sterkrazzy
Autocross Champion
I personally wouldn't trust these cars past 120k with the original chain and tensioner, even with the updated parts.
6
Official Timing Chain Tensioner failure thread
- Thread starter maxtdi
- Start date
NYCSuits
Go Kart Champion
It happens...the only symptoms I experienced before this happened was a timing chain rattle when the engine was cold and the temperature was below freezing. The timing chain rattle would gradually decrease as the engine oil warmed up and you would only hear the direct injection ticking. This noticeable rattle started about 2 weeks ago but I didn't think much off it because I knew I had the new tensioner and wasn't even thinking about the chain itself being stretched.
For the first time, I agree with this statement. My confidence in the car has been destroyed because a car randomly shutting off while you're driving, is scary stuff. Luckily the steering is electric assisted, so steering wasn't affected but the brakes were extremely stiff and wouldn't release until I re-started the car.
sterkrazzy
Autocross Champion
I had a bad experience with a chain on my last car, a 2001 gti vr6. I was going about 5 mph and just barely tapped the gas, and then I lost all power like a coilpack went out. I even drove it home like that. Turns out I stretched the chain and broke a couple teeth on the sprocket, somehow that's all the damage I did. Everybody always said the chain was a job to be done at 120k, and this happened to me at 111k. I'm glad they use a chain and not a belt, but I still wouldn't trust the chains beyond 120k.
I changed out my chains and guides on my 2011 about a year ago at somewhere around 120-125kmi. I changed out the tensioner to the updated version around 108kmi but decided to go back in and update it all (and used another new tensioner). My cam chain was loose enough that it wasn't touching the intake cam sprocket for nearly half of the teeth it would normally grab. When installing the new chain I had to remove the cam sprocket holder from the exhaust cam and manually rotate the exhaust cam with a wrench clockwise toward the intake cam in order to get the mark on the sprocket to match the dark link on the chain, so it was definitely stretched. I had info I found online that showed the proper distance from a specific point to the mark on the intake cam chain to verify proper timing to know that it was the exhaust cam that needed to get moved and not the intake side. The car got flashed to Stage 1 around 27kmi, Stage 2 around 40kmi, and k04 at 108kmi. I figured that the added stress from being tuned may have accelerated the stretch over the expected 150kmi change interval.
After the new chains were installed I noticed a bit better response at low rpm and a smoother idle.
After the new chains were installed I noticed a bit better response at low rpm and a smoother idle.
Yadadameans
Ready to race!
I am currently at 132k miles. Have not doing the tensioner yet but I will soon. What's all the parts I need for this?
BudgetPhoenix
Autocross Champion
Need to do mine. Mine constantly sits around -4.20 when warm. Very hot days I get a start up rattle after car has been driven then sitting for 20 minutes and started again and I have updated tensioner.
NOLA-Ron
Go Kart Champion
I sold my 12 MK6 a few years ago. It seems like this problem has gotten much worse since I sold. I'm wanting another GTI and I'm actually shopping now...
Given said that - with everything we know about this issue and the mk6 now, does everyone still recommend the TSI over the FSI? I was originally shooting for an MK5.5 but now I'm wondering if I should just go to the FSI.
Given said that - with everything we know about this issue and the mk6 now, does everyone still recommend the TSI over the FSI? I was originally shooting for an MK5.5 but now I'm wondering if I should just go to the FSI.
ferrariF601
Ready to race!
I’d go for the golf R if we’re you
Fsi engine with timing belt...no more issues, just cam Follower replacement every 20k or so
NYCSuits
Go Kart Champion
Update
Just received my car from the dealer and total cost after tax was over $3k. Dealer prices for parts were crazy but I had no choice to go the dealer route because my car broke down 80 miles from where I live. I probably could've saved $300-$400 in parts BUT the dealership did provide me a nearly new Jetta loaner for 7 days, which basically offset the cost because I would've needed to rent a car during the down time since I drive 160 miles to and from work each day.
As for the car, the engine is noticeably more responsive. Especially when you tip into the throttle in 5th and 6h gear. It's hard to explain but the engine feels tighter and sounds different as well. My tuned ECU wasn't touch which was a fear I had but it's definitely there.
From the service receipt:
"Towed in, customer stated vehicle has a cam position sensor code and vehicle will run but stalls out...Confirmed code, car running rough, scanned for faults, had timing faults when checked timing with scan tool, was at edge of spec 5 was at 4.38, checked cam actuator for damage none found, timing chain stretched, replaced intake cam and timing chains, tensioner and replaced guided"
edwardnese
Passed Driver's Ed
How long are the timing chains supposed to last on the mk6 engines? i have a '11 gti and just had my timing chain tensioner/chain/guides/cover replaced but im thinking that the timing chains should be a lifetime part.
sterkrazzy
Autocross Champion
I wouldn't trust the chains past 120k miles. They stretch too much.
OEMPL+S
Go Kart Newbie
2011 A3 ccta here .... Did my whole timing system and water pump and carbon clean at 160000 km .... I had the old tensioner .... Thankfully somehow the tensioner didn't let go ....
How come we even need to do the timing system on these engines .... with most modern 2.0T engines, it's not even a factor in maintenance .... I think VW group parts department is a big income part of the business .... Speaking from experience ....
Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk
How come we even need to do the timing system on these engines .... with most modern 2.0T engines, it's not even a factor in maintenance .... I think VW group parts department is a big income part of the business .... Speaking from experience ....
Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk
NYCSuits
Go Kart Champion
My thoughts exactly. When I had my car towed in, the two service advisor and the mechanic who worked on my car, all commented on how clean my car is for 134k miles. I don't doubt for a second they sized me up right there and knew I was going to put up the cash to have the car fixed, rather than walking across the building and into the showroom to buy a brand new car from them with a 84 month loan or whatever.
I've had too many bad experiences with VW services (yet VW sales have been amazing experiences) to immediately trust the people behind the counter. Although, I must say...this VW service I recently had for the timing chain/intake cam replacement was spot on.
A.SMK6
New member
My 2011 GTI has the old tensioner with about 59,600 miles on it and I'm going to get all the timing components checked out this Wednesday. Car has been running extremely rough lately (thinking it may be due to carbon buildup), but I'm going to have them check and see whether the chain has stretched. I'm hoping I can get away with just doing the tensioner, because I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to keep the car. I'd rather not drop 2k on the entire assembly if I don't have to.