Timing Chain Tensioner ?

[zolb]

Hi, is it correct that on mk6 GTI's from 2011 have the modified/updated version of this so less chance of it going wrong ?

I have just been reading on another site that VWG have "sort of" admitted to the problem now, is this correct ?

[Booth11]

The info below (lifted from the timing chain thread at top of this section), details the revisions.

"The latest release of the Tensioner 06K109467K was only released on 01/05/12 so any fitted before this are probably at risk.
Interestingly there is an extra note with a red stop sign in ETKA saying "Spare part must not be used any more please use replacement"

There was a revised tensioner fitted from engines built from 17 May 2010
A second revision of the tensioner from engines built in December 2011.
A third revision of the tensioner as quoted by Mike above from 01 May 2012."

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=262793.msg2415133#msg2415133

[zolb]

so am i right in thinking that these will only have been replaced if the person owning the car wanted them doing before any failures ?

there would be no recalls, no getting it changed under warranty as a precaution, ex feel cars getting the updated version as they came out ?

[Booth11]

Yes. that's right.  No recalls.  Will only have been updated to latest revision if previous owner took preventative action, or if it had failed and was replaced (new engine)

Very unlikely to be replaced under warranty as precautionary measure unless there is existing evidence of the fault, i.e presence of the ominous rattle on cold start up.

[andygo]

If you look at the tensioner sticky thread near the latest postings, I have put some pix of the offending part. Its easy to see why it fails...

[zolb]

Thanks for that, to be honest after reading about it and how VW are handling it its putting me off buying one now, most of the ones in my price range are 2010/11 ones with 65K or more on the clock.

[Pld118]

If you're considering buying off a VW main dealer the Das Welt warranty is said to cover any timing chain tensioner/ component failure, timing chain failure and any consequential damage from such failure.

You could negotiate the revised tensioner and components to be replaced as part of the buying deal and if done by a VW main dealer, such work, aside to your 12 month Das Welt VW approved used warranty, would be covered (parts and labour) for 2 years from the date of the remedial work being done.

Or alternately, given that you're buying with the knowledge of this being a potential issue, then factor in approx £350 for an independent specialist to do it and perhaps try to use it as a negotiating tool for a reduction in the price of the car, if the seller won't do the work for you before you buy.

My understanding and interpretation is that people seem to have more confidence 

...once the work is done and should then not be overly concerned about a future failure.

[darrent]

The majority are confident that once the work is done, you should not be concerned about a future failure.

Not trying to be funny but who are the majority?

[Pld118]

The question has been asked a lot and I'm not aware of anyone who has had the work done or who has done the work expressing concerns about the tensioner failing, once replaced properly, if the most up to date tensioner is fitted.

I have also asked the main dealer/Senior Tech who did ours and was told it should solve the concern once and for all.  However, it's guaranteed for 2 years as well.

I did also use the words "should" not be concerned about a future failure because with any mechanical parts/ engineering, things can and do go wrong.

I've since edited the posted words that you locked on to.

[darrent]

Probably a whole new thread, but do you think there is a chance that dealers/ independents would turn this work down in the future if the problem isn't resolved?
My thinking behind this is if it was your business and you carried out work worth approx £400 (less the parts) then you're taking a risk on a £4k??? rebuild for 2 years, or am I missing something? Or would it be a case of "Well mate the engines goosed but it wasn't our tensioner, it was xyz"
Yes I am an old cynic