The inline five's back.

[John Larson]

On the VR6, you simply remove the trans (requiring removal of the engine
from all the mounts and suspending it from an engine fixture), dropping the
subframe down (5 or 6 hours to do the R&R), remove the clutch and flywheel,
remove the timing cover, intake manifold, and valve cover, and replace the
chains, guides, and tensioner bits.  You might even need to remove the oil
pan.  I haven't done one in my shop, but I have shop owner friends who've
done several, and who say it's a pretty common repair.  Common enough for
the parts to be readily available on the aftermarket.  If book time on a
clutch is 7+ hours, one can only imagine the time to do the chains and chain
gear.  BTW, we do MB V8 timing chains in about 2-2.5 hours, and one man can
do it if he has the trick aftermarket tool.  John
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ed Birch" <edwbirch at comcast.net>
To: "John Larson" <j.d.larson at verizon.net>
Cc: <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2003 5:35 PM
Subject: Re: The inline five's back.


> >> "It's about time a chain was used; no more broken belts and
expen$$$$$ive
> >> repairs.
> > >Now let's see the chain go into the gasoline motor!!"
>
> > It's here now, in the VR6.  If you think changing the timing belt is an
> > expensive PITA, wait until you have to do one of those!  And they DO
> require
> > replacement.
>
> When???  Sorry John but I never replaced a DOUBLE-ROW Mercedes Benz Diesel
> motor timing chain. However, I've seen single-row timing chains replaced
in
> MB gasoline motors, it's few hour job requiring three persons to perform
it
> correctly. The old chain is cut, new chain added to it and motor SLOWLY
> rotated. MB dealerships have chain cutting and crimping tools. The
tensioner
> is also replaced.
>
> Let you in on a secret John, Audi dealers have been known to fleese
service
> customers.
>
> Ed Birch, Pennsylvania.
> 93-100S
> (On it's second timing belt)
>
>
>
>
>