Hi all,

 

Like I said in my previous post, I recently bought a 2002 Fabia Estate 1.4 MPI. When I tried it, I heard a noise coming from what I thought was the alternator belt, so I negociated the price and had it replaced as well as the tensioner.

 

Whilst the car was at the garage for the alternator belt, I got a call from the mechanic who told me that the noise was coming from inside the engine, and to sue the seller for a hidden defect. Surprised by their diagnostic, I brought the car to the local VW dealer, and they quoted 730€ (£580) to replace the timing chain because it needs replacement otherwise the engine can break down!!

 

I'm really confused... I did hear the noise when I bought the car so I'm guessing it's my fault... on the other hand the seller hasn't been fully honest with me because the car has other problems (doors leaking, temp sensor missing, AC not working (it was cold outside when I tried it so I thought it was working), silent blocks, reverse lights not working etc.) whilst he said everything was working just fine!!

 

Is their £580 quote justified? Is it that big of a job to replace the timing chain?

 

BTW, the car has only 109k kms (67k miles) on the clock...

 

Thanks in advance!

Don't worry about it. It is a common trait on the MPI engine. The design has no chain tensioner, so when the chain stretches it tends to thrash around causing the noise. Mine is the same at 66,000 miles. The noise is irritating but I have never heard of one snapping. It is perfectly OK to drive. If you can't cope with the noise the only way to solve it is to get a new chain fitted but if you can live with the noise it won't cause any harm at all.

That's good news, but mine rattles pretty badly and I'm afraid there is something wrong... It sounds like a tractor and it's definitely not reassuring nor flattering when it resonates in the car park . The mechanic who changed the alternator belt said he'd call me to arrange an appointment so he can have a look at it and see what's going on. Better be safe than sorry!