TSI Chain Tensioner worry.

[va1o]

Shame that it seems such a widespread issue. Makes buying these used really challenging and risky, particularly as they are still worth quite a bit of money.

[SpeedBash]

va1o said:

Shame that it seems such a widespread issue. Makes buying these used really challenging and risky, particularly as they are still worth quite a bit of money.

I have come to the same conclusion.

I've been looking into buying a MK6 GTi but just can't seem to get past this issue particularly when you are looking to spend £12 - £14k on a car.

[chrisb92]

I have a 2012 gti. Had they rectified this problem by then? Mine would be a very late mark 6 as I think the mark 7 production began early 2013.

[SpeedBash]

chrisb92 said:

I have a 2012 gti. Had they rectified this problem by then? Mine would be a very late mark 6 as I think the mark 7 production began early 2013.

A new tensioner was released in 2012 so it depends when your car was registered.

If in doubt, I'd get in changed.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2699...

[SuperchargedVR6]

va1o said:

Shame that it seems such a widespread issue. Makes buying these used really challenging and risky, particularly as they are still worth quite a bit of money.

No, what it does is force people to actually do some homework before they buy a car. People spend £100s, sometimes £1000s to make sure they're not buying a lemon of a house, so why don't people do the same for cars? Because people treat cars like white goods, that's why. Money spent on maintaining their second biggest investment is done so with bitter resentment in most cases. These same people seem to think a polymer pad pressing extremely hard on a metal chain will last forever, and get p1ssed off and blame the car maker when it doesn't.

Why don't schools teach kids basic car maintenance? The lack of high level car knowledge, from a country that specialises in cars, shocks and offends me.

Anyway, a tensioner is hardly the end of the world. There are currently *NO* German performance cars that have zero known issues. Pay your money and take your pick!

[ckl139]

hi all,

Interesting thread, new hear, but no stranger to other car forums (bimmerforums, Audi etc)



I might be buying a 2010 VW passat CC with the 2.0 tsi engine.56k miles

I am aware that this falls into the year range of the Chain Tensioner issue.

I've looked through the forum here and others, but had some specific questions which I hope someone can clarify...


1. I believe this engine is the EA888 Engine is that right?

2. Is this definitely a problem that all engines of this year will be effected by?

3. Assuming this falls within the affected year - would I be sorted and out of the danger zone if I were to buy the car and just get the tensioner replaced with a recent updated one - does this solve the issue for sure or is the issue still present?

4. Anything else I should look out for?

I guess the key reason I am posting here is question 3 - i've read through but I don't seen to have a conclusive answer to this...

[timberman]

my 2010 scirocco 2.0 tsi had this issue which resulted in it needing a new engine,

fortunately Vw covered most of the cost despite it being out of warranty

I also noticed the tell tale rattle on start up for several months prior to it going bang which I foolishly ignored, and for a few hundred quid I could have had the tensioner changed which would have solved the issue altogether.

for anyone still not sure what the issue is or put off from buying anything that may be affected, it really is just the timing chain tensioner, the original was obviously poorly designed and a weak point,

mileage won't have too much of an effect as most of the damage seems to take place when starting the engine, so anyone doing lots of short journeys and constantly stop starting the engine will see the issue arrise sooner.

due to the material the tensioner is made from wearing prematurely the chain starts to become loose hence the rattle and eventually
slips causing possible severe damage,

as has been said there have been several revisions since and later cars are unaffected ( we also have a Tiguan with the same engine made in 2014 which has been 100% probem free)

anyone considering getting a car which may be affected should for peace of mind consider budgeting for the tensioner to be changed to the later version which will solve the issue.

I've also heard of people having the timing chain replaced at the same time which isn't really necessary but considering the extra effort involved and if it makes people feel better then each to their own

[va1o]

timberman said:

and for a few hundred quid I could have had the tensioner changed which would have solved the issue altogether.

I think that's why most people unfortunately don't bother and just live with the rattle and risk of eventual engine failure. Although much cheaper than a full engine replacement, it's still fairly expensive as far as routine maintenance goes to replace the tensioner.

I'm back behind the wheel of a car with this engine again in the form of a 2015 TT. It's still under Audi warranty until December and think I'd me more tempted to just spend money extending that in case of any future problems.

[shotta287]

Does anyone know if this affects the 1.4 TFSI or TSI? 122hp version. Mrs has one.

[va1o]

shotta287 said:

Does anyone know if this affects the 1.4 TFSI or TSI? 122hp version. Mrs has one.

Yes I had this problem a few years ago with a 2008 Leon fitted with that engine. It was 5 years old at the time with about 50k miles.

[ckl139]

Hi all

thanks for responding.

Still not bought the car as worried about whether it can be sorted (pre emptive).

I called a few VAG indies, one or two said avoid on basis they wouldn't do this job and two of them said it would be at least £1000 - 1200.

Is this true? Is it such a big job?

Overall, given I now know about this, should I just avoid the car and all cars in this period with tsi engines?

[va1o]

^ I’m still adamant a good warranty is the only answer, unless you buy a car which has already had the remedial work done

[220]

For the Octavia mk2 the quote was about 1k to replace everything (Iirc that was for chain, tensioner, guides and cover (dont think its reusable))

Edited by 220 on Saturday 24th February 07:38

[ckl139]

hi. Again thanks for responses.

I hear the warranty point.


I should add that I’ve now had two quotes at around 850. However both have said don’t do anything until you show symptoms. But then I’ve read sometimes engine just fails and then it’s too late.

I’m now stuck as to whether to go for an otherwise good car or avoid?

Does the problem definitely occur at some point or is it like other things where people only post them they have an issue?

Basically should i get the 2010 Passat knowing that the issue is there. I’m worrying now so I’ll be worrying when I have it.

I could look at diesel and there are plenty but I’m aware that at my annual mileage they’ll also cause problems?

What does one buy?

Edited by ckl139 on Saturday 24th February 08:22

[va1o]

The diesels are worth a look, 2.0 TDI CR from that era is very solid if looked after properly.

The other approach could just be to buy the TSI then sell on if you start hearing the startup rattle. That’s generally the sign of problems to come!

[D'oh]

ckl139 said:

hi. Again thanks for responses.

However both have said don’t do anything until you show symptoms. But then I’ve read sometimes engine just fails and then it’s too late.

Edited by ckl139 on Saturday 24th February 08:22

My TSI failed at 60k suddenly with absolutely no symptoms of the tensioner issue. Absolutely get it changed regardless!
I learned the hard ( and expensive) way!

[kiethton]

My Fiance's '58 plate Scirocco had the rattle on start up/low speed after start up for about 3 years/75% of her ownership and didn't let go thankfully.

I was worried however (coupled with regular/random warning lights that I could resent, often for months at a time) so sold it on about 4 months ago