Hiya Folks,

Unfortunately my infrequently used 2009 Octavia 1.4tsi estate recently threw a EML which leads me towards a stretched timing chain. It’s only done 82k one previous owner from new and has decent service history but such is life especially as it’s common knowledge now that the early tsi notably from 2009 wasn’t a good year.

I’ve had it just over a year and it’s always had a stone cold not used for days death rattle but usually it’s super quiet after a few seconds and didn’t rattle at all if used daily.

Anyway I’ve now got it my garage and will be stripping it down, I have timing tools and am a semi retired mechanic but I’ve been out the game a while and only really repair my own stuff.

However I’m doing this on a shoestring budget as the car is just back up and only really used for minimal mileage I doubt I’ll ever do 20k in it.

Hence I’m not going to go daft and buy a geniune kit as it wouldn’t be cost effective not at today’s dealer prices that’s for sure.

I’ve noticed there are so many after market kits available just a search on eBay brings up crazy amounts.

Any of you chaps recommend a decent ish kit that’s not daft money?

Usually in the past I’ve used stuff from INA, Febi, FAI, Gates etc are there any kits that are ones to definitely avoid?

My senses say stay away from the no names ebay specials but maybe there’s a decent one?

What after market kits have you chaps used before and did you have any issues?

Thanks

Nick

Never had any problems with gates timing kits. Used them for 40 years. In fact all my vehicles have had Gates kits. Find Febi still pretty good for aftermarket parts but not sure on their timing kits. INA are part of the Schaeffler group so should be excellent as well. I agree with stay away from anything you havent heard of and watch for dodgy copies from china. Try https://www.partsinmotion.co.uk/ Find they do a good range of decent manufacturers and prices are very reasonable.

Alasdair

Cheers Alasdair, I’ll check out the link 👍