VR6 Timing Chains/tensioners etc

[Jimbob1970 0]

Greetings all,

 

I am probably going to buy a 119K VR6 this weekend. (Dragon Green - looks lovely).

The owner says that the timing chains have not been replaced.

The car has full VW history. I am surprised the chains haven't been done by now.

 

Should I get the timing chains/tensioners/guides replaced ASAP if I buy it?

How much does that cost?

 

Cheers,

Jimbo

(finally going to get me a VR!!!! so excited I feel sick....)

 

:lol:

[dr_mat 0]

You should assume that if they haven't been done they will *probably* need doing very soon, but it really depends how the car has been driven for it's lifetime. The only positive answer is listen to it - if there's a nasty clattering they need doing. If there isn't a nasty clattering it might start in 6 months or 2 years, so it's then up to you if you feel like spending the money now or later...

 

Most VW garages don't even notice if the timing chains are knackered. My local "specialist" failed to notice despite me saying several times "seems a bit clattery to me".. He missed an opportunity to make some cash there! :)

[Tekara 0]

Cost wise your looking at £800-£1000 with a specialist or £1250 with VW.

Best to have the clutch changed while the box is off too.

[Jimbob1970 0]

Thanks guys.

Thats a bit more expensive than I expected!!

I will listen carfully when I view it later.

Apparently, a timing chain change is not included in VW's service schedule for the VR?...

That sounds a bit dodgy to me.

[dr_mat 0]

VW considered that the timing chains would last the lifetime of the engine, and so they would, probably, if it weren't for the tensioner wearing out. They were supposed to be maintenance free..

Hence no specified interval.

[Jimbob1970 0]

Thanks for that Dr_mat.

I have bought the car!

Just got back from test driving it.

It drives great, sounds wicked.

It's in great nick, everything works as it should.

Done 119K cost me £3850

 

I am well happy.

Should pick it up tomorrow.

Anybody want to buy an H reg valver?....

 

 

:lol:

[Cougar 0]

Or they don't notice on purpose, I had my Passat in for a head gasket, $1600 usd, 1 week later back because of the clatter, "oh you need timeing chains" ???!!! why the heck couldn't they have done them while it was apart for the head gasket?? Another $1800 usd! I gave them the title to the car. Stealers!

[VEEDUBBED 0]

Or SOMEONE could have bought

my 29000km ABV VR6 and not

worried about chains,tensioners

etc,etc,I only want 1000 euros

for the bloody thing...

[smarkham 0]

I would get the chains checked a.s.a.p mine ran very well no noises pulled 201.6 bhp on the rollers and when i took the cover plate off the chains to get it pollished i found the chains had never been done. My car had done 136k

[HiAsAKite 0]

yeah.. but I think the point is that depending on how the cars been treated.. they may not need doing

 

Budget for it.. but I wouldn't go out and do the job just for the sake of doing it unless you gonna have the box off anyway

[storm81 0]

Are there any "specialist" tools required to do the job or is this something i can do myself? also is the chain and tentioner that expensive? £1000 seems a lot of cash to be spending on repairs in one go :crazyeyes:

[Supercharged 2]

The parts are not that much but it's a very labour intensive job, the engine doesn't have to come out (but some people do to make it easier..) but the gearbox has to come off to do the lower tensioner so you may as well change the clutch while your there...

 

Also, some people opt to go for a head rebuild at the same time because of the high millage - I know Stealth have a set price for this of about £1500 I think (you may want to call them to check this)

[Jimbob1970 0]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

A new clutch, head rebuild, and new chains/tensioners/guides all in one go... I am starting to feel faint!

 

I will be selling my valver and using the all of the money for maintenance/servicing on my 'new' VR at this rate!!

 

:roll:

[smarkham 0]

The package stealth do is 1400 but mine cost me just under 2k as they found loads of other bits that needed doing. Vince says most chains should be changed at around 100k and just cos they aint noisey dont mean they dont need doing

[Supercharged 2]

I will be selling my valver and using the all of the money for maintenance/servicing on my 'new' VR at this rate!!

 

Yep, but this is stuff that only needs doing every 100k's so that will give you peace of mind for a good few years!

[Kevin Bacon 5]

Vince says most chains should be changed at around 100k and just cos they aint noisey dont mean they dont need doing

 

Indeed.

 

If anyone is in any doubt, lift the rocker cover and remove the engine side cover plate and inspect the upper tensioner. If it has 2 deep scores in it, dust off your wallet. If it looks OK then you should be OK but it would be wise to put aside some money for the job in the near future.

 

Not all VRs chew the upper tensioner but most at 100K will be showing signs of wear on the upper tensioner. Once the outer layer of resin has broken through, you literally have 10K max before the chain rips the resin off the metal backing plate and spits it in the sump.

 

The upper chain guide can wear too and break up completely in some cases.

 

Defo worth checking out.....

[surfer.vr6 0]

i was going for that one you beat me to it you git!

[Guest]

The timing chains are pretty easy to do on these motors, here's a link that gives you an idea of what you are up against VR6 Timing Chains.

 

Cheers, Dennis

[Geo 0]

I'm in the process of rebuilding a 2.8 VR6 out of a vento after a timing chain failure at....yes you've guessed it, 119k miles. If the chains haven't been replaced then get it done asap.