The 1.9-liter Volkswagen ALH 1.9 TDI diesel engine was produced from 1997 to 2010 and was installed on many popular concern models created on the Polo 3 and Golf 4 platforms. There is a simplified modification of such a power unit with its own AGR index.
EA180 family: 1Z, AFN, AHF, AHU, ALH, AVG, AKU, AEY.
Specifications
| Production years | 1997-2010 |
| Displacement, cc | 1896 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 90 |
| Torque output, Nm | 210 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 79.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 95.5 |
| Compression ratio | 19.5 |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | yes |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.3 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for VW Golf 2000) — city — highway — combined |
6.5 4.1 4.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~440 000 |
The engine was installed on:
- Audi A3 1 (8L) in 1997 – 2001;
- Skoda Octavia 1 (1U) in 2000 – 2010;
- Seat Cordoba 1 (6K) in 1999 – 2002;
- Seat Ibiza 2 (6K) in 1999 – 2002;
- Seat Leon 1 (1M) in 2000 – 2005;
- Seat Toledo 2 (1M) in 1999 – 2004;
- Volkswagen Bora 1 (1J) in 1998 – 2002;
- Volkswagen Caddy 2 (9K) in 2000 – 2003;
- Volkswagen Golf 4 (1J) in 1997 – 2002;
- Volkswagen Polo 3 (6N) in 1999 – 2001.
Disadvantages of the VW ALH engine
- The main culprit for thrust failures is contamination of the turbine valve or EGR;
- A cracked cooling tee regularly causes antifreeze leaks here;
- Also, the lower flange of the crankcase ventilation tube often bursts and the engine pan is covered with grease;
- A big danger is a broken ribbed belt, it can get into the timing;
- On a run of 200 thousand km, valve seats often burn out and compression drops.
Frequently asked questions about the Volkswagen ALH
How much power does the Volkswagen ALH make?
The Volkswagen ALH develops 90 hp and 210 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Volkswagen ALH take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.3 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-40.
Does the Volkswagen ALH have a timing belt or chain?
The Volkswagen ALH uses a timing belt.
Is the Volkswagen ALH turbocharged?
Yes, the Volkswagen ALH is turbocharged.
Does the Volkswagen ALH need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Volkswagen ALH has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Volkswagen ALH last?
The typical lifespan of the Volkswagen ALH is ~440 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Volkswagen ALH?
VW Golf 2000: city 6.5, highway 4.1, combined 4.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Volkswagen ALH installed on?
Audi A3 1 (8L) in 1997 - 2001; Skoda Octavia 1 (1U) in 2000 - 2010; Seat Cordoba 1 (6K) in 1999 - 2002; Seat Ibiza 2 (6K) in 1999 - 2002; Seat Leon 1 (1M) in 2000 - 2005; Seat Toledo 2 (1M) in 1999 - 2004 and 4 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Volkswagen ALH?
The main culprit for thrust failures is contamination of the turbine valve or EGR. A cracked cooling tee regularly causes antifreeze leaks here. All known problems.
I want to convert engine of tdi ACV 2.5 to ALH 1.9 tdi . Is it a good idea? Is the engine mountain the same? Clutch plate do I use original with it’s gear box or do convert everything? Pls help
my favourite engine… i put it in many different cars. for example honda civic just for fun
I want to convert engine of tdi ACV 2.5 to ALH 1.9 tdi . Is it a good idea? Is the engine mountain the same? Clutch plate do I use original with it’s gear box or do convert everything? Pls help