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Major loss of torque need some mechanical advice

J

JonVW

Passed Driver's Ed
Hey there mk6'ers I really need some help.

I have a 2012 mk6 GTI which Ive had for a year and have had zero problems up until now

Around a month ago my car lost a lot of torque, thinking that it was just the fuel I went through a couple tanks and ran some fuel cleaner through the system to try to help. I also replaced the fuel filter itself, yet none of this helped.

After dealing with this for quite some time I took it to a european specialist to find out what is really going on. With some time with the car, the mechanic there told me that there is a issue but he's not exactly sure what it is. Come to find out, the car that I bought is tuned with a tune I have no idea what is (They checked for giac and APR and it is neither) and there is an issue with the timing. In his words: the timing is too fast for what it should be but nothing is showing why. A possible fix in his words were either a reflash with the tune (but I'm unsure with what tune it has) or something mechanical possibly the catalytic converter being worn out. Asides from those two ideas he said that you could pretty much start replacing parts and never stop. The mechanic recommended me to keep driving the car just not at full throttle to hopefully reveal a code. There are no codes on the computer not even soft codes checked with a VAG com. I think this is a decent idea but I already put around 2k on the car with the same performance lack I do not believe that it has gotten any worse and definitely not any better for that matter.

I replaced spark plugs 6k ago along with a full service of the DSG. I always use 93 octane fuel and never kill the car. I'm really here to find an answer or possible ideas from people here that might have had the same issue as me. Thank you all very much for your time.
 
J

JonVW

Passed Driver's Ed
jay745 said:
How many miles are on it? A lot of people experience carbon buildup which has similar symptoms and no codes. Might try getting a carbon cleaning done to see if that helps.
Click to expand...

Interesting, I have 86k miles now I've never heard of a carbon clearing would that be in the cat and a mechanic could clean it or I could just do it myself?
 
C

cevil203

Ready to race!
I don't know if it could be tied into the timing chain possibly? The timing chain tensioners are failing a lot it seems. I'd recommend getting that changed and doing the carbon cleaning. They're good things to do at your mileage anyway. Could it be a boost leak as well? Call unitronic as well to see if they tuned.
 
M

MLue1

Drag Racing Champion
JonVW said:
Hey there mk6'ers I really need some help.

I have a 2012 mk6 GTI which Ive had for a year and have had zero problems up until now

Around a month ago my car lost a lot of torque, thinking that it was just the fuel I went through a couple tanks and ran some fuel cleaner through the system to try to help. I also replaced the fuel filter itself, yet none of this helped.

After dealing with this for quite some time I took it to a european specialist to find out what is really going on. With some time with the car, the mechanic there told me that there is a issue but he's not exactly sure what it is. Come to find out, the car that I bought is tuned with a tune I have no idea what is (They checked for giac and APR and it is neither) and there is an issue with the timing. In his words: the timing is too fast for what it should be but nothing is showing why. A possible fix in his words were either a reflash with the tune (but I'm unsure with what tune it has) or something mechanical possibly the catalytic converter being worn out. Asides from those two ideas he said that you could pretty much start replacing parts and never stop. The mechanic recommended me to keep driving the car just not at full throttle to hopefully reveal a code. There are no codes on the computer not even soft codes checked with a VAG com. I think this is a decent idea but I already put around 2k on the car with the same performance lack I do not believe that it has gotten any worse and definitely not any better for that matter.

I replaced spark plugs 6k ago along with a full service of the DSG. I always use 93 octane fuel and never kill the car. I'm really here to find an answer or possible ideas from people here that might have had the same issue as me. Thank you all very much for your time.
Click to expand...
STOP Driving the Car your Timing chain has jumped !!! :readthethread:
 
J

JonVW

Passed Driver's Ed
cevil203 said:
I don't know if it could be tied into the timing chain possibly? The timing chain tensioners are failing a lot it seems. I'd recommend getting that changed and doing the carbon cleaning. They're good things to do at your mileage anyway. Could it be a boost leak as well? Call unitronic as well to see if they tuned.
Click to expand...

Definetly no boost leak but I agree it could have something to do with the timing chain I bought some sea foam and will give that a shot and then take it from there!
 
Laimface

Laimface

Ready to race!
JonVW said:
I will look into the timing chain right after cleaning out any carbon!
Click to expand...

Don't be a spud. Timing is 10000000% more important than a bit of carbon. Another tooth jump could mean you're pushing the car into the nearest field and setting fire to it.
 
J

JonVW

Passed Driver's Ed
Laimface said:
Don't be a spud. Timing is 10000000% more important than a bit of carbon. Another tooth jump could mean you're pushing the car into the nearest field and setting fire to it.
Click to expand...

The engine has been quiet although and I experienced a decent oil loss until I removed a BOV which has solved the loss. I think that if it had jumped I would have noticed many more symptoms. Not saying that the timing chain isn't important I just don't see the jump or failure right now and I'd like to explore every option
 
A

adam.mk6.gti

New member
JonVW said:
The engine has been quiet although and I experienced a decent oil loss until I removed a BOV which has solved the loss. I think that if it had jumped I would have noticed many more symptoms. Not saying that the timing chain isn't important I just don't see the jump or failure right now and I'd like to explore every option
Click to expand...

Check your timing chain tensioner anyway. There is an inspection cover you can easily check it. Read here:

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47128

If its the old style one get it replaced with the updated one and while the cover is off you can check timing. Would be looking at this ASAP, as this failing means time for new motor.
 
N

Nezoid

Ready to race!
JonVW said:
The engine has been quiet although and I experienced a decent oil loss until I removed a BOV which has solved the loss. I think that if it had jumped I would have noticed many more symptoms. Not saying that the timing chain isn't important I just don't see the jump or failure right now and I'd like to explore every option
Click to expand...

These guys are just trying to help. If there is a problem with the timing chain/tensioner.. you got really lucky and didn't grenade you motor. You have a 2012 which has a high chance of having the old/fail prone tensioner..

I haven't seen post where "lost lots of torque" = carbon cleaning.. but you do you.. sure.. it's possible. I'm also sure that there are tons of GTI owners who had to replace their engine due to timing chain failure would have loved to have your situation as a warning sign... instead of buying and installing a new/used motor.. but then again.. you can always seafoam..... /s

In the end, the result of a chain tensioner malfunction is a lot pricier than a carbon cleaning..it doesn't cost anything to check as adam.mk6.gti posted..and gives you something to rule out..

GL either way, I hope it is cheap and easy, just the way I like it.... fyi.. seafoam as controversial as it is, will not fix any timing problems...

tldr: don't drive car until you at least inspect the tensioner...
 
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J

JonVW

Passed Driver's Ed
Nezoid said:
These guys are just trying to help. If there is a problem with the timing chain/tensioner.. you got really lucky and didn't grenade you motor. You have a 2012 which has a high chance of having the old/fail prone tensioner..

I haven't seen post where "lost lots of torque" = carbon cleaning.. but you do you.. sure.. it's possible. I'm also sure that there are tons of GTI owners who had to replace their engine due to timing chain failure would have loved to have your situation as a warning sign... instead of buying and installing a new/used motor.. but then again.. you can always seafoam..... /s

In the end, the result of a chain tensioner malfunction is a lot pricier than a carbon cleaning..it doesn't cost anything to check as adam.mk6.gti posted..and gives you something to rule out..

GL either way, I hope it is cheap and easy, just the way I like it.... fyi.. seafoam as controversial as it is, will not fix any timing problems...

tldr: don't drive car until you at least inspect the tensioner...
Click to expand...

Will be inspecting the tensioner tomorrow, as per looking for the new one am I getting the same style just a new model of that style or is there somewhere where I can get an aftermarket that will fit? Also will I have to reset the time in the car after the install or will it do it itself thanks
 
A

adam.mk6.gti

New member
JonVW said:
Will be inspecting the tensioner tomorrow, as per looking for the new one am I getting the same style just a new model of that style or is there somewhere where I can get an aftermarket that will fit? Also will I have to reset the time in the car after the install or will it do it itself thanks
Click to expand...

The one in the earlier (pre mid 2012(?) tsi motors) tensioners were prone to failing. VW revised the design and since then been installing the updated tensioner in their tsi motors. You need the revised one to be installed if yours is the old one. You can look through that thread for part numbers or call VW

No, IF the car has skipped timing it will not fix itself. If you do the tensioner then your mechanic will be able to "reset" the timing to the correct position when he drops the faulty tensioner.
 
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