Skoda Superb 1.4tsi - belt or chain?

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Sun 26 Apr 2015 17:30
Skoda Superb 1.4tsi - belt or chain? - daveyK_UK

Hi,

did the Skoda Superb ever get the 1.4 tsi belt engine or did it stick with the 1.4 tsi chain engine (the one with the issues)?

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Mon 27 Apr 2015 12:49
Skoda Superb 1.4tsi - belt or chain? - slkfanboy

It depends on the age of the car. They had issues with the chains and then reverted back to using a belt. So would been to know the age of the car to be able to help you?

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Mon 27 Apr 2015 13:18
Skoda Superb 1.4tsi - belt or chain? - skidpan

As far as I am aware the new belt drive engines have only found their way into new models and have not been fitted to existing ones. Examples are the old Fabia had the chain drive ones until the new one was introduced a few months ago. The Seat Leon (which has not yet been replaced by a new model) continues with the chain drive engines. I would suspect that the Superb follows the same methodology.

But it should be easy enough to tell simply by lifting the bonnet. The belt driven engine is a totally different unit, alloy block for starters, so use of the human Mk1 eyeball should be all that is required.

Look in a new Octavia which has the belt drive unit then look at the Superb in question.

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Mon 27 Apr 2015 16:35
Skoda Superb 1.4tsi - belt or chain? - 659FBE

You are absolutely right to check this detail. In my opinion the VAG chain drive engines are not fit for purpose. The belt drive engines are generally fine and will run to very reasonable mileages as stated in the service book. I would further consider ignoring the "4/5 year change requirement" stated by VAG Milton Keynes - it's not in accordance with the sevice book supplied with the vehicle, and you may guess the motive.

The simplest method of identification on any VAG engine is to find the upper belt/chain cover - usually black plastic. It's readily visible.

If it's secured by spring clips, the engine has a belt camshaft drive. If secured by several bolts, the engine has a chain drive.

Spring clips will not keep the oil inside the engine - even when designed by VAG...

659.

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Mon 27 Apr 2015 16:50
Skoda Superb 1.4tsi - belt or chain? - hillman

I got the impression from our mentor in past posts that the chain drive engines were better (more robust) than the belt drive ones. Has that feeling changed ?

Why has such a big car such a small engine ? The terrain must be fairly flat for such a power unit. The power output might be enough but it must be fairly whizzing around.

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Mon 27 Apr 2015 16:57
Skoda Superb 1.4tsi - belt or chain? - skidpan

The TSi chain cam engines suffered issues with their cam chains/tensioners but it has been long debated that it is probably being made worse by owners and garages using the wrong oil etc when servicing.

As for the engine being small and wheezy I suggest you try one before you comment. I have a 1,4 TSi of the latest belt driven type in my Seat Leon. 140 PS and 185 lbs/ft of torque (1500 - 3500rpm) make it an absolute gem an engine, in normal driving there is no need to exceed 3500 rpm. It has diesel type torque with petrol power spread and no turbo lag. The economy is great as well, 45 mpg is not bad for a car with that performance.

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Mon 27 Apr 2015 19:41
Skoda Superb 1.4tsi - belt or chain? - elekie&a/c doctor

Some of the latest breed of belt drive vag engines even have a toothed belt driving the oil pump!!

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