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.
Cylinder head replacement kit ~ bit.ly/2AKqCB5
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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.

[@AwesomeElite122]

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

[@bobbystronghands9172]

Care to lend a hand? I have to do mine soon as well. Gearing up

[@AwesomeElite122]

@@bobbystronghands9172 Maybe. I'd hate to be responsible for any mishaps. I worked 21 hours non stop in my driveway, I would definitely have rather done the work in the garage.

[@gabrielrivera8131]

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

[@manicr1]

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.

[@pudermcgavin4462]

I was always scared of chains but I'd do them all day long over a belt system now lol

[@lynxstarautomotive208]

Puder McGavin The worst timing job I ever did was a 3.0TT in a 3000GT. After that one, there was no such thing as a hard engine to time.

[@nicholasbrown6481]

These are easy. Buy the camshaft holding tool

[@alexgonzales18]

If a 3000gt is the hardest timing job you haven't done many bmw or audis. I have a vr4 and it was way easier then this. I also did a timing job on a v10 bmw so maybe I'm just using that as a comparison lmao

[@christophermarshall5765]

@@nicholasbrown6481 I've got the kit for the 1.4 litre VW engine, & it will do others. I agree on buying the right tools, like he used in this video. The kit I got cost me $400!! The kit is worth having. We most likely have seen lots of easy to do jobs ruined by lack of suitable tools.

[@RobertHenry-if9um]

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.

[@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 👍🏻

[@robinwas-miles9686]

So many markers! Clarity and detail 100%. Easy to see why such repairs are seriously expensive.

[@mazpr2025]

Having all the special tools is a must. Cleaning the old gasket sealant is a pain, takes forever, falls everywhere. It looks easy with the engine out, but man there is an engine mount bridge in front of the timing cover/chain, that is a hassle to remove those three bolts with triple squares.

[@climax_6629]

You make everything look so simple. Everything was explained with such amazing detail. Thank you so much! Keep up the amazing work.

[@pathfindero2072]

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!

[@tcap7917]

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

[@joshuabaker8919]

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!

[@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.

[@leedits5495]

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!

[@melias67]

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.

[@streetrider1987]

Best video instructions about VW TSI engine timing. Thank you for teaching!!!!

[@brucebrown4183]

Hey Charles thanx for the you tube classroom. I've been doing this stuff 50 years and you taught me a bunch. Another success!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks so much

[@Syphious64]

Your video explains a lot and simplifies this job well, Planned on doing this job for a while and stopped driving my A3 when it started making noise on startup. Glad I did cause today I got the lower timing cover off to be met with the early style chain tensioner.. My car was serviced at the dealer until 2019 under the 10yr warranty program by the previous owner, I was surprised to see the early tensioner style hanging out in there at 140kmiles.

[@HotRodDave]

Thanks for making this video. It helped me learn these engines while making a video on a Tiguan that I checked out and repaired a few weeks ago. Great content on this channel.

[@chrisgartner7009]

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

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you. Glad it helped

[@PULSARGT]

I followed your video step by step and I got my car working thank you very much for this detailed video.

[@georgem1574]

Thanks for the informative and straightforward timing chain tutorial! Quite helpful for sorting out my A3! Thanks Charles 👍

[@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!

[@mbenz3145]

Yeah try doing that while the engine is on the car and you will feel like hell is a nice place to be...

[@sylvainst-laurent3631]

That video is probably the best timing tutorial ever . Well done and thank you .

[@georgekoech7510]

Thanks a lot for your very detailed, informative and priceless timing video. Its been so helpful. Cheers. Be so blessed.

[@NisaOtoServis]

You have a good knowledge of mechanics. Thank you bro Thank you

[@sanelb1147]

those videos are so mind relaxing.. even when u haev no idea what the guy is doing,, just watching over and over again it slowly starts to sink in

[@kylestenger15]

Hey Charles, love the video man. Nice to see it outside the chassis

[@jibmaster]

Super helpful. Thanks dude. About to tackle my stretched chain on my MK6 GTI. This, and the manual, will help.

[@TheRebuilt1]

Makes the MKIV and B5 belt procedure seem remedial. I am glad i bought a Bentley model for my wifes Q3. Great knowledge transfer sire.

[@iangethin5037]

Brilliant video - very clear and thorough explanation, thank you.

[@rickdaley9266]

Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us Charles. I greatly appreciate you.

[@rovereddy2431]

This was helpful af got to my Audi A3 last week took it apart and put it back together good stuff man 👌

[@bryanc2174]

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.

[@KL-cc6iy]

Thanks for always doing great, in-depth work and showing it. You helped my brother out a lot with his Jetta. I'll be replacing some parts on my CC tomorrow.

[@BusWithUs.]

Great video! Sure does make more sense than the 40 pages in the factory repair manual!

[@jackappelman7618]

Fantastic video man. Super video instructions about VW TSI engine timing.

[@ledoJerr]

Great work mate, glad to see all ur videos. Keep going like this ✌️💪

[@seanh3075]

Great video! Not many show the balance shaft timing. Thanks!!

[@enriqueneustaeter1394]

So much useful information and great tips !!! Thank you Humble Mechanic!!

[@justa_dude]

Thank you again, you made it possible for me to fix the car I purchased. You have detailed instructions. Thank you

[@motormecnet6450]

Thank you so much sir for providing such a great knowledge to us and sharing your experience

[@joshikothari2691]

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.

[@michaelbradshaw2069]

This video was a great help along side the manual I'm more of a visual person and your video made things click better than just reading the manual over and over thanks again 👍

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!! That was exactly what I wanted from the video. An aid to the repair manual!

[@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.

[@videoheap]

How did it go?

[@masmrz]

@@videoheapit went well, already put almost 1K miles, no codes,no check engine light thanks for asking.

[@mitchellg3893]

@@masmrz is it still running good?

[@maplefpv]

@@mitchellg3893 prob sold the car at this point

[@virtisconsole12]

Wow Charles this was an awesome video I have a few of those TFSi 2.0L motors in A4s and I’m susceptible that I either broke a timing chain or jumped.. it cranks fast and like no compression.. I’m gonna open it up both upper/lower covers and have a looksie.. I feel very confident in putting on all new guides, timing chain and balance chains and even the oil chain and tensioners .. looking fwd to this now .. I was thinking it’s a scary job .. I also like your visual tdc indicator in cylinder 1.. excellent stuff .. really enjoy your content 👍🏻

[@dc5369]

This video is awesome. For a newbie in the VW TSI world, you made more sense explaining it than any other technician can explain it to me. You make understanding my Gen 3 GLI a lot more easier. Much appreciate the knowledge that you share.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@enriquealvarez9918]

Maestro, soy de Argentina tengo un A4 viejo año 2010 .. tfsi Anduve a 210km por hs . Y luego empezó a tirar humo y como gotas de agua por el escape , por tu experiencia q podría ser ?

[@zomaardan]

I love your video's. Big fan. Have to swap head gasket of a 2.0 hdi and im nervous as can be. Love your skills sir. Awesome.

[@syl20bou]

Extremely good explanation! Thanks!

[@n.b.5258]

Thanks so much for this. Replacing a cylinder head soon. I have the workshop manual but this will help a ton!

[@HumbleMechanic]

PERFECT!

[@jeromebuhlmann719]

Thanks a lot for this very fine and complete description

[@robertboykin9177]

Excellent video, I am looking to do my Fiances timing chain on her VW Tiguan and this was extremely informative and helpful.

[@stefanos2574]

wow very so much cool to share all this knowledge and info!!good job !

[@juanjarquin2869]

You make look so simple, great instructions! I would feel confident doing it myself with this video

[@_Mario_PL_]

I feel the same way. Love his work.

[@ArminVBThe1]

feel the same way :D. can't wait to phuck up my engine and get that huge dealership bill

[@_Mario_PL_]

@@ArminVBThe1 you got this lol

[@NisaOtoServis]

It was a very nice video, brother, you told me very well. Thank you very much.

[@screamingsvtcobra6220]

YOU SIR ARE AWESOME! I have to do this on my wife’s 14 A4 . This helped a lot

[@martinvasquenzo3450]

Great informative video....very complete and easy to understand....top notch all the way

[@jarrow708]

Thanks for this video. It helped me get me audi back on the road.

[@75IFFY]

Great tutorial. Excellent information and so concise. No fluff and bullshit.

[@kelvindiaz6594]

Good Explanation bro clear and simple .

[@justa_dude]

Super helpful video. Thank you

[@zeljkojovic1989]

thanks a lot bro, you helped me a lot. Service successfully completed, thanks again.

[@eflanagan1921]

Nice that you emphasize FSM !

[@patkelly7999]

Great job Charles, a little more involved than pd TDI engine , very well explained:):):)

[@caraddict619]

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. KZbin really makes me learn more than what university did this first year.

[@cydls688fatech7]

Thank you very much for your clear details explanation,, 👍👍👍

[@Wishnuful]

Great!!!! Short, nice and clear. Thank you!!

[@jordanyesiaz4125]

Thanks So much Professional Video 👌🏼 you make it Easy for me 🙏🏼

[@gilmello8296]

Back in 1970 it took me only a couple of hours with tools I found in the basement to replace the timing chain and gears in my Buick V6. Much simpler times😂

[@HumbleMechanic]

The good old days!

[@roygutierrez8428]

This is the person that left my comment about 180degrees off of the camshaft Thanks anyway I was able to get it Timed Roy

[@wvsnwbrdr]

Thank you I did it with ur help and shop@DAP got everything I needed for this job just right. Only fail oil squirting out of dip stick even with new cover. Did not replace the seal on tube though. 🤞that dose it.

[@kingleo188]

Amazing...you make it look so simple....

[@ianwilkinson5549]

Best video and explanation ever mate , excellent.

[@simonwall5784]

This helped me a lot, thanks so much. Had to replace my balance shafts and timing and had never even done timing before but made it happen.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome.

[@saiedabushadi4012]

Thanks for making this very informative video

[@ebuks4ever]

You've won a new subscriber. Thank you for making it look so simple. Do you have a video for a timing on Toyota car?

[@lukechunk4234]

Fantastic video man! Much respect from the UK

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!

[@aminkhan736]

thank you so much for this video, i did my own timing chain and this helped alot

[@jongikhayasishuba4234]

Thanks Big Man, keep up the good work 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@redouanestambouli8320]

That's crazy bro , all this time marks , all this steps, all this chains , it's wonderful to know this things , thx for teaching , God bless you , thx again

[@labradormcgraw]

Fantastic tuition video. Assuming you follow this guide to the letter, you'll have no problems.

[@casperakoma7273]

Thats a good one, well explained many thanks.

[@keithbardi8285]

Yeah I agree with pop jones you make it so simple. Thanks man

[@Multi5611]

That separate gear for the crankshaft is easily one of the stupidest designs I’ve ever seen! Love the Video Charles!

[@HumbleMechanic]

I 100% agree!!!!

[@Multi5611]

HumbleMechanic 👍😂😂

[@sbcncsu]

It isn't a 1:1 ratio so when you open it up it is very likely that the timing marks won't be lined up! You have to look very hard for the gear timing marks when it is in the car and then you have to rotate the gear to get them in time.

[@thatguy9171]

Finally =D been waiting a long time for a goods video on this topic

[@atrain132]

Same here man.

[@asmautollc]

Great video concept and even better execution.

[@Ozzaphellah]

Nice. Video just in time. I’m getting my cylinder head redone with new valves and valve seals so I will be rebuilding my top head. Along with everything brand new. Thank you for this video.

[@Ozzaphellah]

I have 1 last question. I’m putting my head together now. Does the metal gasket between the crank block and cylinder head take any of that black silicone? Or I just make sure everything is clean lay the gasket and torque the head down to 40Nm?

[@videoheap]

@@Ozzaphellah just the metal gasket

[@brewster1233]

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!

[@BelungKak85]

The Doctor Engine Mechanic thanks you sir

[@gregm.6945]

great video, thanks Charles !

[@pdpz]

You are the best buddy. Tanks, my wife learned in this video.

[@macgyversenah9878]

From Zimbabwe , Africa thanks genius .

[@johnpetersen8116]

Fantastic companion to the repair manual! ( you did mention using the repair manual, right?) 😉 thanks for walking us through this. With the motor in the car. This stuff is very hard to see!

[@99Isopropyl]

If you ever made one about timing 1.9L and 2.0L TDIs it would be incredible. There's nothing on youtube that really explains stuff like you do for the hobby mechanic.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I haven’t. I’d like to get my hands on a TDI at some point

[@joshuam7552]

Thank you, Charles!

[@merintaha]

Hi, brother, it's very clear, fiddly, and I feel confident

[@sirjeepzalott13]

THANK YOU SO MUCH, THIS WAS A FUN JOB FOR ME AT WORK!

[@Kinghavs]

Thank you for teaching

[@bradfordjeff]

Awesome video. Thanks so much!

[@AdarisTempest]

Great video! I had this pre-emptively done to my 2011 Mk6 GTI a couple years before the big class action (new chain, tensioner, guides, and cover) because having a stab of anxiety every time you crank your car up isn't a good way to live. I'm glad the Mk7's don't seem to have the same tensioner and chain issues. Honestly it doesn't look like that bad of a job, though it's probably a much bigger pain in the ass to to do with the engine in the car, surrounded by accessories.

[@dopiaza2006]

Getting the middle bolt out of the mounting bracket is probably the hardest bit. Just doing it on a Scirocco and there's not enough clearnace between engine and body for the bolt and a tool to remove it. Ended up removing the last bit one flat at a time, took ages. Not looking forward to putting it back in!

[@alexhatcher8812]

They still have timing chain needs. 2014 passat. timing is at 4.7%

[@alexseifried8010]

Man Dude thank you for this Guide! Thumbs up.