VR6 Timing Chain/Guides

[Hootsmon]

Hi All, So I'm looking at a 98 VR6 148k but it hasn't has the timing chain or guides replaced. Engine is smooth and quiet with no rattles. Full service history. No ABS light either. I know these are both big ticket items for he VR. However how much of a gamble buying with these two issues? Cheers

[xpeesx]

Buy it, then get the chains & guides done! BOOM! Sorted.

[Jmac]

Top user name neebor. Mate I'm gonna be doing a set on mines when it's ready , I'll do a write up, I got nothing to lose now not like I'll lose work lol. U can get them in kit form from ecs and integrated . 2 different kits by the way so make sure u get that right .
Cheers
Jmac

[mb1907953]

Checked that the ABS light turns on with ignition and then off after a few seconds? Or is that what you mean by no ABS light? Just make sure they havent whipped the bulb out.

[Hootsmon]

Yeah that's what I mean no ABS light at all on start up. I know it was VAG Com'd at the last service and showed a range of ABS faults. it has had the heater core replaced as well. Plus full SH from VW specialists.

[mb1907953]

Sometimes the codes will be thrown by the actual ABS unit regardless of whether or not they are true (cheers to Jmac for giving me the heads up on that). If you can confirm it is the unit that has failed it will often throw ABS sensor codes and once you repair it they will disappear. I have a receipt in my books for about $750 for an ABS module repair including removal and fitting so that's what you're looking at as an estimate I guess. Heater core is a good one to have done! Cheap part but PITA for labor.

At 140000 you'd think it's still got 40k left before chains need doing but depends on how it's been treated. Mine were done at 135000 but the car I sold to Jmac had 188000 and was still going and hadn't had them done (however they were very rattly, wouldn't want to drive it much).

It looks like a very nice car and they are hard to find in that condition so as long as you have 2-3k spare for the said repairs you would end up with a beautiful VR6. Just keep in mind that they aren't cheap.

[Hootsmon]

Cheers for that has been serviced yearly regardless of kms and just has a few other niggles. Cruise not working, couple of bulbs out behind heater and on auto shift column. Probably an air leak from central locking as it runs on a bit (pimp noise) after you open door.

[mb1907953]

You're lucky if you get one with working cruise control. People dont ask how many aren't working anymore, they ask how many ARE working haha. Its a problem with the solder fracturing in the cruise module/ computer and can be fixed if you have a bit of experience with a soldering iron.

an auto shift column??? Sometimes the central locking noise can be the pump itself. Some just run longer than others from experience.

[Hootsmon]

Sorry not a column but the auto shifter.

[mb1907953]

Ahhh ok didn't realise it was auto. Haven't had any experience personally but the auto boxes are notorious for issues...