CAM chain tensioners failing..... TSI engines.

[VW Convert]

Hi all,


I eventually found my way here after my MK 6 Golf GTI 2010 suffered a total engine failure a few weeks ago.


Basically, a piston has has contacted the spark plug. Engine is seized. Most probably caused by a timing chain having slipped, so several independent mechanics think without stripping down the engine.


I am coming to the opinion that VW knew that the timing chain tensioner was an issue on this 2010 TSI engine (I have read the many forums relating to the issue), which went on to cause a catastrophic failure of my engine. If can prove this, then the car was probably not fit for use.

I also beleve there may be a TSB relating to the timing chain tensioner on this 2010 engine?

At this stage VW will not give a engine diagnosis, without stripping of the head at an estimated cost of $1500-$2000 quoted by JMC Hobart, so therefore goodwill cannot be applied for.


As such, I am now considering suing VW Australia, for either a refund or replacement of the vehicle, as I do not believe it was fit for purpose at the time of purchase.


Thought on this please, and has anyone successfully pursued this path?

My engine model number is CCZ

You may well have a case for a goodwill claim but you want to sue VWA for an engine failure the cause of which has not been diagnosed?

You need to go down the diagnosis path first before contemplating legal action.

Cheers

George

[Martin]

I eventually found my way here after my MK 6 Golf GTI 2010 suffered a total engine failure a few weeks ago.

Basically, a piston has has contacted the spark plug. Engine is seized. Most probably caused by a timing chain having slipped, so several independent mechanics think without stripping down the engine.

The pistons would not connect with the spark plug unless you break a con rod or wrist pin
And certainly not due to a timing chain or tensioner issue

When the timing is too far out the piston can connect with a valve (inlet or exhaust)

If can prove this, then the car was probably not fit for use.

The car was certainly fit for use - it has been operational for over 5 years

I also beleve there may be a TSB relating to the timing chain tensioner on this 2010 engine?

There is a TSB - sometimes the chain stretches and the tensioner runs out of adjustment
If your car was serviced by VW they would have actioned the TSB and prevented the problem

On my car the timing chain became noisy after 3 years and 80,000km

As such, I am now considering suing VW Australia, for either a refund or replacement of the vehicle, as I do not believe it was fit for purpose at the time of purchase.

Complete and utter waste of time - you'll be left well out of pocket and still have an engine in need of an expensive repair

[VW User]

Thanks VW Convert for your reply. Engine has been diagnosed and I am following up the goodwill path now...

[VW Convert]

Thanks VW Convert for your reply. Engine has been diagnosed and I am following up the goodwill path now...

What was the diagnosis?

Let us know when you receive a response, good luck with the claim.

Cheers

George

[VW User]

certainly not due to a timing chain or tensioner issue

VW servive centre have confirmed timing chain has slipped

The car was certainly fit for use - it has been operational for over 5 years

Not necessarily so, according to the legal advice I have received, if the product was manufacturing and marketed with a known defective component. See ACL

If your car was serviced by VW they would have actioned the TSB and prevented the problem

incorrect. Defective timing chain tensioner was not replaced by VW at the service interval

Complete and utter waste of time - you'll be left well out of pocket and still have an engine in need of an expensive repair

Completely subjective comment, and not necessarily true according to the legal advice I have received. Most likely outcome would be settlement before case went to court

[VW User]

Thanks George, will let you know outcome.

Case has definitely being strengthened today after the diagnosis by the VW service centre. Following up on goodwill with VW Australia

[VW User]

Follow up summary to my previous posts. Timing chain on Mk 6 engine slipped. Confirmed by VW service centre after compulsory engine strip down by VW Australia. Engine destroyed beyond repair.

VW Australia have agreed to pay cost of engine strip down plus 50% cost of new engine including starter motor, and 50% cost of labour charged at warranty rates.

Our thanks to several people ("BJ" Tilford Hobart, D_rren JMC hobart, H_mish (Herbe_tSmithFreehills), plus many others who helped us, including some on this forum, through the long process of receiving a goodwill claim from VW Australia.

Our thanks also to VW Australia for eventually providing goodwill in our case, and Kirste_n B (VW Australia) for her professional handling of our case.

A successful and mutually beneficial outcome for both parties.

If you are reading this thread and would like more information about timing chain issues you have encountered please PM me. During this process I have gained valuable insight in how to go about a goodwill claim with VW Australia, and also have received legal advice from a top tier Australian law firm regarding my chances of winning a lawsuit in such a case in Australia, "fit for purpose" advice and also advice about the likely outcome of compensation following successful legal action when "betterment" is applied in this context.

Good luck to all concerned, and my advice would be to have your timing chain checked immediately if you think there may be an issue with it.

[regu]

I have had the timing chain issue as well on my 2010 90TSI last week (only 65k and out of warranty). I can only stress that if you notice a 2-3 second rattle at start-up don't drive the car. I had it towed to VW (with the help of a very friendly NRMA tow truck driver). VW confirmed that the timing chain was stretched (no damage to engine) and have repaired the car on good-will(ish). 100% parts and 60% labour. Good outcome I think.

P.S. maybe a mod/admin can move/copy this to the Golf6 section?

[John T]

Hi everyone

Wish I could start with some good news but I found this forum after having engine problems with my 2010 VW Golf GTi MK6 (2.0 TSI for those who are already wincing).

Guess what - having bought from a dealer 14 months ago the chain tension has slipped and has caused a significant damage to the engine (sigh).

On a positive note, just reading other members posts and sharing of their information and experiences has been a massive help and I am making the slow steps towards a full recovery.

Thank you to you all who have shone a light into my dark corner. It's good to know I'm not alone

Hope to share my own story and some positive news soon.

Cheers John T

[Lucas_R]

^ sorry to hear John - its certainly starting to become more of a problem now that these cars are getting older. Luckily i was aware of the timing chain tensioner issues when i bought my 2010 GTI 2nd hand so i had it booked in within a month or two to have the necessary parts replaced for piece of mind. But for 98% of the population who don't look at forums, you only become aware of the problem after it has happened.

Rather than repair your engine (depending on the damage to the head and pistons) you might be better off finding a GTI thats been in an accident and do an engine swap. Just make sure that you replace the timing chain tensioner (and timing chain if your budget permits) on the new engine before fitting it to the car so you can eliminate the possibility of this happening again.

There is another thread on this issue here: 2.0TSI (EA88 Timing chain tensioner failures

[VW User]

[Bydant]

My car has developed a diesel type rattle on start up / rough idle for 20/30 sec over the last month or so.

I've decided to bite the bullet and order the parts to replace the cam chain and tensioner. I'm taking a gamble and hoping that the parts come in before catastrophic failure.

I also have the intake manifold flaps issue as well. Parts wise it is going to be around $900 (I threw in a dozen filters as well). Tools are going to be around $200 (cam chain tool kit and crank pulley holder, already have the injector tool kit) should be a full weekends work manifold included.

Still beats $2K for just the timing parts replacement by VW Au.

At present I am not a fan of VW engineering. I've had the car for 2 years now and I've had to change the cam magnet and water pump. It's pretty bad that a 5 year old 120kkm car needs these items replaced and it is pretty clear i'm replacing these items due to engineering failures.

Makes me sad that they could get handling and modcons right but couldn't get it to last problem free for longer that 36 months.

[MGV]

Hi all, been well over 4 years since starting this thread & not sure if this problem is resurfacing or not...

Was told that the new 2012 build motor that is now in my 2010 Tiggie has a revised tensioner that addressed the old one that was prone to failure. All has been going well, have clocked up another 70 000k's on the new motor now. (60 000 on the original motor)

So maybe 4 or 6 times over the past 2 months, i have 'thought' i have heard the dreaded rattle sound again. Each time it has happened, the motor has been cold & i have been parked facing down-hill on a relatively steep incline (decline?).

I guess what i'm wondering is, is the tensioner there to take up the slack as the chain stretches over time, or just to keep the correct tension as the motor undergoes different loads? Or both?

As Suffolk has mentioned in another thread, quote for new tensioner, $1200... Not really keen on that! Think i recall Lucas_R DIY-ing this for much less, (or at least sourcing the revised part himself.) Don't think i could take on this task myself...

[Umai Naa!!]

Tensioner itself, is not that dear. It's everything else that needs doing at the same time that adds up. I wouldn't just change the tensioner on its own. The last one I did, one.of the chain guides was broken, and the rest were fairly worn. Not to mention oil leaks from both upper and lower covers.

[Bydant]

There are also tty bolts and a couple of special tools that are required as well. The tty bolts are more expensive than the tools though.