2.0tsi timing chain tensioner. WARNING!!

[shshivji]

Hey guys, just replaced the timing chain tensioner on my 2.0tsi. Recently I've heard a rattle on start up which only lasted about 0.5 seconds. I did a bit of digging and it seems a common problem which should be addressed ASAP, some tsi engines have had the timing chain slip a few teeth and done valve damage. On removing the tensioner it was easy to see the problem, the teeth on the ratchet mechanism was worn allowing the tensioner to slacken off as the oil pressure was reduced when the car wasn't running, it's a very poor design IMHO, the tensioner has been revised and has a much better design. Fortunately I've sorted the issue before it was to late, if I left it any longer I'm sure it would have been fatal to the engine. Mine has 52k with full service history.
If you guys hear any thing like I've described get your car booked into your local dealer or indi and get the tensioner replaced!!

Picture of the worn ratchet mechanism, it's difficult to make out but the teeth are worn at the top and also it's tiny!!



Picture of the old tensioner in place (pic from vw forum)



Picture of the new tensioner in place (pic from vw forum)



Shak

[shshivji]

The following links from the Gti and skoda owners club with the same tsi engines, failure rate seems high :-/

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=262793.0

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/26 ... -failures/

Shak

[3wrlcs]

Hi, I have this on my 2009 tsi so will get it checked as soon as possible. What cost did you find.? I have an extended warranty so maybe this will vover it if needed.

[skippy]

To be honest, I have never heard of this issue affecting the Scirocco, there have been some failures on the Golf (as mentioned above), but it is not an issue lose sleep over.

[shshivji]

It's the same engine, the golf is a more popular car and has a more active forum hence you'll hear more on their forums. It's something that may not happen to your car but for the cost of replacing the tensioner it's well worth doing for peace of mind.

3wrics, if you have this issue then get it sorted ASAP, once you hear a rattle on start up it's a good indication of the tensioner needing replacing. The parts only cost me £36 (trade) and took me around 4 hours to do, a good indi would charge around £250-£300 supplied and fitted, which isn't too bad tbh :-)

Shak

[selleym]

Just yesterday i have heard a strange rattle after pulling up at home after my drive from work when i stop and its idling.
Its make of a deep sounding rattle. Is hard to hear over the engines tappy noise!
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=A ... ideo%2cmp4

Could this be early signs of this issue?

[shshivji]

Just yesterday i have heard a strange rattle after pulling up at home after my drive from work when i stop and its idling.
Its make of a deep sounding rattle. Is hard to hear over the engines tappy noise!
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=A ... ideo%2cmp4

Could this be early signs of this issue?

Sounds like normal engine noise buddy, mine sounds like that and every 2.0 tsi I've worked on sounds the same, mainly it's from the high pressure fuel injectors.
A faulty tensioner is usually noisey on cold startups for a few seconds.

Shak

[selleym]

Hi Shak,

Its something slightly different hard to hear from the video. Only noticed it the last two days. Was more of a clunky rattle.
But will listen out for a noise on startup.
Is the startup noise audible from inside the car?

Wish these engines sounded nicer under the bonnet ha!
V8 NA Scirocco? Yes please

[eddie_gordo]

I would also like to know if this is a noise that you can hear from inside the car when you start it up... Also, can you provide the part number for this? It would be easier to explain the dealers what I'm talking about..

Cheers