New Mk5 Owner - Cam Follower Nightmare

[Ads22]

Even with a private purchase, is it not  worth contacting the seller, especially if it's only been a couple of weeks. Not sure about the legal situation, but might be worth doing some research / legal advice (free CAB etc).

Did you keep a copy of the advert - how was it described etc?  Although in fairness, he might not have been aware of the issue, as you say it was driving fine, but he might feel bad about it and make a contribution? Depends on what kind of seller he is. It seems to be 'buyer beware', but does that absolve the seller of any responsibility?? I don't know.

Very difficult situation...

I trusted the seller didnt know and to be fair the car drove very well. I would say the blame would lie with the VW 'Specialists' that the previous owner used for servicing ect. They failed to replace this as a service procedure - when I called them they werent even familiar with the CAM follower on this engine - shocking!
I personally wouldnt have been aware of this issue if I hadnt arranged for the cam follower to be replaced

[Ads22]

I think at this point the best thing to do is to clean the engine of any debris, replace the fuel pump and follower and just get the car out of there. And possibly save to get the Camshaft ect replaced as soon as I can afford and just restrict my useage of the car. Would there be any recommended place (apart from Ebay and Gumtree!) Where I could source reconditioned or used parts towards the repairs. Although if VW are cheaper than what has been quoted maybe its best to go through them?

I do find it crazy that VW would design an engine this way and not issue a recall or allow this potential damage on a fairly consumable part. I am even considering of just selling at this point as soon as its back but am really gutted by the whole ordeal as it is a very nice car otherwise. Maybe best just to settle for a granny spec hatchback!

[Rob1]

That's a nightmare mate, I feel for you

[Gazza747]

Just my opinion but if it were me I would advertise it as is and see what interest you get. Some people will do the labour themselves and have the facilities.

[Ads22]

If I plan to change the Cam anyway later on down the line is it even worth getting the engine clean carried out? I'm hoping not to use it too much before I decide what to do.

[nigw]

Sorry to hear of your bad luck - hope you get it sorted.

Does anyone know whether VW changes the cam follower as a service item? My car has FVWSH @ 100k miles, but not sure if the cam follower will've been part of the standard work done.

[barelyrelevant]

Ah man, bad luck, I feel for you.

If it drives well I'd be tempted to pay them to put it all back together and then just trade it in at a local garage for a diesel or sometihng you can easily sell again. Might lose some money but sinking that amount of money into a car that's only worth what £1,500 more depending on condition is a tough one to swallow.

[ducman77]

So sorry that this is your first GTI experience

Totally feel for you buddy! Hope you can get some sort of reasonable solution sorted!

Personally, I would buy a secondhand engine and install it...

But that's probably easy for me to say as I would do that kind of thing DIY...

Bit of a mess for you 

[Ads22]

So I have heard, the inlet camshaft from an S3 engine can be placed in these and it has a toughened lobe that drives the fuel pump. Is this true and if so is there any ramifications of upgrading to this?

[Ads22]

Ive asked the garage to get the car back together with new fuel pump, cam follower engine flush and new oil filter for just shy of £900. I just want to get the car back so I can decide what to do. Ive also managed to check the Cam chain cover which has some damage to the inside, this was caused by the bottom part of the fuel pump. If i were to carry out the final repairs on the inlet camshaft how urgent would this need to be done judging by the photos below - I'm also concerned about the chain tensioner, is this affected by this part or likely to be damaged by a cam follower failure? Thanks.

[Ads22]

The car is now back with me, i literally got the bare minimum done - Cam follower, Fuel pump, Engine flush and reassembly. Cost a fair bit but not a patch on the £2700. Only issue i have now is a slight vibrating noise on idle but isnt running rough.
Is it best to avoid using the car at all until the Inlet Cam and cam chain kit is done, is it okay to use in short intervals?
Im going to try and source some reconditioned parts for the rest of the work, however would I be best in keeping all the parts new and genuine VW?

[Pesky jones]

The reason the inlet can needs replacing is because as the cam follower failed, the lobe on the end of the inlet cam that runs the hpfp, is no longer a smooth surface. It will have been damaged by the hpfp piston running against it with no follower for protection.

As the lobe is damaged, any new follower that runs against it is going to wear at an accelerated rate. Im Not sure how long exactly, but the new follower will wear through pretty quickly. I wouldn't drive it until inlet cam is replaced personally.

The vibrating could be anything - hope the follower isnt worn through already! Did the vibrating start straight away?

[Ads22]

The reason the inlet can needs replacing is because as the cam follower failed, the lobe on the end of the inlet cam that runs the hpfp, is no longer a smooth surface. It will have been damaged by the hpfp piston running against it with no follower for protection.

As the lobe is damaged, any new follower that runs against it is going to wear at an accelerated rate. Im Not sure how long exactly, but the new follower will wear through pretty quickly. I wouldn't drive it until inlet cam is replaced personally.

The vibrating could be anything - hope the follower isnt worn through already! Did the vibrating start straight away?

The garage informed me about the vibrating beforehand so I was aware of it. I have literally driven it home from the garage less than a quarter of a mile away to minimise any damage.

Im going to see if i can source a cheap Inlet Cam but would it be best to also replace the chain and tensioner alongside this aswell as the chain cam cover - The chain cam cover was the part that had a small gouge on the inside. Or could i get away with just replacing the cover only?

[Ady117]

Feel for you man.. I would get the garage to put it back together, and get rid (we buy any car).. cut your losses.

[Tfsi_Mike]

Ive asked the garage to get the car back together with new fuel pump, cam follower engine flush and new oil filter for just shy of £900. I just want to get the car back so I can decide what to do. Ive also managed to check the Cam chain cover which has some damage to the inside, this was caused by the bottom part of the fuel pump. If i were to carry out the final repairs on the inlet camshaft how urgent would this need to be done judging by the photos below - I'm also concerned about the chain tensioner, is this affected by this part or likely to be damaged by a cam follower failure? Thanks.

Clean out the little filter & check valve inside the cam cover?