VR6 timing chains (Corrado SLC)

930 Views 8 Replies 8 Participants Last post by JimmPTL, Nov 30, 2001

kmveedub

Discussion Starter · Nov 28, 2001

How often do these need to be changed..(if at all)?????? I've heard conflicting stories on the subject. Some say not for life of engine, some say they can break like any other timing belt. The shop that is rebuilding my VR6 has seemed to have lost my chains. They claim "oh, you are gonna need new ones anyway, you dont want to put all that money into your motor, only to put the old chains back on.....its a good idea to get new chains"......Now is this B.S.????? I always understood that this is why they are "chains"....not belts. That you dont need to replace them???? WHATS THE TRUTH????? AM I BEING HORNED??? Mad love to anyone with any assistance in this frustrating matter....

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VR6guy

· #2 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: VR6 timing chains (kmveedub)

Timing chains can occasionally stretch but this is not a common problem in the VR6. Unlike a timing belt, this chain is not designed as a service item. In theory, it should last the life of the car, which the chain itself probably will. The real problem is the plastic chain guides which wear severely and cause that tell-tale "diesel" rattling from our engines. More than likely, your chain is fine (other than being lost). The upside is that it is a surprisingly cheap part but I'd make them eat the cost since they lost it. Make sure they replace the guides and you'll be all set.

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12V GTI

· #3 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: VR6 timing chains (VR6guy)

i need to do this job to my car

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cyberdog

· #4 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: VR6 timing chains (VR6guy)

yes, the chain itself SHOULD last the life time of your engine. i had the rattle noise problem w/ my timing chain in my aged old VR6. i was going to change it when a friend of mine told me it could be oil pressure since my car is old and some of the hoses are leaking. you see, the point is, the timing chain does tend to stretch some, considering it's soaking in engine oil most of the time but that's what the tensioner does. it's suppose to be providing tension to the chain and if the oil pressure drop, the tensioner is not working properly, or at least not providing enough pressure to the chain and thus causing the chain to rattle in certain rpm.
however, in your case, if you never have rattle noise in your engine, you shouldn't have a problem with either the chain and the tensioner, but since you are rebuilding your engine, why not go ahead and replace both the chain and the tensioner 'cos even though the parts are cheap, the larbor is heavy !!
anyway, as VR6guy said, this guy who LOST your chain should at least pay for the parts !!

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JimmPTL

· #5 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: VR6 timing chains (kmveedub)

Im getting a clutch job soon, is it easy to get the tensioners replaced when replacing the clutch? Meaning will i save money if i get my tensioners done when i get my clutch done?

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BiH

· #6 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: VR6 timing chains (JimmPTL)

you have a upper tensioner which is easy to replace, lower one is pain. If you wanna do the whole shabang, you will need to either take the whole engine out or just take off the tranny and get to the chains and guids that way. I'm doing this when I take my tranny off for some work. Mine rattles at lower RPM's and when it's cold. it quites down after it warms up, but the rattle is still there. what could be a problem there? Guides? Tensioner? or wut?

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NoCYet

· #7 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: VR6 timing chains (NightRyder97)

To do the lower tensioner you have to remove the flywheel to get the lower cover off. So you need to get a new set of flywheel bolts, because they are one time use.

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jininkan

· #8 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: VR6 timing chains (NightRyder97)

quote:[HR][/HR]you have a upper tensioner which is easy to replace, lower one is pain. If you wanna do the whole shabang, you will need to either take the whole engine out or just take off the tranny and get to the chains and guids that way. I'm doing this when I take my tranny off for some work. Mine rattles at lower RPM's and when it's cold. it quites down after it warms up, but the rattle is still there. what could be a problem there? Guides? Tensioner? or wut?[HR][/HR]

dont suppose you could help me do mine too? looking for the learning experience, and to save some $$. let me know. I would give you somethin for your time.

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JimmPTL

· #9 · Nov 30, 2001

Re: VR6 timing chains (jininkan)

wow, u still looking for someone to help u out? Dude, go get it done at NGP, they do great work and r teh only peole i trust. im sure they'll let u look in a bit while they work too.

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