Listen to the chain rattle and tell me what you think (link on page 2)

[GTI-Ross]

Hey guys, ill try keep it quick and straight forward.

I bought a MK6 GTI from JCT600 Peugeot (in Hull) just because it was well speced and cheap. As some of you know the MK6 has a problem with the timing chain and if it slip it can cause serious damage, often needing new engine (FOC and 8 hours labour)

Mine has started to rattle for 3-5 seconds on cold start up which is a tell tail sign it might be on its way out. So I called Peugeot and told them i need it checking by VW as it still has 5 months approved used warranty on it. They agreed and VW called me an hour later to arrange  getting the car in for testing. Now even thought the fault has happend yet I can tell its not far away. Every morning i cross my fingers and hope the chain dont slip. (no way to live)

The main part i want help / advise with is the warranty part. They say i have Platinum Plus Warranty (no idea if that is good or not). Now im hoping VW can hear / feel the problem with the timing chain.

The thing i dont know is who makes the money on warranty, will my local VW want to do the work and charge 8 hours labour for strpping engine and fitting new tensioner and claim it back from VW HQ / Warranty company or will they try shy away from it and say there is no fault?

Anyone with any kind of info would be great.

Thanks fellas...

[edd666999]

Approve used Vw warranty?

[GTI-Ross]

Approve used Vw warranty?

Well approved used JCT600 warranty - not sure if its VW specific.

[MAT ED30]

well they have a vw dealer in the group

[tony_danza]

One in Leeds iirc.

VW dealer will be all over that like a rash, that's easy money to them. I doubt they'll even bat an eyelid, just show you to the courtesy car.

[GTI-Ross]

One in Leeds iirc.

VW dealer will be all over that like a rash, that's easy money to them. I doubt they'll even bat an eyelid, just show you to the courtesy car.

I hope so, i dont want a silly bill for £90 for a quick diagnostic

[Hedge]

The TSI timing chain problem is actually a tensioner fault.

Of all the instances I know there has been no signs of failure just the driver has shut the car down and the next morning on startup the chain jumps = engine for lunch.

They may change the tensioner as a precaution but it's still no guarantee it wont happen. I believe there has been 3 revisions so far.

[GTI-Ross]

The TSI timing chain problem is actually a tensioner fault.

Of all the instances I know there has been no signs of failure just the driver has shut the car down and the next morning on startup the chain jumps = engine for lunch.

They may change the tensioner as a precaution but it's still no guarantee it wont happen. I believe there has been 3 revisions so far.

Correct on all of the above, i know as i have spent many hour reading and researching it. Just dont know what VW will do or say 

[Hedge]

So you know everything that I wrote yet still write this.

Mine has started to rattle for 3-5 seconds on cold start up which is a tell tail sign it might be on its way out.

So yours is different as for the previous failures there has been no tell-tale signs.

Good luck with that one. 

[GTI-Ross]

So you know everything that I wrote yet still write this.

Mine has started to rattle for 3-5 seconds on cold start up which is a tell tail sign it might be on its way out.

So yours is different as for the previous failures there has been no tell-tale signs.

Good luck with that one. 

There is tell-tails signs, most people report a rattle for around 4-8 weeks and then bang....

Its not nailed on, but most people experience it before it goes.

[Frodo-anni]

Which dealership have you taken or are taking the car too?

Have you tried White Rose VW at crosshills, if they cant do anything themselves, im sure Ben on the service desk would help out with some info. 

[B3n]

One in Leeds iirc.

VW dealer will be all over that like a rash, that's easy money to them. I doubt they'll even bat an eyelid, just show you to the courtesy car.

+1 for this

[Markyed30]

U got rid of ur mk5 as dsg problem and got a manual Mk6 and now this ur not doing well lol

[GTI-Ross]

U got rid of ur mk5 as dsg problem and got a manual Mk6 and now this ur not doing well lol

Yep - VW = sh*te build quality

[Snoopy]

Rather than all the hassle just get an independent specialist to change it for £300 is it worth all the running around hassle and stress?

I havent found any failures yet with the latest revision tensioner and only a few world wide of 2011 cars with an earlier revision tensioner.

When you see them side by side anyone with any mechanical knowledge will understand why the earlier ones on 2009 early 2010 cars fail. Its a shocking design. The latest 2012 version is much superior..

The mk7 uses the next revision letter on again but I dont know if that wil fit the mk6.


Ps
Make sure then rattle is actually coming from the chain cover area. Mine sounded rattly at startup a year ago its why I brought this issue to light in the uk as I found it when trying to find out what mine was. When I listened at the cover with my ear when someone else started the car. It was actually further along the engine. Just noisy tappets or injectors but only happened if the car stood overnight.