VW Polo timing chain nightmare!

arcon5

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

I've posted it before. The TSB number is in there if you want to look it up.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=66585890&postcount=53

That doesn't say Mercedes service all their cars with suction devices! It refers to a particular class which has been designed for such due to access issues!

It certainly doesn't endorse the use of these devices across the board. And certainly not common practice in the automotive industry

marlot

arcon5 wrote: »

What main dealers use suction pumps then?

A lot of undertrays now have access holes, not exactly time consuming doing it properly. I highly doubt it

Some SMARTs don't even have a drain plug.

BeenThroughItAll

arcon5 wrote: »

That doesn't say Mercedes service all their cars with suction devices! It refers to a particular class which has been designed for such due to access issues!

It certainly doesn't endorse the use of these devices across the board. And certainly not common practice in the automotive industry

Let me highlight the relevant terms for the hard of reading:

DATE: July 1997
SUBJECT:
ALL MODELS
OIL EVACUATION EQUIPMENT
Mercedes-Benz engines are designed to allow engine oil extraction from under the hood via the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube has an enlarged cross section and a formed extension at the top end. On the other side it ends a short distance from the oil pan bottom. Engine oil can be extracted using the dipstick tube.

Engine oil drain plugs will continue for the time being, although access to them may only be possible with the removal of engine compartment trim or noise encapsulation panels.
************************************************** *******************************


Date: March 2001
Order No.: S-SI-58.00/118
Supersedes:
Group 58
SUBJECT:
ALL ENGINES
APPROVED OIL EVACUATION EQUIPMENT
The purpose of this Service Information is to inform dealers that Approved Oil Evacuation Equipment, which is used to extract used engine oil from the engine via the oil dipstick tube, is now available for order. Mercedes-Benz engines are designed to allow the extraction of engine oil from under the hood via the dipstick tube. The engine dipstick tube has an enlarged cross section, plus a formed extension at the top end where the dipstick is inserted and the approved engine oil evacuation equipment interfaces. The opposite end of the dipstick ends just short of the oil pan bottom, thus engine oil can be extracted via the approved oil evacuation equipment by using the dipstick tube. Additionally, the engine dipstick tube itself is the conduit through which spent engine oil is moved to the oil evacuation equipment.
In addition, service and repair components for existing approved oil evacuation equipment is also available.
Note: Because the engine oil dipstick tube is the conduit through which spent engine oil is extracted, inserting tubular probes through the dipstick tube is NOT recommended.
Special Note for M-class:
Due to the location of the vehicle frame and suspension components, the draining of engine oil via the engine crankcase oil drain plug is not recommended, since this can lead to engine oil coming in contact and subsequently be damaging to the rubber suspension components. Thus, it is strongly recommended to use the approved oil evacuation equipment contained in the Service

**************************************************

Forget about the 'Special Note for M-class'. Try reading the rest of the TSB. You know, the bit about ALL ENGINES and ALL MODELS, and how Mercedes supply APPROVED equipment. Those bits that, you know, show they 'endorse the use of these devices across the board'.


No need to thank me.

Cosher

Can I ask if you got any joy from VW as the exact same thing has happened to my friend. Her Polo is only 6 years old and has done 46000 only. She has it serviced at reputable garage every year and because of th I s problem is faced with a £1400 bill!

Cosher

Cosher wrote: »

Can I ask if you got any joy from VW as the exact same thing has happened to my friend. Her Polo is only 6 years old and has done 46000 only. She has it serviced at reputable garage every year and because of th I s problem is faced with a £1400 bill!
The timing chain on this age of car is supposed to last the cars lifetime!

forgotmyname

If you read through it doesn't cost anywhere near £1400 and unless purchased and serviced from the same dealer then dont expect any further help.

Especially so after 6 years.

parking_question_chap

Black_Eyeliner wrote: »

With regards to the matter of servicing, firstly I would say that in 20 years of driving I have NEVER had a car serviced beyond the first three years. I've only ever owned second hand polos, so it hardly seems worth it. An MOT is costly enough, in my opinion.

Secondly, I would argue that it is highly unlikely that there is any sludge built up in my engine since its last oil change (two years ago, I think). My oil levels are never low, and I look after my car. So the implication that I am somehow responsible for the damage to the timing chain because I have neglected the car is unfair.

So basically you have got lucky in the past, your luck has run out and now you want to blame somebody else.


Short trips/commutes and low mileage is a recipe for moisture condensation to accumulate within the oil. this will mean a shorter lifespan for the engine.


If you had an FSH you might have got somewhere with the dealer, but because you couldnt be bothered I dont see why the damage should be picked up by somebody else, just because they have deeper pockets.



Get the car fixed, or buy another one and look after it next time.

Stoke

daveyjp wrote: »

Unfortunately you are another victim of VWs large scale testing regime of new technology. They design something, put it to market, hope it lasts three years then they can wash their hands of any problems.

They used a chain for a few years, the chains failed at an alarming rate at less than three years due to manufacturing fault and it was costing them a fortune in warranty claims.

They don't use chains anymore.

If only everything in life was reliable as a VW!

LOL, Not really sure a timing chain is 'new technology'. If anything a cambelt is the 'new' timing technology.

Can you replace the tensioner without dismantling the engine? That would be my first port of call.

LandyAndy

I imagine the OP is well into wrecking their next car now, seeing as this thread is 18 months old

DysT

I have 2010 Polo 1.2 105PS TSI Type 6R 76000 miles full VW dealer servicing from new with the rattling timing chain when cold and the VW garage has quoted £1340 to replace.
1. Is it worth pursuing goodwill cost reduction, if so best way of doing it?
2. How do I find reliable local VW indie quotes?
and 3. Is it OK to use the car for a time?
Really appreciate any help.