Hi everyone,

I have a 2006 1.6 tdci 110hp and I noticed that my camshafts are quite badly worn, as if their surface has been chipped off. There is no sign of burning, so I think there is no problem with the oil supply. What could cause this? Is it ok or have to be replaced? Thanks for the help.

This type of engine has a well-known problem. 1st there is the well-known leaking fuel injector seals which cause oil contamination. 2nd this type of engine has a undersized oil capacity which affects the deterioration/contamination of the engine oil even more.

A well-known symptom is a failed turbocharger due to the oil strainer become clogged.

As a result of these problems the engine can suffer from excessive internal wear. Excessive wear causes increased gaps between small tolerance parts which in the end reduces the oil pressure.

Since the camshaft is located at the top of the engine it is usually the 1st part that suffers from oil starvation.


To determine the condition of the engine you should measure the amount of oil coming out of the turbocharger oil return line while the engine is cold.

* Remove the oil strainer from the turbocharger oil feed line (if this is still present).
* Disconnect the turbocharger oil return line. Connect a hose to the oil return and put it in a bucket.
* Now run the engine at idle for exactly 1 minute.

On a 16-Valve 1.6 TDCI the amount of oil from the oil outlet of the turbocharger must be at least 300 ml in 1 minute. Less oil coming from the return line usually indicates that the engine suffers from excessive internal wear. 

Sorry for the late reply but I don't have much time to deal with the car. I measured the oil coming out of the turbo and almost a liter came out in a minute. What should I do in this case? Where can I go next? Thanks. 

That is good news.

Now you made sure the oil supply is sufficient. The next step will be replacing the camshafts, timing belt and the timing chain between the camshafts.

The question however is whether it still is economically viable to repair this engine or not. 

But if the oil supply is sufficient, what could cause camshaft wear when the car only has 290,000 km?

3 minutes ago, daniel1125 said:

car only has 290,000 km

3 minutes ago, daniel1125 said:

what could cause camshaft wear

180,198 Miles and things are wearing out, what ever next ?? 🤣

So you think it's normal for pieces of the camshaft to break off after 180,000 miles. You might be right.