[5280_etherwolf]

Well my machine is at 99,998K, and I'm wondering if I should go through the seemingly very long effort of replacing the chain and tensioners. Coincidentally, around 3,000 miles ago the CE light came on and the code was a Camshaft Position Sensor problem, very intermittent, usually comes on about every 3 weeks.
Should I tear apart my engine now while it's still working and replace those? How much can I expect to pay for the hardware? How long can I expect it to take? What else should I do whilst I'm in there? And most importantly, anything I need to watch out for?
Any walk-thrus or anything would be very much appriciated. Thanks in advance!!
I would have searched for this first, but, well....

# Nathan
1996 Jetta GLX

 

[tastydub]

Re: Timing chain at 100K... necessary/easy/expensive? (5280_etherwolf)

There was some discussion about this in the vr6 forum. I don't know if you should or need to do it, but someone said parts are about 100 and the labor will take about 4-6 hours because the tranny has to be taken apart. You're taking about the timing chain and guides correct? If you're hearing a clicking or tapping sound from the engine then it could be the guides. I'm thinking of doing mine and I only have 71K.

 

[bobby_t1]

Re: Timing chain at 100K... necessary/easy/expensive? (5280_etherwolf)

Last time I was at the dealership getting some warranty work done (replacing the guides) they told me the timing chain was not meant to be serviceable... meaning VW designed it not to be replaced.. the timing belt on 2.0's are a diff't story.
this was news to me.

 

[Guest]

Re: Timing chain at 100K... necessary/easy/expensive? (bobby_t1)

what's the dealer charge on that?

 

[JimGTIVR6]

Re: Timing chain at 100K... necessary/easy/expensive? (Majik6)

isnt it 1500 or so ..for the delaer?

 

[EuroStyle]

Re: Timing chain at 100K... necessary/easy/expensive? (JimGTIVR6)

I have alwasy been told it was the guides that went, not the actual chain, although I am sure if you leave it on bad guides long enough you could damage the chain. I am thiking I will do it around 100k along with a quaiffe and a clutch since they would have the car open....
Sean

 

[Guest]

Re: Timing chain at 100K... necessary/easy/expensive? (EuroStyle)

Jesus Christ Holy Mary Mother of God please help me.
$1000?!! How am I gonna do that? I have 96k miles on my car!!!

 

[splitmeister]

Re: Timing chain at 100K... necessary/easy/expensive? (5280_etherwolf)

The Mil lamp is probably due to the cam postion sensor itself going bad, less likely to be due to the chains.
There is no set time to replac the timing chains and guides. Vw has intended that they are to be non-seviceable, good for the life of the car. However, anyone that has owned an auto MkIII knows that sometimes preventative maintenance is sometimes a better policy.
The most prevalent indicator that the timing chains are not up to snuff is a rattling noise from the drivers side (closest to the tranny) of the motor. This noise may be present at startup, but when it is noticeable all the time, especially when the hood is closed, that you should look into chain/guide replacement. Mileage isnt as important as how the car is driven (city/highway), and if it has had routine maintenance performed. I've seen cars with 160+ miles on em that were quiet at idle, and I've seen cars with 30K on them thatsounde like tractors when you start em up.

It isn't the chain themselves that fail, the guides which they ride upon wear out, and the tensioners fail to provde adequate pressure on the chain, causing it to slap and stretch (the rattling noise). If the problem is not addressed, you can damage the cogs the chain rides on, causing a big mess. Furthe neglect can lead to a skipped chain, and we won't go into the mess that can cause

http://****************.com/smile/emthdown.gif
If you feel you car is aproaching this mark, try to have it done with a clutch job, as the trans must be removed. Save some on labor, all in the effort to keep your 6 happy http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif Sorry for the long post

 

[Guest]

Re: Timing chain at 100K... necessary/easy/expensive? (splitmeister)

$1000 is insane asylum material for a dumb timing chain. This cars gonna hafta go.
If it ain't one thing its the motherfookin other.

 

[5280_etherwolf]

Re: Timing chain at 100K... necessary/easy/expensive? (splitmeister)

Thanks for the info! I think I may upgrade the clutch and flywheel when I do the chain... does anyone have good instructions on how to go about this? Is it do-able by the mechanically inept owner, or am I looking at REALLY screwing my engine up if I don't have my mechanic do it?