Description

VW Transporter T4 2.4 D AAB / AJA Complete Cylinder Head Assembly – Valves & Camshaft Pre-Installed

This VW T4 2.4 D cylinder head is a brand new casting, machined to OEM tolerances and supplied as an assembled head with 10 valves, springs, retainers, stem seals, guides, hydraulic lifters, pre-chambers and camshaft already fitted. For a workshop doing a T4 head replacement, that removes the most time-consuming part of the job — lapping valves, setting installed heights and torquing the camshaft caps — and lets you move straight to transferring injectors, manifolds and timing components.

The AAB Engine — What You Need to Know

The AAB is the 2.4-litre inline-5 (R5) SOHC 10-valve diesel used in the Volkswagen Transporter T4. It is an indirect-injection (IDI) engine with pre-combustion chambers in the head, rated at 57 kW (78 PS) and approximately 160 N·m of torque. It was fitted to T4 Bus, Van and Platform/Chassis bodies — including Syncro 4WD versions — from 1990 to 1998.

Important: This head suits the 2.4 D AAB / AJA engine only. It is not interchangeable with the 1.9 TD AAZ (OEM 028103351J), the 1.9 TDI (1Z / AHU / ALH) or the 2.5 TDI (ACV / AHY / AXL / BJJ / BJK). Always confirm your engine code and OEM number before ordering.

Why These Heads Fail

These vans are 25–35 years old and most have worked hard. Typical T4 2.4 D head failures include:

• Cracking between the valve seats — the classic failure, usually after an overheating event or coolant loss
• Pre-chamber cracking or looseness — compression loss, hard cold starting, coolant pressurisation
• Valve seat recession and valve guide wear — oil consumption, blue smoke, failed emissions tests
• Warping from a failed head gasket or a low-coolant event
• Camshaft lobe and hydraulic lifter wear where oil changes have been stretched
• Injector bore and heat shield sealing problems

Once a T4 head has been resurfaced past minimum thickness it cannot be reliably saved. This complete cylinder head assembly restores the top end to factory condition without the turnaround time of a repair.

What’s Included – Fitted to the Head

• Cylinder head casting — new aluminium alloy, pressure-tested and flatness-checked
• 10 valves — 2 per cylinder, intake and exhaust, heat-resistant
• Valve springs, spring seats and retainers
• Valve stem seals — fitted
• Valve guides — pressed in
• Pre-combustion chambers (pre-chambers) — installed
• Camshaft — SOHC, R5 configuration
• Hydraulic lifters / tappets — pre-installed
• Camshaft bearing caps and bolts — torqued to specification
• Core plugs and oil gallery plugs — installed
• Valve seats — machined and sealing-checked

What You Transfer From Your Old Head

• Fuel injectors and heat shields
• Glow plugs
• Valve cover / rocker cover and gasket
• Camshaft sprocket and hub
• Timing belt, tensioner, idler and water pump
• Head bolts — always fit new stretch bolts
• Head gasket and remaining gaskets and seals
• Intake and exhaust manifolds
• Vacuum pump, sensors and wiring

Vehicle Compatibility

Fitted to Volkswagen Transporter T4 models running the 2.4 D AAB (and AJA) engine. Confirm your engine code and OEM number before ordering.

• T4 Bus (70B, 70C, 7DB, 7DK, 70J, 70K, 7DC, 7DJ) — 2.4 D (1990–1998)
• T4 Bus — 2.4 D Syncro (1992–1998)
• T4 Van (70A, 70H, 7DA, 7DH) — 2.4 D (1990–1998)
• T4 Van — 2.4 D Syncro (1992–1998)
• T4 Platform/Chassis (70E, 70L, 70M, 7DE, 7DL, 7D…) — 2.4 D (1990–1998)
• T4 Platform/Chassis — 2.4 D Syncro (1992–1998)
• Other T4 applications where the AAB / AJA engine has been fitted (confirm via OEM number)

Why Buy This T4 2.4 D Head From Us

• Brand new casting — never reconditioned, never welded, never resurfaced from a used head
• Pressure-tested and vacuum-tested before dispatch
• Flatness checked to OEM tolerance — no surprises when you torque it down
• Pre-chambers installed and sealing-checked
• 10 valves, hydraulic lifters and camshaft already fitted — hours of bench time saved per job
• 12-month warranty for trade and retail customers
• Crated for international freight; shipping to port or door

If you are sourcing a VW T4 2.4 D cylinder head for a Bus, Van, Syncro or chassis cab rebuild, or you need an AAB head assembly in volume for a fleet or camper conversion workshop, this unit gives the engine a factory-fresh top end. Message us with your OEM number and a photo of your original head before ordering.

Browse More VAG Cylinder Heads & Contact Us

• Full range: View our complete VAG cylinder head catalog.
• Fitment check: Send us your engine code and a photo of your original head on WhatsApp for a same-day compatibility confirmation and freight quote.