Air hoses recently replaced by VW

[Del94]

I had some air hoses replaced by VW main dealer under warranty in December.
The van is a 2018 T6 DSG. I’ve had problems from it being 3 months old where it will just crank until it times out but won’t start.
I drove from Heathrow to Dorset this morning when I tried to start it this afternoon it refused, VW roadside assist called out ( I recently took out the extended warranty) AA man turned up watched the van trying to start and obviously didn’t fancy towing me to Heathrow at 16.00 pulled off this new hoses and showed me what looks like emulsified oil water mix inside the newly fitted pipe. Going to get the van back to the dealer on Monday if it starts or towed in if it won’t. Anyone got any ideas. Looks nasty. I don’t think this and the start up issue are connected. This is my 4th transporter in twenty years and the first I’ve had real problems with. It goes like a dram once it’s started and probably my favorite of the four.

 

[Loz]

I've seen that before, it's the same emulsified gunk you get in the filler neck.
that hose is between the charge cooler and the throttle body and the cooled intake air condenses the oil vapour that has come from the engine breather.
That is unlikely to be causing your starting problems.

 

[Del94]

Thanks Loz, I didn't think so but should that gunk be there or is it a symptom of another problem?

 

[Loz]

Thanks Loz, I didn't think so but should that gunk be there or is it a symptom of another problem?

I hate to use the term it's normal, but it's a symptom of these modern Diesel engines that are designed to run very cool.
The breather pipe from the crankcase is looped back into the intake, this 'oily' smoke is condensed in the charge air cooler and the hose leading from cooler to intake manifold.
I saw the same on mine after only 16k.
Its a shame that VW didn't build in a catch can to reduce it, as that would also clean up the burn and reduce soot buildup in things like the EGR cooler etc.