My timing chain rattles much too much!

[magicrat1 0]

Took my VR for its MOT test the other day. During the emissions

bit, the mechanic commented that the belt was rattling too much,

even I could hear it.The engine was doing 4000 rpm, and I had to agree

with him.

 

Do I need to adjust the tension of the chain?

 

Is it in need of replacing?

[dinkus 10]

Took my VR for its MOT test the other day. During the emissions

bit, the mechanic commented that the belt was rattling too much,

even I could hear it.The engine was doing 4000 rpm, and I had to agree

with him.

 

Do I need to adjust the tension of the chain?

 

Is it in need of replacing?

 

It's the chain tensioner that gives up the ghost and will need replacing sooner rather than later. It's not a fun job though as you need to drop the gearbox out to get to all the relevant parts. It's also worth putting a new clutch on as well while you're in there if it hasn't already been done. If you go to somewhere like Stealth Racing they'll charge about £600-£700 inc parts.

 

This is a fairly common problem with VR's so there are loads of posts on here about it as well as a very detailed how-to on the vwvortex forum - http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1264409

[dr_mat 0]

Make sure we're talking about the timing chains (on the RHS of the engine as you look under the bonnet), for which dinkus is 100% correct, or the auxiliary belt, on the LHS of the engine, which usually suffers from a seized tensioner.

Timing chain rattle is at it's most noisy at around 1200rpm, usually. Aux belt tensioner can scream at any revs if the bearings are shot.

[dinkus 10]

Make sure we're talking about the timing chains (on the RHS of the engine as you look under the bonnet), for which dinkus is 100% correct, or the auxiliary belt, on the LHS of the engine, which usually suffers from a seized tensioner.

Timing chain rattle is at it's most noisy at around 1200rpm, usually. Aux belt tensioner can scream at any revs if the bearings are shot.

 

Yeah good point. The thread subject says timing chains (which is right and the aforementioned problem), but the post says timing belt (no such thing on a VR). The aux belt however is much easier to fix :)

[magicrat1 0]

Thanks chaps. The mechanic, an x vr6 owner (now antigue 911),

did day it was the chain. I spoke to him today,

and he said, unless it gets considerably worse, I should not go

into the stealers. Haha on the stealers, Parkway Derby, I waited at the

garage for half an hour for them to deliver a counter clockwise screw.

It never turned up, Parkway, seemed to forget, as they didn't ring

to apologise. If only this was not a common fault with main stealers.

 

In the end I had to go and ask them for it.

 

Was the VR owner/mechanic correct about the chain?

[dr_mat 0]

I don't know. Which end of the engine did the noise come from?

He's right about not going to the dealers tho....

[dinkus 10]

Thanks chaps. The mechanic, an x vr6 owner (now antigue 911),

did day it was the chain. I spoke to him today,

and he said, unless it gets considerably worse, I should not go

into the stealers. Haha on the stealers, Parkway Derby, I waited at the

garage for half an hour for them to deliver a counter clockwise screw.

It never turned up, Parkway, seemed to forget, as they didn't ring

to apologise. If only this was not a common fault with main stealers.

 

In the end I had to go and ask them for it.

 

Was the VR owner/mechanic correct about the chain?

 

The chains usually start making noise quite a long time before the tensioner finally gives up the ghost. The problem is, when it does the chains will skip a tooth or 2 and you'll mangle your valves into your pistons. Which is neither nice or cheap to fix. I'd start saving your pennies and get it done sooner rather than later.

 

Definitely don't go to the stealers to get it done though. Not only will it cost you at least twice the price of anywhere else, you're also likely to end up with something in the wrong way round or missing or not replaced when it should have been :roll:

 

Vince at Stealth Racing is the man when it comes to VR's and he doesn't charge the earth. He'll also do it much quicker than anyone else and tell you exactly what he's done and let you know if anything else needs doing too. They're also based in Northampton, which isn't tooooo much of a mission from where you are.