B7 3.2 Tensioner Chain Worry

[anonymous-user]

Are there any tell-tale signs that this is a problem due to rear it's ugly head?

Are there any preventative measures that can be done?

I'm going to buy a 3.2 on Friday and all was fine until a friend mentioned the issues this engine had. Now I'm a bit dubious whether to go ahead or not.

Thanks.

[si_xsi]

Someone feel free to correct me, but on the R32 if the chains are stretched, they tend to be quite rattly and lumpy at idle. But short of their being an engine warning light on, you will not necessarily know, unless you have VAGcom software. If there is a fault code when the software is plugged in, it will tell you how far stretched they are. There are certain 'safe' tolerances.

I've been told on the R32 the chains can last up to 75k miles before needing doing. Im getting mine done at the moment, together with a new clutch and flywheel because you have to take the gearbox off to get at them and it just makes sense from a labour point of view. Mines 58 plate on 63k miles.

[Cupramax]

What Are you on about, B7 A4's dont use the VW R32 engine.

The main thing to look for is oil changes on the dot yearly, and not preferably every 20 k which can be the norm with extended service intervals. Its usually the tensioners that fail and i guess they get noisey before they go but if your not familiar with the engine whether youd spot it or not, god knows. The direct injection on these makes a lot of noise so dont get that mixed up with a dodgy chain as it does click a lot.

[anonymous-user]

Thank you. Glad you mentioned the injectors; my wife has the 2.0 TFSI engine in her Jetta and I was surprised at how rattly it was. I now know what's causing the noise.

[Dr G]

Rattling on cold start for more than a second or so is a bad sign with these.

Keep the oil topped up, keep it fresh. A lot of V8 owner switch to a 5w40 as well.

[ManOpener]

DrSteveBrule said:

Thank you. Glad you mentioned the injectors; my wife has the 2.0 TFSI engine in her Jetta and I was surprised at how rattly it was. I now know what's causing the noise.

Earlier FSI engines are typically pretty rattly, the TFSI in particular it seems.
I can't speak for the other FSI engines, but I've had good experiences recently (well, over the last year) with the VW/Audi approved Mobil 1 New Life 0w40 in my TFSI. Seems to have quite significantly reduced oil consumption.

[Cupramax]

The 3.2 doesnt tend to drink oil like the turbo engines, ive had 2 over 70k miles and never needed anything other than routine minor top ups inbetween servicing.