97 vr6 timing chains and guides questions

[bubba293]

Hey there, i just bought myself a 97 gti vr6 with about 155k on the clock, i do have an engine noise but i cannot tell if it is the timing chains and guides or if it is just more of a valve tapping, so can someone explain to me how to actually figure out if it is the timing chains and guides. Thanks, jordon

[Stangrcr1]

Pull the intake, valve cover and upper timing chain cover and take a look.

Here is the info on how to do it:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...s-on-a-12v-VR6

[bubba293]

Once i remove those, what am i looking for, like how will i know if the chains and guides are worn, just sights of wear? Or what
thanks, jordon

[Stangrcr1]

Go read the first couple pages of the link I supplied.

I replaced my chains at 153k and all the guides were broken.

[bubba293]

i listened to your sound clip, and mine doesnt sound like that, i think mine might have more of a valve tapping rather then the chains and guides needing done, also i dont see them lasting 155k miles...

[bubba293]

also could you tell me about the labor in hours it takes to do the chains and guides?

[dogyouare]

depends anywhere from 3hr to 1day

[slagdemon]

depends anywhere from 3hr to 1day

haha, 3 hours to replace all guides and chains.....

probably closer to two full days to do it right, removing the transmission, doing upper and lower chains/guides, tensioners, etc.

[V-dubbulyuh]

depends anywhere from 3hr to 1day

haha, 3 hours to replace all guides and chains.....

probably closer to two full days to do it right, removing the transmission, doing upper and lower chains/guides, tensioners, etc.

That 3hr estimate is a bit ambitious... Doable but ambitious.

Especially for someone who will be attempting this for the first time and not having the access to a shop lift etc. I like to dedicate and entire day to doing this (because invariably you get in there and see something you don't like and need to change - eg flywheel, clutch, bolts, rear-main, etc).

[bubba293]

Well i am in a tech program and am confident on doing this. But im running out of shop days and probably wont be able to do it here, so i might have to have it done somewhere

[Peter Badore]

That 3hr estimate is a bit ambitious... Doable but ambitious.

Especially for someone who will be attempting this for the first time and not having the access to a shop lift etc. I like to dedicate and entire day to doing this (because invariably you get in there and see something you don't like and need to change - eg flywheel, clutch, bolts, rear-main, etc).

Also this would be a good time to replace the thermostat housing, thermostat, coolant pipe, cover and coolant temperature sensor if they are the original components. With these parts removed access is improved when resealing the upper and lower timing chain covers. In fact, I think for a MK3 AAA engine the thermostat housing blocks access to one or maybe more screws on the upper chain cover.

[V-dubbulyuh]

Also this would be a good time to replace the thermostat housing, thermostat, coolant pipe, cover and coolant temperature sensor if they are the original components.

Agreed, I do the coolant system at the same time.

Plan on a full day though. You do not want to rush this installation.

Last time I did this , just last week... I did not like the condition of the bolt on the intermediate gear and had to special order it... that in itself was 3 days. You always find something that you will want to upgrade. If there is anything questionable - replace it because you don't want to go in there within short time to replace something that you had full access to.

[bubba293]

How about a price on how much it would cost to do this myself, and how much it would cost to get it done at a shop?

[V-dubbulyuh]

How about a price on how much it would cost to do this myself, and how much it would cost to get it done at a shop?

Yourself:
-Chains ~$175
-Crackpipe & Thermostat kit ~$125
-Rear main ~$15
-Misc (bolts, gaskets, sealants, brake cleaner, etc) ~$50
-Clutch kit if you want to do that too ~$depends on what you want
-Your time (no idea what it's worth to you)

And know it's done right.

Someone else:-All parts quoted above.
-Labor ~$400-700 depending on who you go to

And hope some certified tech/VW-Audi expert has done right.

[slagdemon]

That 3hr estimate is a bit ambitious... Doable but ambitious.

Especially for someone who will be attempting this for the first time and not having the access to a shop lift etc. I like to dedicate and entire day to doing this (because invariably you get in there and see something you don't like and need to change - eg flywheel, clutch, bolts, rear-main, etc).

I'm pretty good with tools and cars. I've rebuilt engines and automagic transmissions, but still, one day would be pushing it unless you start at the butt crack of dawn and finish late.

Then again, I'm slow and methodical with my car.

[dogyouare]

yea 3hr is a kill... that includes a vw repair shop with everything in hand (parts, tools, lift, tranny jack, and more). big thing is take your time