UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hi all,

I've been trying to find out some information about the known timing chain/tensioner problems with these engines. I've got a 1.2 03-reg Polo. I'm guessing this will have been fitted with the original spec chain at production. However, I've only owned this car for a year. When I bought it, it had done 70k. Most reports I've read seem to suggest the faulty tensioners would begin to play up at 30k-60k. So really what I want to know is, what is the likelihood that the revised chain has already been fitted and how on earth can I find this out?

Thanks,
Tim

gave you answer on clubpolo m8

Thanks for that mate. Any opinion on what I wrote below?

Tim

only way you can tell is to strip it. i have done cars that have faulted some with 5k did one last week with 82k on it i have yet to do one that has damaged the engine just retimed it and fitted the new kit and away they go

if you dont want to break down get a kit fitted to be safe

or joint the aa and see how you get on mate

I don't mind breaking down, it's just the engine I'm worried about. But if you say it's rare for any damage to be done, then it might be worth just waiting it out. I'm not willing to pay hundreds to get it stripped and find it's already been replaced, and if it does break down I'm not gonna be a fool and start trying to force it to turn over!...I'm guessing this is how the damage is done? What would you price the job at out of interest?

Are there any tell-tale signs/sounds I can expect if it's on its way out? And how will I know when a breakdown occurs, if it is indeed the chain tensioner that's gone, and not something else?

Thanks for this mate. Really helpful.

tim80bwi wrote:I don't mind breaking down, it's just the engine I'm worried about. But if you say it's rare for any damage to be done, then it might be worth just waiting it out. I'm not willing to pay hundreds to get it stripped and find it's already been replaced, and if it does break down I'm not gonna be a fool and start trying to force it to turn over!...I'm guessing this is how the damage is done? What would you price the job at out of interest?

Are there any tell-tale signs/sounds I can expect if it's on its way out? And how will I know when a breakdown occurs, if it is indeed the chain tensioner that's gone, and not something else?

Thanks for this mate. Really helpful.

engine is safe mate when it goes

engine will rattle really bad or cut out and will not start up

last one i did at home was around 180 all done

around 500 at the dealers

Thanks again mate. Really worth knowing.

I know of one that bent all the valves when the chain jumped.
I was lucky when mine went at 55k, no damage