ACT New member - Golf GT Sport 1.4 TSI

[MkvGTSport]

Hi,

I'm a Golf V GT Sport (1.4 TSI) owner from new. I'm looking for advice on replacing or changing the engine which has just been destroyed by a failed timing chain.

Thanks

[Lucas_R]

Sorry to hear. The Mk5 GT's with the petrol engine are somewhat rare so you might need to hunt around to find someone wrecking one. Start with someone like Camden GTI or EuroRevolution in Sydney and see if they can help you.

Is the car manual or DSG?

Otherwise i guess you will need to have the pistons replaced (assuming they are damaged) and the valves in the head replaced depending on how much damage was caused. Will likely be cheaper to use a 2nd hand engine (just make sure to replace the timing chain and tensioner on the 2nd hand engine before installing it).

[MkvGTSport]

Thanks Lucas_R,

I'll check out Camden GTI and EuroRevolution.

The car is DSG. I bought it new in 2008, and always had it serviced by Lennock VW in Canberra. Up to a couple of weeks ago I'd had 98,000 trouble free kilometres, then a horrible screech and the engine was dead. Lennock confirmed the timing chain had gone which set off a terrible chain reaction of catastrophic engine failure. They have quoted $14,600 for repairs needed. Even though the car is in very good condition it would only be worth $11,000 fully working.

Lennock advised me the timing chain should have lasted the lifetime of the car, but VW have flatly refused any goodwill payment as the car was over 8 years old. I know there have been reported issues with the timing chain in my engine worldwide, but not much I can do if they flatly refuse to consider any assistance at all.

I'll definitely have the timing chain and tensioner replaced on the 2nd engine

[Lucas_R]

VW/Audi have a history of timing chain issues where they stretch/snap and fail causing damage to the engine. This issue spans across many cars, including the engine in your car, the Mk6 GTI engine, the 1.2 and 1.4TSi engines in the 77 and 90TSI Golf/Polo. The 4.2L V8 in the Audi S5/RS5 is also famous for timing chain issues.

You would be able to get the engine rebuilt or replaced with a 2nd hand engine for much less than what VW have quoted you. Although its still alot of money, i recon for $5,000 you can be up and running again.

[MkvGTSport]

Thanks heaps for your advice. $5,000 sounds a lot better than the best part of $15,000! That might make the investment worthwhile, otherwise it'll be off to the scrapyard to see if I can sell it for parts.

[Mk R]

Oh man, sorry to hear that. Whoever quoted you $14,000 obviously doesn't want your business. I own a 118 TSI with the CAVD and have been through replacement myself. The CAVD is more common, but for me cost $3500 to replace with $1500 being labour. Whatever your wrecker quotes for the central block (Sump up to the head, no peripherals) block you can pretty safely add that $1500 and have your drive away cost.

The centre block is about 80ish kg so two people can pick it up and transport it if you need to get it from Sydney to Canberra.

[feenix74]

Yeah, Lennock would only be keen to sell you a new Golf, not fix your existing one.

Have a chat with the guys at Canberra VW Centre (there is one in Tuggernong, while I am a regular at the Belconnen workshop) they are an independent specialist VW mechanic who do a great job and they should be able to assist you. I know the Belco team have organised engine replacements for other customers (I was chatting to them while they were sorting out a replacement engine for a guy who had blown up his Golf 6 a couple of years ago).

[Westfalia]

Hi, a new member here with the same problem.
How did you get on with the reconditioned engine?
This is now my 2nd timing chain failure on the same 2007 golf gt sport 1.4tsi dsg.
This timing chain failure only lasted 75,000kms and always serviced through VW yet massive repair costs quoted again in the order of $14k.
Anyone know where to scrap it in Sydney? Has new tyres and generally in good condition but can't see how I can justify the repair costs. Thanks