The EA288 oil pump timing belt upgrade system for the 1.6 and 2.0 TDI engine is not to be confused with the EA189 balancer shaft module conversion system, nor with the oil pump upgrade system for the EA189, which also has a belt-driven oil pump. Feel free to contact us for further assistance.

On this product information page we address exclusively the EA288 problem, where the oil pump is driven by a timing belt.

With this design, the engine oil pump is driven by a timing belt. Over time this belt breaks down, since it runs in the engine oil and is attacked by the substances contained in it. It ages very quickly, disintegrates and sheds small particles that then end up in the engine oil. The oil pump draws in the engine oil. The particles clog the oil strainer and can also spread further through the oil circuit.

Why do the particles spread through the oil circuit even though there's an oil filter in place? Every oil filter has an emergency bypass. This is a pressure relief valve. If the oil filter is clogged, or if the engine oil is too viscous — for example in winter, when the engine is still cold — this valve opens. The engine oil is then not pumped through the filter, but around it. This lets the particles released by the timing belt reach every corner of the oil circuit. Hydraulic lifters, bearing shells, the turbocharger and more are then exposed to these particles. Especially in the turbocharger and the connecting rod bearings, these particles can narrow or even block the oil channels. Engine failure is then not far away.

On top of this problem, the delivery rate of the oil pump design is too low in the most commonly used operating conditions to protect the engine from wear in the long term.

For all of this, we've developed a perfect, installation-friendly solution.

It's nothing new that manufacturers, regardless of industry, design their products so that weak points are deliberately built in. This ensures the product lasts only as long as the brand's reputation demands, but not forever.

For consumers, it's often difficult to pinpoint exactly where these weak points were built in. This only becomes clear once numerous users share their observations, for example on the internet.

Many years ago, a trend emerged in the automotive industry: manufacturers extended oil change intervals, while measurements simultaneously showed a reduction in oil pump performance. In some vehicles, timing-belt-driven oil pumps were apparently fitted to cut costs, bringing several weak points together at once.

The biggest problem is the timing belt. As with the EA189, its successor the EA288 is affected as well. This isn't about the well-known timing belt that connects the crankshaft and camshaft, but about a second timing belt mounted on the crankshaft that drives the oil pump.

The main problem: this timing belt runs directly in the engine oil. This design is cheaper for the manufacturer than a proven chain construction, since it saves production costs. However, it's also considerably more prone to failure. Contrary to the claim that this system is maintenance-free and long-lasting, practice tells a different story.

Over time, the timing belt becomes porous and starts to disintegrate. In the worst case it tears. The resulting particles spread throughout the entire oil circuit and can damage critical engine components such as hydraulic lifters, bearings and the turbocharger. This can lead to serious engine failure — for the sole reason that the manufacturer wanted to cut costs on the design.

In addition, the oil pump's drive ratio is chosen so that oil pressure and delivery volume are too low in many operating conditions. Higher oil pressure would significantly reduce wear and extend the engine's service life.

With our conversion, the entire timing belt construction is removed from the engine and replaced with a completely different system.

The MMHP high-performance oil pump upgrade delivers 38 percent more oil pressure and delivery rate. Drive is via a robust roller chain that's kept perfectly tensioned at all times by a chain tensioner. Since every roller chain stretches slightly during initial break-in, the chain tensioner automatically brings it to the optimal tension, ensuring a secure fit even under changing loads.

The result: a permanently maintenance-free design that guarantees the highest reliability and a significantly longer engine service life.

MMHP has been developing high-quality products for the automotive industry for 25 years, using state-of-the-art 3D scanning and CAD technology in reverse engineering. Every product goes through extensive real-world testing in actual test vehicles to ensure the highest quality and functionality.

Our standard is installation without surprises. That's why we develop special tools that make fitting easier and enable trouble-free installation. These aids significantly reduce installation time, which is especially beneficial for workshops and leads to lower costs for the customer.

We offer a complete solution that works maintenance-free once installed. Once fitted, it requires no further attention. The vehicle remains fully usable and benefits from a substantial reduction in wear, ensuring long-term, worry-free use.

Our upgrade solution for the EA288, the modern 1.6 and 2.0 TDI engine from VAG, replaces the original pump system with a durable chain drive. The roller chain runs in the engine oil and is lubricated by it. Since every roller chain stretches slightly during the initial break-in phase, a tensioning device is needed to automatically compensate for this elongation. This ensures the roller chain sits perfectly even under changing loads and guarantees reliable operation over the engine's entire service life.

In addition, an optimized drive ratio increases oil pump output by 38 percent. Since many manufacturers have specified lower oil pressures and delivery rates for years, premature engine failures are becoming increasingly common. With our improved oil management, engine longevity is significantly increased and costly follow-on damage can be avoided.

The eGuide forms the basis for the conversion. The work is guided step by step with images and text.

You'll also find valuable tips for the 1.6 and 2.0 TDI EA288 engine from years of experience, helping to make the engine more durable.