DIY - Cam Chain and Tensioner Guide

[smully]

Afternoon all. I'm new on here but have been watching form a far since purchasing my Mk5 last November. The tips have come in super handy. Cheers all.
I'm  considering doing this job myself. My only question is how important is the chain going on specific links as per the write up? I've seen and read elsewhere that you have to count back from the coloured link and line it up on the sprocket  etc. etc. but on an aftermarket kit, there doesn't seem to be a coloured link, so I'm a bit confused... I get the cams need to be in a certain place and the adjuster need to go on a specific way but I cant see what the importance of the chain being on a certain tooth is? Cheers in advance.

[mjmallia]

That applies to the genuine stuff and is what I would recommend using.......not a job you want to redo.

I assume on aftermarket stuff you just need to make one of the links the anchor to count off from.....use a marker on it to stand out.

[smully]

Thanks Mike.
Still not sure what difference it'd make though, surely the chain can just be fitted anyway you want?

[mjmallia]

Because there is slack in the chain, until you pull the tensioner pin.  If one link is out then not a good thing for the engine

[pudding]

Coloured links are a fitment aid only and not critical.  They are more common and useful on engines with several sprockets, but on the GTI with only 2 sprockets, it's no big deal.

So long as the cams are in the right position, you're golden. Just remember to tweak the inlet cam a few degrees anti clockwise when fitting the chain to make sure it has the correct tension. In other words, if the variator sprocket doesn't go straight on, tweak the inlet cam until it does.  Lots of folk skip that (it's in the VW repair manual and they do a tool for it) and end up being a tooth off afterwards.

Think carefully about your parts choice because there is a lot of trash in the aftermarket and it's not a job you want to do more than once, especially it the car is a keeper.

[smully]

Perfect, that's what i needed to know. Many thanks. Yep, couldn't work out all this counting links stuff... As long as the cams line up. Will be using genuine VAG stuff for sure. Cheers all.