R32 Timing Chain.

[tyeo86]

Hey Y'all,

I'm pretty certain a mark 5 R32 is my next purchase. The only thing i'm concerned about is the timing chain failing? What are the odds on this happening. 12 year old car now...

thoughts?

[catso]

My 2004 A3, 3.2 (same engine) had the chain/tensioner fail at around 4/5 yrs old, 40 odd thousand miles.

Dealer initially wanted £1600+ to repair (they said 16hrs labour, including engine out) but eventually did it for £400 including the due service as a goodwill gesture - I had bought it new from, and had it serviced by, them. It was then fine for another 40k before I sold it.

I'd be wary as goodwill is not likely at this age and second-hand.

[cuprabob]

Have a read over on R32oc.com. Lots of information on both the MK4 and MK5 R32s including the timing chains.

It's rare for them to snap on a MK5 R32 but the plastic guides do wear making them noisy.

[tyeo86]

cuprabob said:

Have a read over on R32oc.com. Lots of information on both the MK4 and MK5 R32s including the timing chains.

It's rare for them to snap on a MK5 R32 but the plastic guides do wear making them noisy.

Thanks

[Brainpox]

Mk5 is a lot safer than Mk4 on the timing chain front. It's not something I worried about when I got mine.

[SuperchargedVR6]

2006> MK5s got the revised chain gear but you can quickly check 'how far out' they are with VAG-COM in seconds.

[tyeo86]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

2006> MK5s got the revised chain gear but you can quickly check 'how far out' they are with VAG-COM in seconds.

Hey, What do you mean by check how far out?

Thanks

[SuperchargedVR6]

tyeo86 said:

SuperchargedVR6 said:

2006> MK5s got the revised chain gear but you can quickly check 'how far out' they are with VAG-COM in seconds.

Hey, What do you mean by check how far out?

Thanks

The crank and cam positions are correlated, so a good way to monitor chain wear is to look at measuring blocks 208 & 209 in VCDS. It's actually VW's official check also.

The readings should be around +/- 3KW with new chains. Old knackered chains are generally around the -9KW range, and once they get past -11KW, the correlation is lost and the ECU will flick the money light on.

VCDS should be the first purchase for VAG owners as it's invaluable for diagnostics. I take it along to test drives for a quick scan to make sure I'm not buying a money pit.

[SuperchargedVR6]

A little visualization doesn't hurt, and I forgot to mention +/- 8W is the allowable limit. Beyond that, start saving for a chain job! The chain won't snap. There's only been a handful of reported cases of that.

[clio007]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

A little visualization doesn't hurt, and I forgot to mention +/- 8W is the allowable limit. Beyond that, start saving for a chain job! The chain won't snap. There's only been a handful of reported cases of that.

I have a trusty MK4 and the EML light came on due to a cam chain tolerence exceeded. The reading for 209 is blank in VAGCOM even though I have replaced the cam position sensor. Could this be due to it being stretched? It doesnt doesnt particularly rattly compared to my old MK4

[anonymous-user]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

VCDS should be the first purchase for VAG owners as it's invaluable for diagnostics. I take it along to test drives for a quick scan to make sure I'm not buying a money pit.

Solid advice, VCDS have saved me a few headaches.

[SuperchargedVR6]

clio007 said:

SuperchargedVR6 said:

A little visualization doesn't hurt, and I forgot to mention +/- 8W is the allowable limit. Beyond that, start saving for a chain job! The chain won't snap. There's only been a handful of reported cases of that.

I have a trusty MK4 and the EML light came on due to a cam chain tolerence exceeded. The reading for 209 is blank in VAGCOM even though I have replaced the cam position sensor. Could this be due to it being stretched? It doesnt doesnt particularly rattly compared to my old MK4

It's been a while since I had my MK4, so it's a bit hazy, but I remember a couple of reasons for that.

1) The sensor (not cheap are they!) but you've done that already. Was it a genuine sensor, or an ebay special?

2) Someone accidentally switching the exhaust and intake VVT adjusters on the cams.

3) Someone accidently switching the VVT adjuster solenoid plugs.

4) As you said, the chain wear is so extreme the ECU can't 'see' the cam anymore. What is the reading for 208?


Just to be a pedant, there is no such thing as chain 'stretch'. Cambelts stretch, chains don't. What happens is the rollers, link pins and sprocket teeth all wear out, causing quite a lot of slack. You cannot visibly see any difference in a worn out chain compared to a new one, they measure the same.....it's just tiny bits of wear multiplied over many links and many sprocket teeth adding up.

Eventually the hydraulic adjuster runs out of travel and the slack can't be taken up anymore, and the chain gear starts to slap about, causing the death knell we all like to hear first thing on a Monday morning!