How To Properly Time and Install Timing Chains on an R32 VR6

The engine in a VW R32 is driving by a timing chain. While timing chain failure on this engine is not common, the may require replacement. To properly replace timing chains, and time the chains is not hard, but this video should help you time your R32 or over 24v VR6 engines.
The 2.8 24v engine times up the exact same way as this R32 engine

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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.

[nickof]

At last, someone who knows what they are doing. No "I think " or " I've read somewhere ". Just well photographed, clear and easy to follow. Watch and learn.👍👍👍

[vmn]

It's always a good day when the humble mechanic uploads, it's like school for Free !

[MrSubaru]

And people say Subaru engines are complicated.. lol

[michellubbers]

No useless chit chat to the point clear and informative, great tutorial thanks for posting!

[HumbleMechanic]

As you may have noticed, there is something a little different about this video. What do you guys think?

[jacobwebster]

I don’t even own a VW 😂 never have. Feel like I learn a lot anyway!

[israelserrano]

Good afternoon brother, greetings from Texas, I have a problem, if you can help me, I have a 2.8 VR6 engine. I bent 4 valves and I need to know where I can get them. They are the 4 long ones, 2 for exhaust and 2 for intake.

[samuvonbach]

Im having problems timing my vr6 even with this video. Before i rotate the engine all of the marks are on point but after 2 cycles the vvt rollers and cams are a little off and the locking plate doesnt go on the cams anymore and yes i did everything just like in this video and all the other marks check out after the cycles. Ive done this like 5 times now and no luck..

[r]

At this rate, I can start doing my own dental work 😃

[rnldmanuel]

we need more videos like this. not many people on youtube that mess around with vws like Charles.

[brodyschmidt]

This would be the same as the 2.8 24v correct because they have the same exact timing set just making sure because im going to go off of this video for my 2.8 every other video i find isnt as clear on steps as this video is

[zicnicevahtar]

These are THE BEST timing chain instructions ever seen! Respect for both - mechanic and camera guy!!! Thanks for sharing!😃👌🏻

[pav]

Besides your technical knowledge you are a joy to listen and watch !

[jarhead]

If you line up the crank with the TDC mark then the cam bar will not fit. You have to turn the crank 5mm past TDC for the cams to be TDC as per the bentley manual.

[swissjetpilot]

Hi Charles, great video quality and camera work. The colored marks you put on the engine and components really helped drive home where things are and the correct alignments. Perfect!

Couple of questions -

1.) Audi doesn't mention when the timing chains should replaced in any of their Maintenance Intervals. For those of us with older vehicles (Audi TT Mk2) what is a reasonable mileage point when 3.2 VR6 owners should start seriously thinking about this; 100k, 150k, 200k miles?.

2.) When should the N205 and N318 Cam Adjustment Valves be replaced? Is there a mileage point or do you just wait for a fault code to show up? Would you recommend these be done as part of everything else you've replaced for this job?

Thanks in advance and Cheers from Switzerland! :-)

[ejeffrey]

Fantastic video, made replacing the chains on my 2.8 BDF very straightforward. Thanks Charles!

[graeme]

Hi Charles, great video, clarifies a lot of questions about lining up marks.
Two questions though:
Do you have to stop the intermediate shaft from spinning somehow when you tighten up the shaft gears?
And do the advance / retard mechanisms on the cams need to be held/pushed to a certain position when you align the timing marks?
If there are some extra tricks to these two items, maybe you could add a mention in your next video when you add the headspacer.
Cheers mate!

[vdub]

This will be quite useful when I finally get around to the clutch job on my 24v vr6 gti. Thanks as always!

[swissjetpilot]

Hi Charles - Can you provide a parts list for what needs to be replaced to do this job and any additional "while you're it" parts that should be replaced while the engine is out. We're working on a Timing Chain post for the UK Audi TT Forum on the 3.2 VR6. Can these parts be purchased as a complete kit from yourself or DAP? - Cheers - Swiss :-)

[waynerob]

I timed a vr6 of mine a couple months ago, using all the correct timing tools and pretty much this exact method. Replaced all hardware but I found that the oil pump sprocket would sit 2mm past the actual timing mark on the block and it infuriated me, to the point I probably re timed the engine several times. Everything would line up again and the cam locking tool would fall in but the crank pulley would then sit a couple mm from its original mark but not enough for it to be a tooth out. I get an intermittent fault on vcds saying bank b variator implausible reading, but it goes away and comes back 50 miles later, I keep thinking back that the timings out but I very much doubt it is and I've probably got a variator or actuator fault. Have you had this fault appear after timing at all?