MK4 Golf - no airbox / filter??? Can't be correct can it?

JustAnotherSaver

X-plated 1.6 16v MK4 Golf.
Engine code: AZD

So i bought in all the filters for this car ready to change them all. 1 by 1 i ticked them all off with the air filter coming last so came to do that today (we bought the car at the start of June).

I noticed a bit of a problem .... there's a distinct lack of an air box. I knew there was something different about this Golf than my brothers MK4 Golf but couldn't quite put my finger on what it was (when i looked in the engine bay). Now i know.



I understand that with Volkswagens there's different engine codes for the same engine but surely they didn't omit an airbox??


Obviously an air filter filters out all the crap but is it really so bad to be running it for now without one? I guess not since we have no idea when it last DID have one.

And if it's supposed to have one, which i'm sure it is, then am i just to be buying an air box or are there hoses that'll need to be bought also?

parking_question_chap

Air filter on the 1.6 is just behind the engine lump. You can see the attachment point in this photo.

salubrious

If you took off the top engine cover, have a closer look at that for your answer

It did have an engine cover right?

JustAnotherSaver

Just to clarify - you're not talking about the pollen filter that's located at the top of that photo are you? I assume not but i'll ask just to be sure.

Yeah it has an engine cover. Is it in the underside of that?

I ordered the air filter for an 'AZD' engine but the size of the filter seems way way too big for anything that's underneath that engine cover.

parking_question_chap

No not talking about pollen filter

Yes its built into the engine cover

parking_question_chap

Google mk4 1.6 air filter change & MK IV forum, there is probably a thread to talk you through it

arcon5

Is it bad to not have one?

Yes!! You're engine won't last that long without one.

angel_of_dartford

Maybe it had an aftermarket K&N filter which the previous owner removed when they sold it

forgotmyname

Did you find it on the underside of the engine cover?

As above without a filter all the dust and grit from the road will end up
inside the engine which will act like grinding paste and wear it out in
a very short time.