Timing chain and tensioner discussion and issues

[BEN_B]

Hi guys, new to the forum and not sure if this is the right thread for this but ill give it a go.

I recently purchased a Mk6 GTI and would like to know if I am affected by this timing chain tensioner issue. the car is a MY12.5 however its build date is late 2011. I've heard people say that build year gtis in 2011 still have a faulty tensioner while others say that the MY12.5 ones are fine.

Could someone please confirm this for me as I really don't want to have to fork out for a new engine or rebuild.

Cheers ��

Ben

[Reedy]

I’m guessing you are just from the build date but you can just give VW a ring with your vin number and they should tell you what part number you have. Or the humble mechanic has a YouTube how too to check yourself. If you have the old one change it.


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[drduncan]

Have the sad news of contributing to this thread.
MY10 3-door golf GTI 100xxxkm on it, in absolutely perfect condition and always serviced on time if not ahead of schedule.

Started it the other morning and cat convert. sensor light flicked on, took maybe 2 clicks more than usual to start but idled and drove fine. Next day, started it and it sounded like starting a bloody diesel truck or something and shut it self off instantly so got a lift to work and had it towed to a shop who found nil compression in any cylinder. I remember this thread existing so had it sent straight over to VW workshop.

Got a call yesterday - tensioner and chain failed leading to damage of apparently all pistons and valves so they said need a new long block and parts etc...$10k in parts 2-3K in labour.

Spoke to Customer Experience who have arranged a rental car for free as VW have no loan cars available and the guys at VW lodged a good will application on my behalf...I have also emailed Jason based on the list of people who had good will from VW last year in this thread that spoke to him so hoping for some good news to come through.

Will keep you all posted on the outcome...regardless I'm devastated this happened as the car looks basically as good as it did day 1 and I have tried so hard to take care of it!

[spellbound]

Have the sad news of contributing to this thread.
MY10 3-door golf GTI 100xxxkm on it, in absolutely perfect condition and always serviced on time if not ahead of schedule.

Started it the other morning and cat convert. sensor light flicked on, took maybe 2 clicks more than usual to start but idled and drove fine. Next day, started it and it sounded like starting a bloody diesel truck or something and shut it self off instantly so got a lift to work and had it towed to a shop who found nil compression in any cylinder. I remember this thread existing so had it sent straight over to VW workshop.

Got a call yesterday - tensioner and chain failed leading to damage of apparently all pistons and valves so they said need a new long block and parts etc...$10k in parts 2-3K in labour.

Spoke to Customer Experience who have arranged a rental car for free as VW have no loan cars available and the guys at VW lodged a good will application on my behalf...I have also emailed Jason based on the list of people who had good will from VW last year in this thread that spoke to him so hoping for some good news to come through.

Will keep you all posted on the outcome...regardless I'm devastated this happened as the car looks basically as good as it did day 1 and I have tried so hard to take care of it!

Sorry to here that news , keep on VWA's back they have a a known issue with the early mk6 .
I sold mine at 46k after my independent german specialist told me it has happened as low as 60k , i could have had it replaced for $ 1500 , but moved on .
Best of luck with this issue hope they help you .

[drduncan]

I have the pleasure of reported nothing but good news in reference to my above post

$13000 bill for new engine with all the bits installed by VW - VWA have covered the parts and labour cost 100% and given me a rental car for free during the entire ordeal.
Ben at VW Wyoming was a phenomenal help all the way and has ordered all the required parts today with install planned over the next week.

As mentioned it is a 3 door with a brand new interior and tint and has had professional respray of bonnet/boot and the whole right side in factory black after a side-swipe while parked. Now it will have 0km on the engine and a new clutch also. All comes with 2 year warranty from VW.
Any ideas what the car would now be worth?

[brad]

As mentioned it is a 3 door with a brand new interior and tint and has had professional respray of bonnet/boot and the whole right side in factory black after a side-swipe while parked. Now it will have 0km on the engine and a new clutch also. All comes with 2 year warranty from VW.
Any ideas what the car would now be worth?

About the same as if it had never been in an accident or had an engine failure. Neither repair has added value

[StuDUB]

Just wanna say thanks for posting the horror stories about these,

I've only had my my11 GTI for a few months but one of the first things after reading this was get it booked in with a local specialist mechanic. He confirmed that i had the older one and that with over 100,000 on the clock it could be on borrowed time as he's seen a couple that went.

Gave me the same story, no real warning, impossible to predict when and doesn't matter how quickly you react, if it goes it likely kills the engine. scary

Cost a fair bit in labor to get the new revision fully installed with new chains, gaskets etc etc. but definitely worth the peace of mind.

So cheers

[Boordy_23]

Hi Gents,

Newbie poster here but have been following these threads intensely ever since purchasing my 2012 GTI last year.

I bit the bullet today and got the car onto jacks to check the tensioner through inspection hole in the lower timing cover. The toughest part is removing the endless screws for the wheel well liner... Could anybody here calm my nerves and confirm that this appears to be the latest revision?

My car is an 05/2012 build for anyone doing analytics on these tensioners.

Thanks in advance.

[Reedy]

06K109467K - Timing Chain Chain Tensioner Rear for 2.0T (TSI) - Deutsche Auto Parts



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[Boordy_23]

06K109467K - Timing Chain Chain Tensioner Rear for 2.0T (TSI) - Deutsche Auto Parts



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Looks to be similar, hard to tell though as I'm not sure what the intermediate revisions of the part looked like.

Assuming as long as it's not the spring clip version, this should be okay...!

Cheers

[Reedy]

I thought you should see the part number, or you should be able to contact VW give them your vin number and they should be able to tell you the part number it has.
YouTube

[StuDUB]

Humble Mechanic on Youtube has a few handy vids for Golfs and has a video about checking timing chain tensioner for 2.0tfsi if you want to do it yourself.

YouTube

If you know the age of the car and have full log books that show it hasn't been done its probably a safe bet you should get down to your mechanic and get it switched.

I bought my mk6 not long ago and based off this forum got the tensioner replaced immediately. Not the cheapest thing but worth the piece of mind for damn sure.

[mokkzzz]

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking here for a couple of days after recently purchasing a 2010 Golf GTI MK6 @ 133,000 kms as the 4th owner. I'm kind of getting worried about this whole timing chain and/or tensioner issue. Logbook and receipts don't mention addressing this issue.

Any recommendations on how should I go about getting this diagnosed and/or fixed in Sydney? Should I call VWA with my VIN to see if they have records on this issue?

Appreciate the help!

[brad]

Get a mech to check the tensioner type.

How to Check your 2.0t TSI Timing Chain Tensioner - YouTube

How to Check 2.0T TSI Timing Chain Tensioner - YouTube

[brad]

If you are in Marrickville then try Metro Service Centre on Edinburgh Rd. They do a lot of Euro stuff.