Cam Chain/Camshaft Adjustment value/Block 93

[RedSwede]

I just bought an OBDeleven dongle (finally, after owning my Pirelli 12 years...) to diagnose the AC (0 Bar pressure. Oh dear!)

Anyway, when prodding around, I thought I remembered there was a way to check for cam chain stretch - or at least the resultant bank mis match. Just to be clear - the car is on 69k miles, and has zero rattle hot/cold/driving/tickover. This is a fairly academic thread!

Going to block 93 on OBDeleven - with the car not running - it already shows -3.00 degrees. OK. Not super, but OK - guess that is from the last time it was read.

Started it up, but the idle was of course too high. So I took it for a drive, pulled over, and fired up OBDeleven, checked again. This time, it is in idle criteria, and reads -2.00 degrees. Hmm - odd.

Going home, I decide to stop the car, restart it, and measure one more time. Now -1.00 degrees. I do this 2 more times, -1.00 every time.

I think it is clear, due to low values and no noise, all is well. But is it good as new (-1.00) or probably going to be a bit rattly in 20 or 30k miles? Maybe a warning that this measure is far from a 100% gauge.

[pudding]

All good there 

It will move around a bit as the VVT takes up the slack but you never want to see more than -5KW.  Mine was -3KW cold and 1 or 2 hot like yours after changing the chain, so yours is bang on 

It’s not really an issue until higher mileage but frequent oil changes of decent oil will always slow engine wear right down 

[RedSwede]

Oh that is reassuring. At least I only need to fork out for the AC... Will probably sweat it out until service/MOT time in late September - don't want to jinx any remaining summer weather 

I always used to have it serviced with Long Life oil every 10k (8-10 months) when it was new. Now I just take it to the nearest VW specialist every year (about 4-5k) - not sure what they use, but it's to VW spec and good for 5k I'm sure. When I changed the cam follower at 60-odd-k miles, it was almost like new - the black stuff was maybe a bit thinner in the middle, but not at all worn through.

So yes, I think oil changes make all the difference.

[pudding]

Just had mine regassed and an anti-bacterial blast through today actually 
Worth doing every 2 years to keep the pump well lubricated 

Yours could just be the infamous pressure switch? If not, the gas made a successful bid for freedom 

I’ve run Mobil 1 0W40 in mine for the last 6 years / 80K miles (VAG 502 approved).  Similar to yours, the engine and sump looked new when I inspected the oil pump and pick up pipe. Nice to see on a 146k mile old engine    Normally these engines are caked in a dark brown varnish on long life/skipped services.