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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: K9golf on 25 November 2020, 21:14

Title: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 25 November 2020, 21:14
Not sure if there is any owners that have had any issues with timing chain on the golf mk7 gti’s?
I recently noticed only when the car warms up it sounds like a tractor  :sick:. If you put your hand on timing cover you can feel the tapping. What confuses me is why on cold there is no noise and the warmer it gets the louder the noise. It runs fine apart from when it idles it’s like it’s skipping a beat.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: ajmoir36 on 26 November 2020, 08:24
I think the injectors are quite loud tapping, I have not read of any chain issues at all. What year and mileage are you at?
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: Adam T7 on 26 November 2020, 08:42
My 2 year old 7.5 GTI has quite loud injectors, nothing to worry about - can only really hear them with the bonnet open from outside the car - inside with bonnet closed, nothing
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 26 November 2020, 08:47
It’s a 2014 manual with 60k on the clock. It’s definitely got the rattling noise coming from cam cover, when you put your hands on the cam cover you can feel the tapping
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: clubsport on 26 November 2020, 08:58
I wouldn't be foolish enough to diagnose a noise I hadn't heard over the internet.

What I can tell you is timing chain tensioners work off of oil pressure, when the engine warms up, oil becomes thinner, oil pressure is lower at tickover, so you may be getting less tension from the tensioner pushing on the chain allowing for a very small ammount of play in the chain, making it noisier?

This is a possibility based on what you have posted and could be a route for investigation rather than a certainty by a fool responding on an internet car forum (me!) :)
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 26 November 2020, 09:08
Haha.... I’ll try and get a vid uploaded with noise....from what I noticed it starts up normal and quiet and soon as it warms up it sounds like a tractor. Forgot to mention did have RAC have a quick look and he pointed cam sections needs looking at....he said sounds like chain is catching the plastic cover??
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: clubsport on 26 November 2020, 09:12
Lack of tension from the tensioner could lead to chain "slap" hitting plastic cover, less pressure on tensioner as hot oil thins..
We could be on to something here Poirot? :)
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 26 November 2020, 09:18
Am gona try and pop down to local inde and see what they think.....  :whistle:
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 09 December 2020, 20:15
Update.....bad news
The garage has gone and changed the timing kit and only to say problem still there?!
On cold start no issue running quiet and soon as it starts to warm up rattle noise starts to appear. At this moment they did mention the oil pressure was very low?

Any ideas?   :cry:
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: Carbon VW on 09 December 2020, 21:17
What “garage” did you end up going to ? Doesn’t look like they diagnosed the problem very well. As others have said before, these ea888 units are very tappetty and there are little to no failures of the chain or tensioners unlike the mk6. What is the garage recommending to remedy the low oil pressure ? Have you had the car scanned for codes since the work was carried out ?
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 09 December 2020, 21:58
They meant to be vw specialist... Volkmaster  basically I drove there and the guy popped the hood and said definitely issue with the chain, at this point I did explain there is no noise when cold only when fully warmed up. Basically it sounds as if chain is clanking against the cover. I’ll speak to them in the morning properly but all I got told was bad news...chain still noisy when engine warm and checked oil pressure it was very low.

To me in other words it sounds like not enough pressure causing less lubrications for chain hence the noise?? I think that’s what he was trying to say?
Am just throwing money here...  :cry:
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: Carbon VW on 09 December 2020, 23:25
Sorry to hear that. I think you might have an engine problem. Something along the lines of bottom end bearings causing the mentioned noises when the engine warms up and oil thins. Obviously I don’t want to diagnose over the internet without even hearing the sound but this would explain the low oil pressure when the engine warms up and potentially the noise you are hearing from the play in the bearings. Hate to be the bearer of bad news and hope I’m wrong but you may need a new engine if it’s the above.
I would go and get a 2nd opinion, maybe even at the nearest dealer. Get the master tech to try and diagnose the issue. Good luck
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 10 December 2020, 07:49
The strange thing is the noise is definitely coming from inside the timing cover..... am new with all this but I’ll try upload a vid. If you imagine the normal tapping noise you get but the noise a lot louder is what am getting. Basically something is causing the chain to be noisy.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: clubsport on 10 December 2020, 08:53
You would also hear bottom end bearings make a terrible noise under load?
You can locate source of noise on an engine with a length of tube held to the engine and your ear!
As I previously mentioned low oil pressure not tensioning the chain..... It could also possibly be a worn oil pump or a minor blockage in an oil channel.... The flow rate of oil would increase with revs, thius increasing oil pressure, tensioning the chain.

Unfortunately, it sounds like a more serious engine strip down is required, based on what has been posted.

Does the car have a good history of oil changes & filter?

If the oil history is not the best, I would suggest running an engine flushing oil for a short time, then refilling with new quality oil & filter.... It may not make any difference, but cheaper than engine work & you will learn something from the exercise?
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 10 December 2020, 09:37
It drives spot on....no noise whatsoever under load just the annoying noise when idling(low revs)...not sure but when stationary you Rev the engine on low revs the noise gets louder but as soon as the revs start increasing the noise disappears and sounds normal?

Forgot to mention yes it has been serviced regularly so not sure?
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: clubsport on 10 December 2020, 09:54
Oil pressure is low at tickover.....how low,,,, get then to check, probably using an external guage is best. Remember, hotter oil = thinner = less pressure at idle. So idle oil pressure will be higher for a cold atart.

So back to oil pump wear or blocked oil channel as mentioned... If the chain has stretched slightly, it will be longer, can they asses how much the chain tensioner moves to take up the slack?
It obviously moves enough when higher oil pressure forces it as revs rise, but is it making enough contact when idling, is there slack in the tensioner mechanism?

Could you just put a GTD badge on the tailgate and tell everyone, it's supposed to make that noise idling? (sorry!) :)
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 10 December 2020, 10:12
Haha yeh good idea high modified gtd lol
Am going to speak to them today and find out how low the pressure is and I’ll ask the question about the tensioner mechanism..I can say for sure the  previous owner knew this that’s why engine oil was above maximum.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: baka on 10 December 2020, 15:40
Very low oil pressure, plus a oil pressure actuated chain tensioner, could lead to a loose chain at idle slapping about. Fingers crossed it's just a partially blocked pick up or something equally cheap and non-terminal.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 10 December 2020, 18:30
I appreciate you guys inputs I really do :-). Am really confused on what to? Garage are not sure because they think they’ll be opening can of worms and not get to the bottom. Just wana be put in the correct direction  where I won’t be chucking loads of money and end up same place.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: Yusee on 10 December 2020, 18:35
Your best option is to sell it to the trade. WBAC.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: baka on 10 December 2020, 20:19
Your garage either can't be arsed, don't have a clue, or likely both.

Personally, I'd take it to a well reviewed VW dealer and ask them to diagnose the fault. Your engine could be junk, or it could be an relatively cheap and easy fix.

Find someone competent, who can give you a concrete diagnosis, then you'll at least know were you stand.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: Yusee on 10 December 2020, 20:40
Depends what work needs to be done to get that diagnosis.
Sounds to me that the previous owner knew it was a big bill so moved it on.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 11 December 2020, 08:43
The previous owner must of thought it was the chain too and then got it replaced to find it made no difference. Am not sure wether to trade it or take a gamble and change oil pump??
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: Yusee on 11 December 2020, 09:43
It is a difficult situation for you- I do sympathise.
Despite the technical competence of whoever you take the car to, it can still take some time ( and expense) to get to the bottom of the problem- and there's then the significant possibility of a very expensive fix.
This is where you do need a trusted and competent garage- who can at least give pragmatic advice on how to approach it.
I think I'd probably have one other garage give an opinion.
I just get the impression the guy who sold you the car knew exactly what the problem was- and that the solution wasn't a cheap one.
How long have you had the car?
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 11 December 2020, 09:53
I’ll try and get a 2nd opinion, I’ll try finding a garage who’s had previously diagnosed these type of issues. I’ve only had car for around 2 weeks now....lesson learnt
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: Resonance Charge on 11 December 2020, 18:43
It’s a bad situation to land in with a new purchase!
I see situations like this all too frequently........  Owners encounter a problem and rather than deal with it correctly; dispose of the car to the trade or unwitting buyer.  It fails to get repaired correctly and the process starts over!  The noise Could be a coincidence following your purchase but must probably not!?

My observation of your situation:
You didn’t pay the ‘repairing’ garage a fee to diagnose the problem?  It was listened to in the car park and off the back of that the chain etc was replaced?
ALWAYS pay for competent diagnosis/checks.
Initially the engine should have been timed up and valve train checked for correct alignment/slack. Check the oil for contamination (fuel) and independently checked the oil pressure if the chain/timing checked out. I guess this may have been done retrospectively??

Was the engine oil and filter changed with the chain and tensioner/guide rails?  In order the validate components warranty it should have been. If it wasn’t, that could be partially to blame but maybe not the underlying fault? Did the ‘repairer’ have the correct alignment tools/kit?  I’ve seen paint marks used on a stretched chain which clearly messed up the timing of the new chain etc!!

As mentioned previously; partially blocked oil pump pick up could be the offender?  No knocking from bottom end or oil pressure warning would be encouraging for the engine/crank itself.

Find a trustworthy and recommended garage locally and get them on the case. Make sure you tell them everything so as they miss nothing!!

Good luck.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 05 January 2021, 21:40
Thanks for your reply guys hopefully will try another garage when lock down gets lifted now. This guy was experiencing same issue as me but not sure what he did.
https://youtu.be/eF9rSg9u41c
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 21 February 2021, 23:36
Sorry for late reply still having no luck. Managed to have it plugged in for fault code reading...

Engine oil pressure low
Camshaft position sensor circuit range, performance
Fuel control system B too Rich at idle bank 1

Any ideas?
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: Carbon VW on 22 February 2021, 13:34
Almost two months since your last post, im guessing you havent actually got a proper garage to have a look at it yet? Low oil pressure is not something i would let fester. You could be doing untold damage. There is the possibility that the sensors related to camshaft positions are faulty. Can you post a video of the noise?
Have you any warning lights on the dash? Was the oil/filter changed during the fitting of new TB and kit? Have you verified the oil level personally?'
I personally wouldnt be driving the car with low oil pressure.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 22 February 2021, 18:18
You right I’ve not had a proper garage check the car. Cars not being driven it’s been parked up. I’ll make a quick vid of noise. I’ll double check oil levels but no the oil hasn’t been changed. No warning lights whatsoever.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 23 February 2021, 16:08
How do you upload a video here? Lol
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: fredgroves on 23 February 2021, 16:41
upload it to youtube and share the link
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 23 February 2021, 16:44
👍🏼
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 23 February 2021, 17:27
https://youtu.be/wGXa8_PGuAU
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: Carbon VW on 24 February 2021, 01:14
Hmm that doesn’t sound good especially at the end of the video. My advice, bring it to VW main dealer to diagnose and get them to look at your light sensor while your at it !  :cool:
That chirping though does sound like the timing chain tensioner to me. I know you posted the faults previously, but could you post the actual fault codes if you have them ?
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 24 February 2021, 08:12

(https://i.postimg.cc/d3pVX16P/3-D2-C0-B3-D-4-B90-41-CB-8-AFF-2-C87572-FAA45.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SYL4YmHD)

I know it’s not dealer tool but it’s the only thing I could get hold of.
Title: Re: Golf mk7 gti timing chain issue
Post by: K9golf on 06 April 2021, 13:55
Can anyone recommend a decent honest mechanic northwest area. Thanks