Hi All,  I normally hang out on the Kodiaq board but a friend has a question about a 1.4 TSI Octavia auto, with about 110,000 on it, 2010 model.

He's had it diagnosed by a dealer as having a stretched timing chain.  It rattles a bit on startup, (say, for about 2 seconds). The change from 1st to 2nd isn't particularly smooth.  Other than that, it drives fine.  He has to go on a long trip, abroad on Tuesday, for about 3 weeks, so no time to get anyone to do the timing chain.  They anticipate doing about 2500 miles before they get back here.

 

I realise this is a bit of a "how long is a piece of string?" question, but could I ask what the general feeling is, on this matter?  Are these prone to sudden, catastrophic failure, or will they happily just gradually get a bit more rattly, but not do anything nasty for a long time?  Can they get to a point where the engine won't run properly because the cam timing is as far out?  Or go into some kind of limp mode because the engine management system sees a sensor out of range?

 

(Basically, he's just wanting to know whether he should risk it or not...)

 

Would, for example, something like a quick oil change for some thicker oil, help?

Thanks!

This is a well known common fault on all EA111 engines of this era. (1.2/1.4tsi)

 

The chain drive design is poor, the chains stretch (the link joints wear so effective pitch/length increases) plus the tensioner is also poor and backs off when the engine rotation momentarily reverses as sometimes when engine stops (piston on compession stroke pushes back) and often will occur if you park on a hill in gear, as the return (tensioned) side pushes the tensioner beyond the internal retaining spring capability and the oil is pushed out. The chain then remains slack hanging down off the bottom sprocket not fully engaged.

 

So, if needed, always park in reserve gear if facing uphill or 1st gear if facing downhill.

 

The rattling takes its toll on the sprockets so they can become worn too.

 

Very common for chain then to skip or even fall off with little or no notice, usually when starting the car.

 

So I'm afraid theres no alternative but to change the chain ( complete kit with tensioner, guides and top/bottom sprockets)

 

I've had 2 changes on a 1.2 tsi engine, similar engine/job, at 55k miles then 120k. The first change cost about £350, the second time around £550. Both done at my Skoda dealer (so includes 2 yr unlimited Skoda warranty)

 

Other people I hear get quoted around £700.

 

Get it done and you will be good for at least another 60k miles. Cheaper than suddendly having a scrapped engine/car.

 

https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=6

 

Edited 28 July, 20232 yr by xman

Thanks ever so much!  I really appreciate the trouble you've gone to, with such a detailed answer.  I'll pass that one on.