R.I.P. - My engine (2009-2013)

[Gaz]

This is not a happy day...

As I type this, my RS wagon (which is still for sale ) is getting an autopsy done on the engine.

The other day I tried to start the engine and it just turned over without firing. I knew I was low on petrol, but I thought there was enough to get me to the servo. So, assuming it was completely empty, i put about 10 litres in from a jerry can.

Still nothing..

I called the NRMA who put another 10 litres in

Still nothing, the engine turned, but would not start. The mechanic assumed it was a fuel pump failure and we got it towed to the local Skoda dealership.

I called later in the day and the the engine has no compression, on any cylinders, and the probable cause is the timing chain tensioner failing and the chain shipping a few teeth on start up. If this is true then a new engine will be needed.

My factory warranty expired in August '12, but it has always been serviced at Skoda dealerships. So who knows how much this is going to cost.

I'll keep you posted, but for now the RS is off the market...

[kamold]

I'm sorry for your loss
He was a well respected engine around these parts.

[Umai Naa!!]

Try for a goodwill repair.

Seems to be becoming a common failure.

[zei20t]

that is NOT good. ive heard a few people in the UK have had this happen, but this is the first here that ive read about.

I hope skoda do the right thing by you!

[woofy]

With the warranty expiring that close, I would expect Skoda to come to the party. That is not an acceptable lifespan and if they insist on selling and marketing Skodas here at premium, then they can cop the other side of that with the statutory laws holding them accountable.

Which engine is this, the FL TSI?

Timing belts/chains always make me nervous, especially when I bought my car, I was told it was due at the 4 yr mark regardless of kms, and then when I got there, it was suddenly 7 yrs and 105k. Big change and I was wondering who benefits if it goes wrong before that.

[woofy]

Just digging up the issue I mentioned a while back, it was the engines after the BWAs, ie unless I'm wrong this engine that has had heaps of issues with pistons and rings. A revised engine was coming in, ie probably what is in the Mk3. Rebuilds aplenty for the engine after the BWA apparently.

[Martin]

I called later in the day and the the engine has no compression, on any cylinders, and the probable cause is the timing chain tensioner failing and the chain shipping a few teeth on start up. If this is true then a new engine will be needed.

It's not that bad - if the valves have not hit the piston you may just need a new tensioner and rebuild
If they did hit the pistons it's still only a top end rebuild (assuming the pistons are ok)

Labour is where the money will go - not on parts or a new engine

I know it's a major bummer but chin up mate

[Tigger]

So sorry to hear!!!
How many Km's had it done?

Warranty period is one thing, but if it is under the Kms by a fair bit they should take that into account

[deeps]

If Skoda don't come to the party, you should be able to go to consumer protection - under new laws, the warranty period is not the only thing taken into consideration.

You should expect a $30k+ vehicle to last longer than 4 years.

[Gaz]

Thanks for the support guys.

Woofy - yes, it is the FL TSI engine. What is BWA?
Tigger - 80,000 Km's.

The workshop was still doing a report for Skoda, detailing the damage, which was described to me as "Catastrophic".
The car was originally ordered through Steve Jarvin in Sydney, who are no long dealing in Skoda.
Skoda have been notified, but are waiting for the workshop report/evidence before making any offer.

The only positive so far is that I didn't sell the car to someone only to have it self destruct for them. That would be nightmare.

I'll post again when Skoda have responded.

[Tim]

TSI tensioner failures are quite well documented. Ive heard of a few local mk6 GTIs having a similar problem too.
I believe there is actually a TSB in regards to it so you should have a good chance of getting a goodwill repair. Especially given the negative media VAG are getting recently.

[wai]

I called later in the day and the the engine has no compression, on any cylinders, and the probable cause is the timing chain tensioner failing and the chain shipping a few teeth on start up. If this is true then a new engine will be needed.

If the timing chain had come loose and skipped, there must have been an awful noise as the valves punched through the pistons or bent.

For the engine to keep turning over and not making really unpleasant noises, it is seems unlikely to be timing chain issue. It sounds more like a spark issue. The lack of compression is odd, as to even check for compression with a timing chain not working would make an absolutely awful noise each time the piston hits a valve (now bent), not to mention the noise a chain jumping off the camshaft sprocket would make.

[Tim]

once the valves have finished "clearancing" themselves it wont necessarily make much noise and you will have no compression.

[Tigger]

Hang in there gav and try not to lose your cool.
Let us know how you go.

Hey try posting on AuSkoda.com and see if anyone there can assist too?

[MGV]

Did you have any warning as to a problem with a 'check engine light' or similar?

My engine (same engine?) died in exactly the same way - no noise or difference to feel of the car, just one day wouldn't start... Mine had a light on the dash warning me of something wrong, however when i rang the dealership to have it checked, they told me it was most likely a sensor failing & it would be ok to continue driving until they had a chance to look at it.

I then decided to purchase 'torque pro' as a cheap way to read the error code. 'cam position correlation error' was the translation of the code, i advised the dealership of this & they just said they would confirm that when i bought the car in... My car ended up going in on the back of a truck... Catastrophic engine failure caused by cam chain tensioner failing.

Although i was still under warranty. I was supplied with an entire new engine. I was kind of resigned to warranty being denied due to a couple of different reasons, but it was honored without question.

Hope it all works out in your favour...