I recently noticed on a friends Golf VR6 62K what sounds like a timing chain rattle from low down on the O/S engine casing. I thought this engine has full duplex chains and auto tensioner design for the like of the engine any ideas. Regards Peter
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"Problems emerging of stretched timing chains on VR6s and chains actually breaking at around 90,000 miles." See Car-by-Car Breakdown.
Not that I've detected anything of the sort on my end-1996 VR6 Highline with 36.5k on the clock. Would my gentle driving style alleviate if not avoid the potential problem, I wonder? That's a genuine "wonder", and I'd be grateful for any expert commentary.
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Funnily enough, I am in the process of getting my chains replaced. It is at 80,000 and there is a slight chattering.
First enquiries indicate that the gearbox has to be taken out for this to be done. I will be speaking to an independant garage tomorrow to find out more.
After reading Car-by-Car breakdown and experiencing a broken timing belt on a Passat Tdi last year, I am a bit worried about bent valves and new cylinder heads.
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I suspect a timing chain replacement on a VR6 engine is most probably an engine out job....from memory it doesn't look a nice job.
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My '97 VR rattles too, its got 80k on the clock. The rattle is a problem which a lot of VR owners have. The rattle is either streched chains, or worn chain guides. I looked into getting mine done. Very expensive, and yes its a gearbox off job - I was quoted about £950, so I still have the rattle! Although, (apparently) they very rarley snap.
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£950!!!! Blimey, was that from VW themselves?
I suspect that if I get the same kind of quote from a specialist, I will still have the rattle!
I have heard on the grape vine that the tensioner is usually at fault (usual VW problem) and the chains should perform ok!
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BB - I got a few quotes for the work. Cant remember if that figure was from VW. But I can say that its expensive even at a specialist. I was told its at least 9 hours labour. Also, if you do have it done you should think about having the clutch done at the same time to save on labour for the future. Just ask how much they would charge just for fitting a clutch and you'll see what i mean.
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Thanks VR6, I was going to have the clutch done at the same time anyway, but thanks for the info. After more enquiries, I have heard that a lot of owners just get the tensioner changed as it involves less work, but I am unsure of how you get to the tensioner. Any ideas?
I am still awaiting the cost from the specialist, but I am assuming that it will be around your price mark. On Ebay (I know that is not an ideal place to search), I have seen used VR6 engines go for around £500-£800. It would be worthwhile to leave the the chains alone and maybe just shoe horn another unit in if it goes bang.
Sorry to hijack your thread Peter D.
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I have just had a quote of £650 to do the job.
Comparing this to the cost of a normal cambelt change on my Passat of £320 every 40,000 miles, it works out about even.
Apparently there are 4 hydraulic tensioners.
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I'm glad I got rid of my VR6 now!
......but I still miss that sweet engine note!
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