Author Topic: Timing Chain tensioner Failure List (timing issue)- Please Update with Your Info  (Read 362533 times)

Offline whiter_than_white

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 322
  • Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost!
Ok, having tried to start my 59 plate gti on Tuesday morning to no avail, I have just confirmed that there is no compression 😭
I am guessing chain tensioner as they are so common and had no issues with car up until this point.
As a mechanic and capable of stripping and rebuilding the engine I was wondering if anyone has done this? Is it possible or is it scrap? I ask because reading thru this post, all the warranty ones were new engine, no rebuild?? Thanks

Offline Snoopy

  • Moderator
  • Serious forum addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 7,732
  • A.K.A. Geoff.
It all depends what has happened and bent / damaged. It may only need valve and head work but may need more. Pulling the head would be imo the first task to investigate.

« Last Edit: 03 February 2019, 17:44 by Snoopy »
Mk6 GTI  &  Mk1 GTI 
34 years of GTI ownership.

Offline joe6

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 828
I agree with snoopy. Head off first. It was cheaper to replace engines under warranty than mess about with rebuilds. From what I have read most of those with damage have got away with valve and head work. There are some videos on U-tube about engine rebuilds etc.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=golf+mk6+GTI+engine+rebuild&view=detail&mid=4530712C190B7A75D4DF4530712C190B7A75D4DF&FORM=VIRE
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 whiter_than_white

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 322
  • Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost!
Having watched a few videos and a bit of my own knowledge I am going to pull the head over the weekend. I have already decided that if it's coming off it's having 16 new valves. I've priced chain parts thru tos with a new chain cover, going to get gaskets etc thru a local factors to try and cut some costs.
Just a couple of questions for those who have done them, there are 3 chains but nobody replaces oil pump chain? Does it need doing or is there no stress like the other 2?
Whilst head is off is there anything worth doing? Modification wise??

Offline drokkeh

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 29
HI All

Only just found out about this timing chain issue.  Put a deposit down on a Mk6 GTI 61 plate (50k mileage) yesterday.  Registered October 2011.

Not sure if the Timing chain/tensioner etc has ever been changed, havent looked at the service history yet.

Any advice on whether this age Mk6 might be ok etc etc?  Seeing conflicting reports as the when VW changed/revised this?

In simple terms if it has the latest/last version of the timing chain then its not likely to fail like the original?

Could negotiate the price down further to account for this work to be done if not.

Coming from a M4 Gti but this issue on the Mk6 looks catastrophic if not dealt with sensibly.


Thanks

Offline SRGTD

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,531
HI All

Only just found out about this timing chain issue.  Put a deposit down on a Mk6 GTI 61 plate (50k mileage) yesterday.  Registered October 2011.

Not sure if the Timing chain/tensioner etc has ever been changed, havent looked at the service history yet.

Any advice on whether this age Mk6 might be ok etc etc?  Seeing conflicting reports as the when VW changed/revised this?

In simple terms if it has the latest/last version of the timing chain then its not likely to fail like the original?

Could negotiate the price down further to account for this work to be done if not.

Coming from a M4 Gti but this issue on the Mk6 looks catastrophic if not dealt with sensibly.


Thanks

Hi drokkeh,

Post #4 (at the bottom) gives details of the dates that the revised tensioners were introduced. If the car you’re getting hasn’t had the tensioner changed, then it won’t have the latest version (May 2012).
2020 Polo GTI Plus; Pure White, DSG (because they all are)
Gone but not forgotten;
2016 Polo GTI; Blue Silk
2011 mk6 Golf GTD; Carbon Grey
2007 mk5 Golf GT (2.0 170bhp TDI version); Deep Black Pearl
2002  mk4 Golf GTI (the 150 bhp diesel version); Deep Black Pearl

Offline drokkeh

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 29

Hi drokkeh,

Post #4 (at the bottom) gives details of the dates that the revised tensioners were introduced. If the car you’re getting hasn’t had the tensioner changed, then it won’t have the latest version (May 2012).



Hi.  Ok.  Thanks for this.  So in simple terms if you have the May 2012 part (3rd and last revision) all is good?  Regardless whether it is factory fitted or retro fitted by dealer/VW specialist.

This is all I need to know really.

I know its hard to say 'yes, if you have the latest revision, the issue will NOT happen'  - But its much less likely i guess?

Just want to put my mind at rest for the sake of £300 - £400 replacement early on.
« Last Edit: 06 February 2019, 10:31 by drokkeh »

Offline joe6

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 828
Not sure what your mileage is? If over 75k then worth checking the timing chain and guides if replacing the tensioner as labour costs not much more, mainly parts costs. See #608 in this thread for method of checking timing chain stretch - uses VCDS and measuring block 93 and potential costs for doing the lot.
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 drokkeh

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 29
Not sure what your mileage is? If over 75k then worth checking the timing chain and guides if replacing the tensioner as labour costs not much more, mainly parts costs. See #608 in this thread for method of checking timing chain stretch - uses VCDS and measuring block 93 and potential costs for doing the lot.

Thanks.  The car I am buying is a 61 plate.  Mileage 50k.

Offline DanielPT

  • Just got here
  • *
  • Posts: 6
I am also onto this.. Looking to buy a Mk6 GTi, seen a couple of units and kinda falling for a 04/2010 one.

Now.. if i buy it and replace the chain/guide/tensioner, the chance of faillure disappears? Is it just change the parts and pedal to the metal?