When people talk about stretched timing chains on the EA888 1.8 and 2.0 TSI engines they always seem to be talking about negative phase adjustment numbers.  However on my vehicle I"m showing large positive numbers.  Specifically I'm showing a intake phase position of +11.73 degrees and an intake Cam adjustment of 38 degrees - both at idle.

 

Are there any engine problems which highly correlate to large positive cam adjustments like these?

First check camshaft adjuster stuck/faulty or blocked oil feed.

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ymNRrD9WJr4

 

 

 

Interesting, take a look at these this one: 

 

Five of the same codes as me.  Also found another one which had the low oil pressure only at warm idle and solved it by replacing the cam solenoid, intake camshaft and the bearing thing on that holds the camshafts in place:

 

 

 

It's looking allot like I need to take a look at that solenoid and maybe the camshaft bearings.  From what I understand oil flows through the solenoid into the center of the camshafts and lubricates the cam bearings and lobes?

So I changed the VVT Solenoid to no effect.  Still same problem, showing +13.13 degrees Camshaft Phase Adjustment, 38 degrees, shows Cam Adjustment Test System OK.  Same problem with oil pressure dropping below spec at hot idle ( +80*C / 176*F ), but being OK once I raise the RPMs to 1000 or above.

So once I got the timing cover off it became obvious what the problem was.  In addition to the exhaust balance shaft being seized and all the teeth having been ripped of the socket, it appears that whoever did the timing previously didn't align the marks properly.  The timing chain was off by one tooth down on the crankshaft sprocket...  That's the reason for the weird cam phase adjustment....  I'll upload some pics if I get the chance...

Hi @SailorBob74133,

Have you learn what mean the positive values? Is it good or is it bad? I also checked mine and intake 1 phase position is 1.5 degree.


Also I found this on another forum. Which says few positive number mean it is all right will correct its position but if that positive
number is too high(65 degree) that means chain installed incorrectly.

Note: I am not sure about this info but this is what I got on internet

Edited 21 August, 20241 yr by candasm
additional info.