Author Topic: Timing Chain tensioner Failure List (timing issue)- Please Update with Your Info  (Read 362430 times)

Offline drokkeh

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Could anyone recommend an independant VW specialist in Cheshire that could check/change the tensioner/chain assembly?


Offline jam_up

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Hi guys,

I have a 2011 mk6 GTI DSG (built March) and deliberating if it’s worth extending warranty with VW which is running out in April. Bought it with 30k on the clock and now at 90k, averaging 20k p/a (job change after I bought it!) and it’s not missed a heart beat. It has the first timing chain revision but nothing after according to the dealer. Warranty is £650-£800 for 12 months depending on excess (£250/£100) and I probably won’t keep it beyond that period.

Is it worth going without (how much will it cost if the chain goes?) or should I get it? It’s in very good nick and I’ve kept with full VW history. I do around 400 miles a week most of which is motorway/A roads. Alternative is to get the chain replaced now?

Cheers

Offline joe6

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Hi guys,

I have a 2011 mk6 GTI DSG (built March) and deliberating if it’s worth extending warranty with VW which is running out in April. Bought it with 30k on the clock and now at 90k, averaging 20k p/a (job change after I bought it!) and it’s not missed a heart beat. It has the first timing chain revision but nothing after according to the dealer. Warranty is £650-£800 for 12 months depending on excess (£250/£100) and I probably won’t keep it beyond that period.

Is it worth going without (how much will it cost if the chain goes?) or should I get it? It’s in very good nick and I’ve kept with full VW history. I do around 400 miles a week most of which is motorway/A roads. Alternative is to get the chain replaced now?

Cheers

These may help you to make your mind up. Repairs for a failed tensioner or chain start at about £2500
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=262793.msg2580592#msg2580592
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=262793.msg2597735#msg2597735
Mk6 GTI Carbon Grey, 2010 Bluetooth and voice fitted, a few VCDS mods still a comfortable family car. Red Scirocco 2011 twin charger stage 1 - enjoyable drive now gone.  White 2016 Polo GTI (roller skate on steroids) replaced with an Indium Grey 2019 7.5 GTI PP.

Offline jam_up

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These may help you to make your mind up. Repairs for a failed tensioner or chain start at about £2500
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=262793.msg2580592#msg2580592
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=262793.msg2597735#msg2597735
Thanks for the links.

I’ll certainly have to do something then. Quite frustrating as I was waiting for the mk8 but the risk is too high leaving it as is.

Offline joe6

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I was having a similar quandary a while ago. Checked the chain stretch using VCDS found out from a couple of posts here and now do that regularly and that is fine at present. Got the tensioner checked at the last service through the inspection hole - almost impossible to get at the inspection hole as a DIY job.
Mk6 GTI Carbon Grey, 2010 Bluetooth and voice fitted, a few VCDS mods still a comfortable family car. Red Scirocco 2011 twin charger stage 1 - enjoyable drive now gone.  White 2016 Polo GTI (roller skate on steroids) replaced with an Indium Grey 2019 7.5 GTI PP.

Offline jam_up

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Got a few quotes for a new chain and tensioner:

Main dealer: £1200
Independent VW #1: £500
Independent VW #2: £1100

I feel #1 didn’t tot up all the parts and suggested just 3 hrs for labour?? 2nd chap appeared he knew what he was talking about (aware of the issue) and had done a few recently. He said it should be fine with regular oil and filter changes for the time being but to get it looked at soon as any rattling appears upon startup.

Offline joe6

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The #2 seems to be a realistic price. I think my regular oil and filter changes (every 6 months or 5000miles since new) have helped keep the engine sweet. Had to change the intake manifold (again a recognised fault on early MK6) after about 4 years and the quoted labour time was 1.5 hours. Did it myself and took a whole day!!
Mk6 GTI Carbon Grey, 2010 Bluetooth and voice fitted, a few VCDS mods still a comfortable family car. Red Scirocco 2011 twin charger stage 1 - enjoyable drive now gone.  White 2016 Polo GTI (roller skate on steroids) replaced with an Indium Grey 2019 7.5 GTI PP.

Offline mrjp

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Howdy,

So I'm pretty sure my chain has gone, based on the symptoms associated with the issue - engine misfiring on a trip and then subsequently starting with the world's lumpiest idle before cutting out. Anyone have a ballpark for how much I'm going to be looking at for getting the engine repaired / replaced? It's a 2010 Mk6, 70k on the clock. Bit of reading suggests anywhere from 2k-9k... car's only worth about £5k so it's going to the scrappy if it's far from the bottom end.

Cheers!
James

Offline joe6

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Might be worth talking to roblyt. He has the same problem.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=285135.0
Mk6 GTI Carbon Grey, 2010 Bluetooth and voice fitted, a few VCDS mods still a comfortable family car. Red Scirocco 2011 twin charger stage 1 - enjoyable drive now gone.  White 2016 Polo GTI (roller skate on steroids) replaced with an Indium Grey 2019 7.5 GTI PP.

Offline mrjp

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Cheers, had a quote back for £2.5k for fitting a recon engine with 12 month warranty, so at least I know that's as big a kick in the nuts as it can be... he says, foolishly.

Also, for anyone wondering - Autohaus in Edinburgh have quoted me £118 for a couple of hours work to strip the engine down to inspect the damage, which seemed pretty reasonable.
« Last Edit: 10 June 2019, 09:35 by mrjp »