Hi I have a Mk1 1.8 GTi (recently purchased)
About 1000 miles after buying the car the oil pump failed - sadly it took the mains, big ends and thrust bearings with it. The top end was fine.
Engine inspected, cleaned out and rebuilt by a garage I trust.
About another 1000 miles - exactly the same again.
Both events were sudden failure, the engine was making good steady oil pressure, warmed up and not under any particular load (modest revs). Both times the oil levels were good (just above midway).
The second time the bearings all survived and have no damage at all.
No evidence of metal shavings in the sump although the pump gears are munched (both times the same) - the gauze on the pump neck is intact and clean. I don't think the pump has eaten anything apart from itself.
I don't know where the first pump came from - it came with the car, the second time I asked the garage to get a VW part.
Is this a known problem?
To be honest I am baffled, there is no obvious problem anywhere else, the engine runs sweetly. As I say oil pressure was good and also oil temps stayed well in check (I always watch both when driving). I am reluctant to put it down to bad luck/bad pump - I suspect there is a cause locked away in the engine somewhere.
The only common feature (clutching at straws) was on both occasions I had just been around a right hand corner………..probably a red-herring
Thanks in advance
