VW V5 Lump. "Mr Indestructible"...? - one TN
Hi Gang!!

I'm looking at buying a used a motor with a lovely Volkswagen V5 lump under the front.

I was initially all fired up about it as I'd heard that these chain-cam engines are essentially indestructible. However, I've since heard of a number of cases in which the engine "lunched" itself because of a failure of the chain tensioner. Is this a common problem or down to poor maintenance?

Owners of similar cars seem a little hazy on when (or, indeed, if) the chain ever receives any attention. As a prospective buyer, what should I be looking out for?

All help gratefully received.

one TN
VW V5 Lump. "Mr Indestructible"...? - mikeyb
Dont really know to much about them, but my dad had a passat with this engine and it was still going strong at 190K when he sold it - dont ever remember him having anything other than standard servicing carried out.
VW V5 Lump. "Mr Indestructible"...? - one TN
Hi Gang!!

I'm assuming that total silence on this subject means that no-one has ever heard of any problems with VAG V5 chain tensioners. If anyone knows anything different, I would appreciate someone saying.

Thanks!!

one TN