How To Properly Time and Install Timing Chains on a TSI Engine

Timing chain failure is very common on 2.0t TSI engines. Both VW and Audi have both timing chain tensioner failure, and timing chain wear or stretch. In this video we will cover how to replace a timing chain on TSI engines, how to properly time a TSI/TFSI engine, how to time the TSI balance shaft chain, the timing chain tools you will need, and more.

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Disclimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[AwesomeElite]

This video was instrumental in helping me get my timing chains replaced 100% correctly on my 2.0 tsi engine. I'm so very grateful that I bought this car. With this engine. Because it introduced me to your channel Charles. Your an awesome mechanic

I just did this job on my gen 1 2.0 tsi CCTA engine with 145k miles, engine live data channel 93 intake cam adjustment was at -5.4, after the replacement of all the chains, guides, & and updated timing chain tensioner. channel 93 shows -1.02 degrees of adjustment and the engine runs smoother for sure.

I worked on this job for 21 hours non stop. From 9am Thursday to 6am Friday. If it cost me 1k in labor then my time spent working on this was ~20 dollars an hour. So if you make less than that consider DIY it's worth it.

This was a life changing experience guys.

While I was working on it, the timing slipped on me and I started panic, but then I collected my self. watched this video over and over, read my factory manual and torqued my heart out.

I have driven the car around town, and it runs great. Really really great. I am so glad that I didn't destroy my engine. I am so happy 21 hours of my life didn't go to waste.

I'm really eager to see how the pistons rings and cylinder walls will hold up as I drag this thing into 200k miles.

Getting to work on engines for the first time has been really cool. But I wouldn't have even attempted this if I couldn't find good resources about the job online.

Thank you so much Charles

[gabrielrivera]

I've used this video about six times now on several different jobs as a good reference to make sure I'm doing it right and don't miss anything. Absolute lifesaver. ❤️ -self employed mechanic

[manicr]

Thank you for this video. I'm in the process of a total overhaul on my GTI and I was very concerned I wouldn't get this part right. Watching this video, I gained a better understanding and yesterday, I got this knocked out without issue and MUCH quicker than I thought I would. Again, I appreciate your content!

[Tehsheeeep]

Just wow dude, you make a very daunting task to someone new to this look actually quite simple. You are an excellent teacher I must say.

[CrouchyM]

This upload came at perfect timing, just had a 2011 A5 come into work with a timing failure and no compression. Just got the head off yesterday ready for rebuild, measured between the cam marks at just over 150MM and the inlet mark was between links. So obviously I’ll be replacing all the chain so this video was extremely helpful and saved me having to read the manual, it’s much easier visually seeing the process.

Thanks 👍🏻

[pathfindero]

I do not understand wtf it is on some people's mind when giving dislike.
You present and prepare all so good and explicit :links, tips&tricks... etc
I like and apreciate very much your work.
Thumbs up!

[melias]

Thanks for this. I am a fourth year mechanic that has been almost left stranded in the current shop I’m in, hardly anyone who has the know how or cares to help me. Thanks for this video as a guideline. I have one that needs the rocker/camshaft cover resealed.

[ArchuletaAuto]

I watched a few of these how to videos but not until I watched yours did I understand how everything works and gave me the confidence to do timing and balance shaft chain. Thank you. Came out and runs perfectly.

[chrisgartner]

One of the best explanations, no fluff just exactly what is needed to get the job done! Great job

[tcap]

The hardest part of doing this job is gaining access to it. Helpful video by the way.

[leedits]

Just a follow up i changed everything just like you did on my 2012 Golf Gti Mk6, done more than 3000km and everything sounds perfect. Thanks for the video!

[brewster]

Charles is absolutely right about taking your time and following the shop manual. Set the beer aside for later. Be rested and alert. Do it in stages if you can. Tearing it down only took me a few hours. Then I stopped and read about it again and again. As it is I did a full timing set on my B8 A4 as "maintenance" last fall before the old tensioner coughed. Guides, bolts, chains, balance shafts, gears, cover, timing bridge. Yes I plan to keep the car. It's not really a hard job but you need to be alert. If you lose timing or forget to torque something down bad things can happen in a hurry. And the fact that the timing marks don't line up after rotating the engine one or two revolutions threw me until I read about it. An Audi engineering paper stated something like 164 revolutions. Crazy. I bet you I checked those marks 10x :). Good luck!

[RobertHenry-ifum]

I just did a timing chain on my daughter's vw tiguan. This video helped a lot. I wouldn't do the job without the shop manual ( I downloaded mine). It's a tedious job, but as long as you double and triple check your timing before you button it up, you'll be good.

[joshikothari]

Hey buddy

Wow that is such great advice, as I am trying to rebuild my sons car engine, which was his passion and jot. Unfortunately he passed away last year due to long term illness. I want to build the engine and car back in his memory, so it is much appreciated the help and guidance you giving us all.

[masmrz]

I'm about to tackle the timing chain replacement on my 2010 GTI and this is the best detailed video I've seen so far.
Thanks, man.

[JovanteTaylor]

Thank you so much you just helped me do my first timing chain job. Everything was very detailed and clear. I appreciate the time you took to allow us to get the job done well

[AMtech_Spenny]

My buddy did timing on one of these a few months back, they way he described it sounded very scary/complex lol this video makes it feel quite easy! Won’t be scared to do my MK7 GTI timing once it’s needed! Thanks Charles!

[CarAddict]

I got into mechanics recently and don't got a lot of experience. All i can say is thanks dude. I'm still a 19yo in the beginning of his learning maybe won't do this rn cz i don't have access to a garage yet but at least now i understand the process of timing. Youtube really makes me learn more than what university did this first year.

[joshuabaker]

Looking to build my own tsi from the ground up, timing was one of the things I am looking forward to learning the most aswell as the entire build process, great guide!

[bryanc]

Awesome video and great tips Also don’t forget to bolt the cam bridge up before tensioning the main chain. With the chain tight it makes installing the bridge much more difficult.