Upper Timing Chain Guide Again ... Lightning Strikes Twice

[VR6_Absy 0]

Before I start having a drip, if I rant on about mechanics or garages I'm not having a pop of any of the guys on this site. Due to incumbant SO called mechanics in the Plymouth area i've lost all faith and no f@cker in this area is ever touching my car again :@ .

(li) (li) (li) (li) (li)

That's better, 16 months ago, the long Black upper chain guide decided to break into three pieces leaving me with a knackered engine. An ex VW mechanic 8-) sourced a replacement engine with 46k.

Apparently he also fitted NEW guides, chains, crankshaft oil seal etc etc but never removed the head which i was fine with. I've been back to him on numerous occasions shortly after because of oil leaks and losing water but eventually gave up and cured things properly.

I've had a slight oil leak near the flwheel dust plate and my clutch recently started to slip badly.

I borrowed a hoist and set about removing the engine to replace the clutch which was knackered. On removing the gearbox there is a lot of oil around the bell housing which i thought must be crankshaft oil seal. Before i removed too much i checked the timing and it was out :@ :@

Eventually got the flywheel off as some monkey had rounded off the spline bolts SHOULD THESE ALWAYS BE REPLACED ????

Removed the timing cover to be presented with :@ :@ worn through upper tensioner guide and the long black one is grooved and pitter see pic, sorry it's crap, hand was shaking with rage :@

I haven't removed the head yet as i'm just gutted that this has happend again only hopefully i've caught it in time

Should the Upper Tensioner have been replaced ? Would it have been in a kit ? If i go and see the Tw@t tomorrow what should i politely say or demand ?

Cheers, I need a beer ( ( (

[spindat45 0]

Hi

I'd be asking if the engine had really done 46k when it was fitted. What mileage have you got on the clock now btw?

In my opinion it wouldn't make sense just to change the lower tensioner which is why I would question wheter it has been changed or not. The tensioners on early VR6 engines were not as good as those fitted to later ones and tended to wear out a lot quicker.

Its probably not such a bad thing that you stripped it down yourself. At least it will be done properly this time. Its just a pain in the arse having to do something which you have paid for. Change everything that can only be accessed with the engine and box, seals gaskets etc are out. The flywheel bolts don't necessarily need to be replaced but it the splines are worn then just cahnge them. Hopefully they won't need to be removed again but just incase.

Kevin

[dellert 0]

Maybe he forgot the 1 at the beginning of the mileage?

[VR6_Absy 0]

Cheers Kev, my speedo reads 138k and like Trigger with his broom it's totally original.

It's OBD1 but can later guides and tensioner be installed ? If so i can't believe they weren't installed initially.

It's surprising what you learn over time.

Gonna take the head of 2mrw, fingers crossed.

Should i get genuine gaskets etc rather than GSF ?

Gazzer

[richievr 1]

just done this job myself - that tensioner is worse than mine was!!!!!!!

pm sent too..

[mightyvr6 0]

It's the upper tensioner and tensioner bolt which were updated. These might only be available from VW but are actually cheaper than the original ones. I can find a part number if you like? The guides haven't been redesigned. Yes you can install these on an obd1. If you get the gasket from GSF Or Eurocarparts make sure the head gasket is made by victor reinze. The other gaskets are not so important.

[VR6_Absy 0]

Cheers mighty and richie

pm sent