I posted a while back after the timing chain on my VR6 started to rattle. Car is a 97 R with 87k on the clock and full VW history. I've since had the upper guide rail and tensioner replaced but the problem is still there. The rattle seems to occur at very specific engine speeds - between 1200 and 1500rpm, with little to no noise on idle. I had a look at the guide rail that was replaced and there was some wear on it, but nothing really to speak of. I'm just wondering what to do next. As far as I'm aware there is no tensioner on the lower chain, and I've done as much as I can for the upper chain without actually replacing it. I guess chain replacements is therefore the next option? Dropping the 'box out and replacing both chains seems a little drastic, but rattly chains suggests there is problem somewhere.... Any ideas / suggestions appreciated.
you always replace all the chains when you do them not just the easy ones, the bottom chain is a single link not a duplex like the top. Was the top adjuster rail worn on the end where the rivets are ???
on a '97 both chains should be single row (on earlier cars the top chain is double row - thi always wears out the top tensioner 'blade' very quickly) there is a tensioner on the bottom chain, it can't be replaced without removing the gearbox and flywheel. did you change the top runner yourself? was the tensioner bolt working correctly...thats the only other thing you can change without taking it all apart. even the upper tensioner 'blade' can't be replaced without. sounds like you're gonna have to get it done (replace all the chains/runners/tensioners while you're at it...its a once in a lifetime job hopefully), also change the main oil seal whilst getting it done and maybe the clutch too unless it has loads of life left. either way its likely to be pricey, but will cost less than having it jump and destroy the engine. TIP: get someone who knows vr6's well to do it, most mechanis don't know them well. try automotive solutions, stealth, amd...they should all be good. Edited by: acf8181
I think that the bottom chain has a spring loaded tensioner on one side and guides on the other. VWVortex has a VR6 section with many pictures of the chain arrangement. I got an audio clip off there which has the rattle at 1200-1500 rpm as you describe. People on the Corrado forum are also very good with VR6 advice but a guy with the username PhatVR6 on here seems to do a lot of work on these engines so he may be worth a PM. Hope that helps.
Cheers for the replies. Here's a slightly out of focus picture of the upper guide - you can just make out some wear if you look closely. In response to other questions - I did also have the tensioner bolt replaced and there didn't seem to be a problem with it. All of the work was done by a VW specialist. Looks like I might just have to bite the bullet and get the lot done.......
Single chain for the cams after engine number AAA 217 000 The lower chains are the same all the way through. The tensioner arm is the one at the back (banana shape), the one you posted is just a guide rail that doesnt really ware but the mounting holes tend to break off
