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Author Topic: Chain tensioner  (Read 3289 times)

Offline slynch23

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Chain tensioner
« on: July 10, 2022, 09:00:43 am »
I’ve recently bought a mk6 GTI and have read about the daily with the chain tensioner. I keep reading conflicting info regarding which models have the revised part. Does anyone know for definite what age cars are safe? Mine is a 61 plate. I’ve read they’re the ones that are on but also read it’s 12 plates onwards.

Offline john_o

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Re: Chain tensioner
« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2022, 07:41:14 am »
i have an Ed35 so its a different engine so havent researched it fully (only to rule it out).
From everything Ive seen the best bet is to have the inspection cover off and take a picture to be 100% sure  (you can then see not only the type of tensioner but the number of threads showing. doing it by dates/plates etc has a margin of error.
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Offline slynch23

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Re: Chain tensioner
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2022, 04:43:55 pm »
Thanks for the reply mate, I’ll have a go at having a look myself then. I thought the ED35 had the mk5 engine and was belt driven?

Offline john_o

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Re: Chain tensioner
« Reply #3 on: July 12, 2022, 11:56:44 am »
you can also check on VCDS for variance if you have that or someone close with it (im in warrington if that helps with VCDS)

the Ed35 (like the Ed30 ) uses the CDL engine (CDLG for ED35) which is an older design but has the K04 turbo etc (EA113)  , which is a completely different engine to the Mk6 gti (EA888) , and as you say differs in the drive method belt vs chain (as well as a lot of other factors)

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=86&t=1620969
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Offline pudding

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Re: Chain tensioner
« Reply #4 on: July 15, 2022, 11:01:48 am »
Should be OK on a 12 plate.

It was the very early EA888 engines that had the famous chain & tensioner issue. 09-10.  I think VW had sorted it by late 2010.

The thing with the EA888 engine (unlike the EA113) is it won't start at all if the chain stretches too much, so you will know immediately when it's time to get the wallet/spanners out.


2007 ED30 | 2009 TDI 140 | 2016 BMW 330D

Offline Snoopy

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Re: Chain tensioner
« Reply #5 on: September 18, 2022, 06:42:11 pm »
Something I wrote 9 years ago now.  :surprised:

Tensioner revisions.
Revision 1 engines built fom 17 May 2010
Revision 2 engines built from December 2011.
Revidion 3 engines built from 01 May 2012.


What happens.
I'll keep this short.

. The tensioner on the camshaft chain tensions by oil pressure.
. When the car has no or low oil pressure (car stood overnight or during work day) the tensioner falls back on its ratchet to keep tension on the timing chain.
. Its the ratchet that fails in the tensioner, therefore releasing tension on the chain.
. When you go to start the car, the chain is slack as the ratchet has failed.
. The chain moves on the sprockets and moves a couple of teeth before oil pressure builds and tensions the chain once again, but sadly in the wrong location as its moved teeth on one or more of the sprockets.
. Due to the timing been incorrect the ECU tries to keep the car running by changing the camshaft timing.
. As it cannot adjust enough the car either runs poorly or does not start at all.
. Due to the timing been incorrect. Engine Pistons meet cylinder head valves etc.

. Result=New engine needed or at least a rebuilt one.












New 06K 109 467 K and Old 06H 109 467 AB












The ratchet of the old version




Parts needed to change just the tensioner ~£300 to do at a specialist.




Parts if changing the chain and guides (if going to this length i would change sprockets but thats me(VW don't do this)) ~£1200 to do the job by a VW dealer (note: cover not shown but imho should be changed as well)


« Last Edit: September 18, 2022, 06:51:28 pm by Snoopy »
Ex mk5 GTI owner, moved to a mk6 in 2010.

Offline Snoopy

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Re: Chain tensioner
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2022, 02:25:40 pm »
Just realised it doesn't say in the above post that the engine manufacturing date is on the sticker on top of the timing chain cover. :doh:
Ex mk5 GTI owner, moved to a mk6 in 2010.

Offline slynch23

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Re: Chain tensioner
« Reply #7 on: September 24, 2022, 10:16:58 pm »
So is an engine with any of those revisions safe? As mines a 61 plate the engine may be a revision 1. Should I get it changed?

Offline pudding

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Re: Chain tensioner
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2022, 03:18:42 pm »
That's a great write up from Snoopy there  :happy2:

If you plan on keeping the car for a while, I would be tempted to get the tensioner checked/replaced personally. 


2007 ED30 | 2009 TDI 140 | 2016 BMW 330D

Offline Snoopy

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Re: Chain tensioner
« Reply #9 on: November 06, 2022, 12:43:51 pm »
So is an engine with any of those revisions safe? As mines a 61 plate the engine may be a revision 1. Should I get it changed?
  The most failures are if the first version. You will probably  have the second or maybe even 3rd version of the tensioner. The likelihood of failure reduces with each revision. The decision is yours. It's the risk to cost that need to be wayed up.
Also keep in mind the early chains are known to stretch and have also been revised. This can be checked with VCDS etc.

Ex mk5 GTI owner, moved to a mk6 in 2010.