BudgetPhoenix
Autocross Champion
I finally got around to taking the plunge on DIYing a timing chain replacement on my 112k mile 09 MK5 2.0TSI (I come here because there's much more TSI info and discussion to be had). 2 years ago I paid someone to swap the tensioner for me but did nothing else, this bought me some time, but for a while after I was getting warm start rattles on hot days and Cam Phase Adjustment Block 93 in VCDS was consistently showing -4.20 to -4.50. I figured this may have had something to do with a stretched timing chain.
When I finally got the cover off you can see how far the tensioner was pushed out. Compare this to the image of my tensioner with a brand new revised chain. Now I laid them out against each other, and the new one was only slightly shorter but also the design of the newest revision chain is different and the links don't "fold" the same way. I'm sure I could have got a string to measure them but didn't.
Also performing a full timing job gave me the opportunity to pull off the cam bridge and inspect the check valve screen. I understand this is more of an issue for the earlier revisions, but I did in fact have the screen blowout which is commonly reported with this engine. I found it stuck in the oil passage and was able to fish it out, and it came apart very easily. I have no idea how long its been like this but the damage could have been catastrophic. There's many horror stories online of people having this little screen cause all sorts of issues after it migrates through oil passages. After getting everything back together I did the car seems to start up smoother and has a bit more "pep" but that might be placebo. Block 93 in VCDS now shows -1.20 degrees.
When I finally got the cover off you can see how far the tensioner was pushed out. Compare this to the image of my tensioner with a brand new revised chain. Now I laid them out against each other, and the new one was only slightly shorter but also the design of the newest revision chain is different and the links don't "fold" the same way. I'm sure I could have got a string to measure them but didn't.
Also performing a full timing job gave me the opportunity to pull off the cam bridge and inspect the check valve screen. I understand this is more of an issue for the earlier revisions, but I did in fact have the screen blowout which is commonly reported with this engine. I found it stuck in the oil passage and was able to fish it out, and it came apart very easily. I have no idea how long its been like this but the damage could have been catastrophic. There's many horror stories online of people having this little screen cause all sorts of issues after it migrates through oil passages. After getting everything back together I did the car seems to start up smoother and has a bit more "pep" but that might be placebo. Block 93 in VCDS now shows -1.20 degrees.