CAM chain tensioners failing..... TSI engines.

[MGV]

Too late for the low revs method...
I just drove slightly more conservative than normal but made a point of trying to use a range of RPM's & loads.
The head mechanic at the dealership said to just drive it like it's already run in, as its already run in...

[aussietig]

FWIW I've based my comments on my own experience with oil consumption in two brand new V Dubs.

GTI I used to own used up 1L every 5000k. Basically drove it like I stole it from day 1.

Made a conscious decision to run in the Tig very differently and have not had to top up at all in between services.

By low revs I just mean try and avoid high revs in the early days.
To me ... high revs is above 4000 rpm.

I believe in the difference it makes with my car ownership, but you don't have to.

[MGV]

Sounds good, Aussietig.

I guess i have taken mine over the 4000RPM for a couple of short bursts, like 4500 or thereabouts. Will probably wait until it's done 3000km's before i go over that. I would rarely take it over 5000 anyway.

[Pierced69]

Hmmm so should probally get mine checked ? build date Jun 2010

[tigger73]

Hmmm so should probally get mine checked ? build date Jun 2010

Definitely.... warranty runs out in a few months (3 yrs from first rego???) so would be getting it checked an fixed well before warranty expires.

[MGV]

I got an additional 2 years warranty on my new engine.

Had a small issue with re-assembly (pinched O-ring associated with turbo causing an air leak) which has been resolved & the car is now running great!

No more dramas, hopefully...

[kroogz]

Hi All, just thought I would add my 2 cents.

My Tiguan had started this rattle on startup a few months ago, so I finally took it into VW dealer today. They diagnosed it as the above mentioned faulty tensioner and has been booked for further investigation and replacement next week under warranty.

Will let you know how it goes next week.

PS. Tiguan was built 09/10

[ido09s]

This part will ALWAYS be covered by warranty and if VW decline to repair an engine they will be in a tiny bit of ****e!!!!!

As i have always said, there is a thing called fit for purpose. If the manufacturer gives a 5 year 100,000klm warranty on a car they could be seen to imply thats what they consider the life span of parts fitted to their cars, they wouldnt offer 100,000klms if they thought they would break at 50,000klms would they?

If you have a gearbox go at 6 years and 70,000klms then they would be expected to repair/replace the gearbox as it was not fit for the purpose it was meant to carry out. Same with this tensioner. I dont know how long it takes for the tensioner to break but if its letting go at 70,000klms then its not fit for purpose and VW are liable to repair it free of charge.

I also laughed at number 7, the engine has exceeded the maximum engine revolutions...... with all the computers in cars these days they wouldnt stand a chance with that either if you had proof that the engine was standard and the ECU was untouched.

[kroogz]

I think a part like this should definately last longer, plus it has been indentified as a fairly common problem and so should be covered even out of warranty.

[Jonnybgoode101]

Hi guys,
I thought I'd throw my two bob in as well.

I drive a 2010 Gti and this has just happened to me and believe me it makes a mess of the motor!

On mine the engine rattle at startup happened only once and that was the day the tensioner broke.
I parked it in my driveway, when I went to drive it again it simply wouldn't start.
It's currently in the workshop with the engine getting an autopsy, but they don't seem to think it will have problems being covered under warranty (to be confirmed).

If I were in your shoes and don't want to go weeks without a car while they make repairs, I think this is something id get fixed in your next service. It can happen basically without warning, and if you love your golf like I do, it is quite a traumatic experience.

Ill post here with updates, but I just thought my experience was worth mentioning.

(Thanks S for pointing me to this thread!!)

Jonny