needs to run you will work faster on it and it motivates you to work faster but if you don't have a bicycle then its good to work on a 2nd vehicle or the engine only that will go into a vehicle. The best 1st step I would take is meeting up with an engine machinist with a notepad in hand. Get a tool kit ready!

[@robertbowes1001]

It’s good to see people still do proper engine work these days I’m from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and in this country as a mechanic my self we either just change the engine or scrap the car sad really I haven’t done an engine strip down in a few years and miss it.

[@rudolfopadilla535]

From what I've seen and I just subscribed today, but have watched for a while is that you my brother are a real technician. You are very knowledgeable in many ways as experience has taught you well. Keep it up as most look forward to you explaining these things but will never truly understand. Props to you sir, mr. Master technician.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@user-lc7zt8sk6i]

My Champ of an R32 just hit 227xxx. I'm looking forward to another 10k without issues. 👍💪💪

[@bestbuildpc]

Nice trick to organize your bolts. Thanks for sharing. Many mechanics are missing bolts after doing this job!

[@robertborchert932]

Nice! By happenstance, on my lift this coming week is an '07 Passat with the big VR6, clacking timing chains. As my luck would have it, yes Charles, it's the early one with the one-piece intake manifold. I've pulled the nose forward, big yard sale of components on the shelf. With the upper timing chain visible, we see broken chain guides, but luckily, no serious damage to the valve train. Years ago, I saw issues with the oil pump drive with the Eurovans mostly. Big job, but still fun to tackle.

[@nathanwilliam1922]

So satisfying when the head came off and everything looked good. I’ve had 3 vr6 cars. 2 gti and 1 gli. Love the content

[@shaunpc2512]

You know buddy these videos are why I really like your channel, more information than most channels and most definitely a hell of a lot more methodical than some that I’ve seen. I’m building a turbocharged BUB engine so I’m looking forward to seeing more of your videos on that subject thank you 🙏🏻

[@IcanDriveIt]

Mk4 VWs really were a golden age to me. 337, 20th anni, 05 GLI, R32. Those were all so cool.

[@HumbleMechanic]

All great models

[@CCellService]

This guy tutorial is really good for beginners so they never put the wrong skrew in the hole when putting it back..

[@jamesogara2219]

Your narration is (always) fantastic.

[@danielmarshall4587]

Great video THANK YOU. Always a pleasure watching you work, as you work on your own you take the time and work "BY THE NUMBERS" not cutting corners and taking care, good good stuff. Again cheers.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@dpolendo]

I don't like VW, but I do appreciate the time and effort you put into these videos. Subscribed. Can't wait to see it with the turbo.

[@The.NoobSquad]

A mate of mine just rebuilt his Vr6 2.8 24v which had driven just over 500.000km - to be modified with turbo and newly updated goods, but alot of parts from the R32 is used on such a convertion

[@shemmo]

1:32 new starter installed already, not bad sign

[@laalaa99stl]

Well yeah. They do tend to die between 125-150K

[@LincolnSixAlpha]

I would say that that engine was properly cared for and received frequent oil changes, unlike a lot of other motors I've seen disassembled here on youtube.

[@williamchavez9938]

Wow awesome video ! Been waiting years for you to make a tear down of a vr6 ! Can’t wait to see the full build !

[@CorruptInfinityOfficial]

that 'variator' is actually called a cam phaser sprocket. thats what controls the variable valve timing advance/retarding angle.

[@RoguePlank]

As a supercharged mk4 R32 owner, this is the sort of deep dark wizardry we hope to never need to do, but need to be aware of. Thank you so much for this video, I think I forgot to breathe at one point as I was so enraptured by this video. I've spent a lot of time in my engine bay, but heavy stuff like this still scares me. You have my respect. These cars are getting old now and the number of places with the knowledge to perform stripdowns like this is very small.

[@RoguePlank]

side note - my car - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKGTn6yqZ7R_bJI

[@eurojulien]

Little trick I learned when removing the angle box in situ is, break bolt free with 16mm but then use 8mm ball end allen to zip it off the remainder of the way.

[@RollinTwentySix]

Not a big fan of post-2000's Volkswagen, but these VR/W engines are pretty neat. So many cylinders packed into so small of a space, and you make it look easy wrenching on them once they are out of the bay!

[@mikesteven1133]

Oh a VW vr6, I was all excited thinking it was a skyline r32 rb26dett.

[@corradokid90]

Another AWESOME video Charles. Keep them coming

[@ghostwrench2292]

I’m fascinated by the VR and W engines VAG has. Seems like brilliant engineering. If only I had enough time, money and room to get into VW. 😂

[@7spower998]

VR and W engines are the legacy of the late genius Dr. F. Piech. There many engine possibilities that can be designed from VR6 From a VR6 - 1 = VR5 VR6 - 2 = VR4 x 2 = W8 VR5 x 2 = W10 VR6 x 2 = W12 VR6 + 2 = VR8 x 2 = W16 or W8 x 2 = W16

[@silvia_fuku0ka845]

Shame the electronics are shitely built

[@7spower998]

@@silvia_fuku0ka845 That's true. I hope the newer ones have improved

[@johnmoser2689]

Fantastic video Charles very detailed... super excited to see the next episode.... Vr6 turbo should be a serious force to be reckoned with

[@miceinoz1181]

Just pulled a Mitsu 6G75 down at 160K miles. Can still see the crosshatch marks in the bores, and internals similar to this engine. IMHO this is a testament to high quality modern oil technology and a correctly followed servicing schedule. This VW engine is a little more interesting to see though, I have never seen the inside of them.

[@shaagealgareb9189]

thank you...Possible video showing how to adjust the caliber of the golf 5 rear tire..Tilt the tire and it touches the ground

[@xXTECHxKNIGHTXx]

Awesome video! Love the cardboard bolt trick and putting bolts back to where they came from, my memory is crap and has helped me put stuff back together in massive jobs like this. The off set piston layout in these engines is so cool looking!

[@S54VR6]

I’m a Bmw guy and I’m shocked at those bearings 😂 that’s impressive

[@HumbleMechanic]

Crazy right!

[@75L48]

Yea you should be, something BMW never learned how to do.

[@S54VR6]

Branislav Meško yeah unfortunately they’re starting to find prematurely worn bearings on n55, b58 and s55 motors. Main reason why I switched to Audi, tired of dealings with rod bearing issues in BMW

[@75L48]

@@S54VR6 Doing mostly BMWs so yeah know about it thing or two. Last good engines were M52, then M54 came, this is OKay-ish but throws rod from time to time. N54 and so on, change bearings each 60 000km if you want to sleep well. Most people do them beyond 100 000km and by that time they are completely worn. Same goes for N diesels. Crappy brand.. You want germans go for Audi, if RWD then Mercedes.

[@TucsonDude]

@@75L48 Nah...all have slushboxes. Some of us gearheads still like manual transmissions.

[@pospc2]

Been using the cardboard trick for years. It's a huge help.

[@n9wox]

Some of my bulk replacement metric fasteners have the same length, diameter, and thread pitch as the original, but slightly different head size.

[@FuPete225]

Was excited for the moment when you showed the connecting rod bearings, was quite impressed. I've changed mine on a 4 cylinder Passat for fun, they looked significantly worse at 180000 miles. However, nice work!

[@hydorah]

Nice video mate. With the state of the interior, the body, the steering and suspension, I'm glad you've finally found a part of the car that's in good health. Irony being you're fully rebuilding that bit anyway!

[@randomtech9909]

Hello! I recently purchased a MK5 R32 with the intention to maintain it myself and slowly get it back to tip top condition. It's been 30 years since I have worked on cars and I wanted to say a big thank you! Your videos are super helpful as I rekindle my love for tinkering with cars. Keep it up! 👍

[@georgestweeter]

I typically use many magnetic trays for nuts and bolts, and set the tray next to the part on the bench where im laying out everything. If i run out of trays, or the bolt is so big im not worried about losing it if it falls to the ground, i will set it on a clean paper shop rag net to the part, and maybe write on the shop rag. For connectors in the wiring harness, i typically use small colored zip ties, too many times i have had sharpie/permanent marker rub off of something. Cant get it wrong with colored zip ties on each end, or if you can only do one side, colored ties and a notepad to say what each color is.

[@simonjones7785]

Looking at those bearing caps I would say that engine has been treated the same as my merc CDi regular oil and filters will keep the engine in tip top order

[@pleite567]

damn those bearings look amazing

[@punishedchris8576]

Just watching you do this makes my wallet sweat, had my chains and DMF replaced around the 110k mark and I fear I'll be having nightmares tonight after watching this haha. Top job, quality content, will sub.

[@nimbleryan735]

As a 4th year apprentice who doesnt get much work in diagnose and repair, this was interesting to watch. Gives me an idea of whats good to look for when i get the 4B12 motor (Mitsubishi) to build to handle boost. Would never get the opportunity for this at Mazda where i work.

[@BenState]

This got me back into your channel mate. Good stuff

[@HumbleMechanic]

Sweet. More Vr6 goodness coming soon

[@BenState]

@@HumbleMechanic Awesome! Any EA113 stuff appreciated too :)

[@ollyd4073]

Thanks for the quality teardown video Charles, great to see a slow methodical disassembly! My project's engine is very similar and coming out for chains and waterpump soon, feeling a little less overwhelmed by the prospect! I listened to your podcast with Paul the other morning (was good stuff!), aiming to not become another DIY fail statistic.

[@ollyd4073]

Also, highly recommend a screwdriver as your next cocktail! Oldie but a goodie. Pulp or no pulp is dealers choice.

[@habib1971]

Looked at the head and got confused, realized it was a different r32. Still cool to see how different manufacturers build there motors.

[@whitt87]

Don't forget to replace the pcv diaphragm under rocker cover. It can be purchased separately aftermarket and fails often.

[@matthewgleeson2594]

I’m very excited for this and the future progress you’ll be making!

[@CatonsvilleCentralRwy]

Wow, what a good idea with the alternator bolt sleeve trick! I'll 100% do that next time I need to take one out.

[@frankbiz]

Proves the importance of changing your oil. Enjoyed the video, thanks. 👍🏻

[@Speeddemon3]

First video I've watched on this channel. You do great work! Nice clear video and commentary and really looking forward to the next one!! Subbed!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@Osprey1994]

Super happy to see this engine looking this good. People love to hate on VW, but in all fairness they have some strong engines that just need a lot of attention or they can be costly to repair. Do I think I will stick with VW forever? No idea, but I tried to jump ship to Subaru recently and ended up back in a MK7 GTI. Some day I would really love to have an R32 or at least something with a VR6 but for now I am enjoying the GTI and the jack of all trades nature that it exhibits.

[@markplenty2631]

Gotta love that German VAG Group mechanics!! Nice Video Charles! 👍

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks :)

[@bitzao84]

@1:12 nice stop motion animation. Very Soup Classic Motoring

[@mikemx55]

After you did it and it looking so good.. kinda wish you just kept it running as a good example of a high mile vr6.

[@fredjones5327]

More amazing stuff bearded wonder!!!!!!!💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️

[@danturismo]

Cool video man, looking forward to the turbo and reassembly!

[@ben3989]

Seems like a great engine design that hasn’t been adopted by others.

[@95frankycrep]

20:25 Charles is very proud of you little bearing

[@HumbleMechanic]

HAHAHAHA I really am

[@Stevieboy130664]

Fascinating breakdown (I have car with a 20V V5 engine) and a great list of useful webpages! Very helpful video. Given its mileage, the engine is in superb condition. I suspect that might be down to relatively gentle usage (as well as being properly maintained). All about to change when you strap that turbo on it. 😉

[@garyklein7900]

Really the trick to making these VW engines last is to use the right oil with an OEM or OEM manufacturer filter. Plus driving gently during warm up. My current 2015 Golf TDI has 173,000 miles on it. Uses what less than a half quart in 9k miles between changes. I never ever go beyond 10k in an OCI. Very interesting video.

[@carlosgraphic]

I have a Touareg 2009. Same engine. Right now it has 241K miles. I use Liqui Moly products for that car and Mann filters. A few miles ago I did some work on it like injectors replaced, PCV valve replaced, Clean Valves with walnut, etc. Inside Valve cover everything looks very clean and the pistons and walls look beautiful. The car runs smoothly and feels strong. Haven't seen any problem with oil consumption.

[@markvillafranco]

I love how you always use pink to mark 😍 everything!!

[@BaconOwnedYou]

Gotta say I am so happy I've found your channel. I have been getting really serious about finally getting one of the realistic childhood dream cars and just having this whole in depth series on it is amazing. I would ideally like one slightly less rough, but by the looks of this teardown rough on the outside might not be so indicative of the inside! Love this content and excited to see where you go with it!

[@QamilB79]

Amazing job charles taking that apart and put it back together awesome work bro 👍👌

[@gbot.thebot]

Did I hear HPA kit? They do awesome stuff. I was the first MK7 GTI to receive their Hybrid IS38 and it's glorious.

[@HumbleMechanic]

:) you did

[@bobkarakas4930]

you should make r32 this to the maximum performance and unique, looking forward to seeing gti mk5 engine in the future. great work

[@Iowa599]

Instead of a tap to clean those threads, just use a bolt (with a trench) & impact driver. For the "trench" just cut a groove down some random bolt (of the same thread as the hole), wider & deeper at the tip, as long as desired. Did that before I got taps & since I broke taps. It works just as well, but destroys the "donor" bolt frequently…about every use. Still cheaper!

[@Streetmodz-Joe]

Wicked Stuff, I really enjoyed watching that 😊. Can't wait for the nx video.

[@dannyrivas5125]

Do think hard coating powdered coating would work on the block on the long run ?

[@oldkid6]

if my R ever needs chains, clutch, etc. all at the same time i'm having towed to Charles's shop and beg to take the job. this video really makes me realize how little i understand about my own car.