Timing chain/guide wear after 245,000 miles

[Jetta2K76]

I've been following posts about timing chains for the VR6 since I got my car brand new in 2000. After 245,000 miles I was finally forced to get the work done due to a transmission failure (may as well do timing chain and clutch at the same time). Here are some photos of the guides which are by far the most debated items. The guide on the left had a missing chunk in the middle (most common failure) when the engine was taken apart, but the top broken off and others were broken as a result of removal or while riding around in my trunk for months. I should note that prior to the transmission failure I had no indication that the timing chain should have been replaced, it was only out of convenience that I had it done. There was no rattle or any other loud noises.

Stats:

• 2000 Jetta GLS VR6 5-speed
• Oil changed every 3,000 to 3,500 miles with 10w-30
• Single owner, daily driver
• Used and abused... not driven gently
• 246,500 miles at time of service due to transmission leak.
• Original clutch, original timing chain and guides.

From 2012-04-06

From 2012-04-06

From 2012-04-06

From 2012-04-06

[jaso028]

Wow, I would say this is pretty good for a 12v..
but hats off to you!!

my 24v has 200k on it and strong as hell!! Driven hard and well taking care of!
but I am thinking I am having some issues w possibly the dual mass!!! cant pin point this sound that comes and goes after a long ride or driven spiritedly..

My friend who works @ VW has ruled out Chains, although I am not able to get the car to duplicate this sound when he is around!!

[Peter Badore]

I wonder how much the 3000 to 3500 mile oil changes helped keep the chains alive for so long?

[grantndub]

Pretty impressive

[Jetta2K76]

I asked the mechanic how the engine looked otherwise and he said there was very little varnishing inside... If he didn't already know the mileage he never would have guessed 246,000.

Another important thing aside from changing the oil regularly at 3 to 3.5k miles is that I never even put it in gear until it's been started and running for about 30 seconds, and I rarely take it above 3,000 RPM until after the car has been warmed up almost completely. (I do this with all my cars).

247,500 miles now and still running great!

[V-dubbulyuh]

I've got a Jetta with 125K on it and there were no audible indications of anything chain related either. Car sounded fine and drivability was not an issue. When I pulled it apart the upper guide was almost completely shot. The hydraulic tensioner will address most of the slop induced by the worn guides. It is just good housekeeping to go and change the chains & guides every 100K as the wear rate varies from car to car.

As soon as the any of my cars has hit the 75K mark I will pull the upper cover to take a look/inspect for wear. By 100K they get the chain, tensioner & clutch treatment. I've had a few that were shy of 100K but so noisy that they required chain work even then.

Just as with you though, I am pretty cautious about not romping on the car before it warms up and I also keep my oil changes in the 3000 mile range.

[masterqaz]

I wonder how much the 3000 to 3500 mile oil changes helped keep the chains alive for so long?

Not much I'm betting. To many people tossing out good syn oil before its even ready.

Just change oil filter every 3-5k, run syn oil to 10k then change.

Those look about right for 200-250k hell you could go another 150k on the ones that weren't broken.