Hello I have Skoda fabia MK2, 1.2 TSI, manufactured in 2012, with 220.000km, which has the dreaded death rattle on cold starts.

I have spoken to a reputable VAG mechanic, who says it is quite likely that the oil and fuel pump might be faulty, and that it is common on these engines. and that it won't make sense to just change the chain, if either of these parts are faulty too.

The cost of service for just the timing chain (around 1000€) I can stomach, but with the fuel and oil pump he says the cost will be around 2000-2500€, which is too much for me, for a car of this age.

I have also spoken too another reputable mechanic (all tough not VAG specialized), who says it is vert unlikely that the pumps are faulty, and just servicing the chain will definitely fix the issue.

When reading the forums, I have not seen anybody mention the pumps in this context either.

What are you guys opinions on the VAG mechanics statement?

Does anybody here have experience with the pumps being faulty, in relation to the timing chain needing service?

Thanks

Has the chain tensioner ever been changed?

Cheap and easy thing to do first, if not.

1 hour ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Has the chain tensioner ever been changed?

Cheap and easy thing to do first, if not.

It has not, might that fix the issue?

Yes, it might.

I think your car should have the later, duplex chain, which is less likely to itself be a problem.

I can't remember right now when the later chain design started to be fitted in mk2 Fabia, but I could check for you tomorrow with VIN number.

If the car has had regular oil changes with suitable oil and filters, I doubt the oil pump would have problems.

Don't know anything about the high pressure fuel pump, yet.

@Breezy_Pete Thanks I appreciate it!

The VIN number is: TMBJM65JXD3007779

When I bought the car used at 180.000km, it had had oil changes every 15-20.000km, since I bought it, it has been every 10-15.000km.

Yes that has the later chain type.

Tensioner part number is 03F109507F (price of this part from Skoda in UK is approx £75).

There are some coolant hoses a little obstructing the access for changing it, but I found it possible just by pushing them aside. Requires a 27mm socket to undo the old one, remove, and tighten in the new one. Specified torque is 60Nm.

Thanks a ton!

I found the tensioner on Skoda-Parts.com for around 50GBP.

Do you by any chance know where I can find a guide for the replacement or some photos of its location on the engine?

After doing a bit of research its sounds easy enough to do, but I can't seem to find any clear instructions og pictures.

Look over the top of the engine to find the green oil pressure switch.

Tensioner is just below it, red arrow points at the 27mm hexagonal back end of it.

Unscrew, remove rearward, put new one in, tighten to 60Nm.

I think I found it :)

This is it right?

Do I have to take any precautions, or make any preparations before unscrewing the old tensioner?

Or should I just unscrew it, from a cold engine, and put the new one in?

Yes, that's it,and that's what I did.

I did try to squirt a bit of clean oil into a hole on the side of the new one, but I don't think much, if any, actually went in.

First start after the change will be noisy, while it fills with oil, but subsequent ones will hopefully be better.

Edited 7 May, 20251 yr by Breezy_Pete

All right 👍🙂

Thank you, I will give it a go when I get the part, and get back to you how it went.

Do you have an opinion on which oil type is preferable for the 1.2 TSI?

I have bees using SHELL HELIX ULTRA 5W-40 oil for the past to years.

@Breezy_Pete

I made the repair about 10 days ago, and so far there has been no rattle on a cold start.

So hopefully that solved the issue.

Thanks a ton! 😃