Hi,

My 17 plate Superb TSI was idling roughly. I brought it to a garage who were initially going to change the timing chain but I asked them to explore all other possibilities first. They have cleaned all the ports and the VVT and have said that if the rough idling returns then it points to a stretched timing chain. They said that it cost mould cost over £3000 to replace it  because the cams also have to be replaced. Does this sound right? I might get rid of it if that is the case!

Sounds like bull**** re the cams to me...

I thought the TS I was bulletproof now...unless it's been thrashed or not serviced. Is the garage a Skoda dealer or a VAG specialist. Presumably they worked through it systematically, discounting air leaks, fuel or plugs/ leads / coil packs. Please report back after a few miles to see if the de-coked ports have eliminated the fault. 

The ports can cause misfire with carbon build up, along with valves not seating correctly when the build up becomes extreme. I’ve seen them in pretty bad condition after as little as 40k depending on driving style. 

Thank you very much, they did clean them out yesterday so hopefully it will solve the problem. 

So based on other MQB cars with the EA888.3 engine running between 280 - 300 bhp, once they hit around 100k its best to change the chain however it all depends on how much its been pushed/abused!  Most likely the cam magnets or the oil control valve will start to fail and cause it to rough idle.

 

In the worst case, the cams may have to be changed.  From the dealer its about £700 - 800 per cam however you can get a ones from OEM supplier for £250 - I've seen it one, its OEM with the VAG Logo machined off!

You really are ‘Awesam’. Thank you - hopefully it won’t need the chain replaced. Having said that there is K86 miles on the clock. 

Hi.

I done mine 3 months ago....cost include water pump was £520. Done by my local garage.

Thank you Bart, just to confirm, was this a timing chain? And what prompted you to get it done?