VW GOLF GT TDi - Problem!!

My first post to this forum...so hello chaps & chapesses out there...I hope you can give me some much needed advice?

I own a Mk4 Golf 1.9 GT TDi PD 150bhp on an 02 plate. It has covered 126000 miles but has a full service history. It has developed a problem which sound like it might be rather expensive to fix. Symptoms - Lack of power and a loud knocking/clanking sound when driven (particularly loud in first gear...imagine the sound of piston hitting valve...you get the picture!).
Local Garage says he is 95% sure (just by listening to the noise..no diagnostic check) that a specific engine mounting bolt has stripped its thread and fallen out. This bolt apparently also has the secondary function of tightening the timing belt. He reckons the belt must have slipped on the gears a bit and that is why the car is running so rough. Cost is estimated at between £600 & £1000 to sort out, including heli-coiling the bolt hole. He states that this is a common problem with the Golf Diesel engine and that VW are well aware of the problem.
Has anyone else heard of this problem? Could it be something else? All suggestions gratefully received :1zhelp:

have you actually seen the hole where the bolt was before it made its bid for freedom? or are yiu just taking the mechanics word for it? That is, if it is possible to see.

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Originally Posted by Ranger Bob

Garage says he is 95% sure (just by listening to the noise..no diagnostic check) that a specific engine mounting bolt has stripped its thread and fallen out. This bolt apparently also has the secondary function of tightening the timing belt.:1zhelp:

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I bet mmy life that there is not a bolt that olds the engine in and part of the timming belt.

It may be that the tensioner has siezed or come loose and the belt has slipped, if the belt has slipped it could be expensive if the valves have come in contact with the pistons.

If you don't trust your mechanic find a recommeded VW specialist and see what they say, I would expect a competent mechanic to diagose faults by sound, but you need to trust them first;)

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Originally Posted by GOLFMK5GTTDI

have you actually seen the hole where the bolt was before it made its bid for freedom? or are yiu just taking the mechanics word for it? That is, if it is possible to see.

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Nope, seen nothing. Just what the mechanic said to me. Just wanted to find out if anyone else has been diagnosed with a similar problem? Mechanic said it was a common fault on VW Diesel Engines.:confused:

There is a fault on the 150 bhp engines were the cam shaft wears causing a knocking noise. Have a search for some threads I have read quite alot with this problem. Let us know how you get on.

Ok, I've had a second opinion from an independant VW specialist....they think the noise is most likely crankshaft related..bearing probably! They are advocating buying a replacement engine....rather expensive, methinks!:zx11:

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to take out the crankshaft without having to remove the engine from the car? If it is, I might have a go at doing it myself.

The crankshaft cannot be removed without taking the engine out, the camsahft will, but the crank it the heart of the engine.

If it is worn your looking at an engine rebuild or a replacement, thats very expensive, have they given you a reason why?

also its very hard to diagnose those types of faults until it taken apart, a regrind and new bearings may be enough.

I find it slightly amusing (though I can sympathise with you) that these guys are so quick to suggest a "new engine" without even offering to look at your current engine to confirm the problem. I would guess that your "old" engine may be earmarked by one of the guys for a homer or something similar they have.

No way i'd give the go-ahead for a new engine without first seeing the damaged parts in my own engine first.

It is possible to remove the crank without totally removing the engine, however the gearbox, clutch and flywheel would need to be removed. When you are this far it would be advisable to remove the head and check the cylinders & pistons for wear. Bearings are softer than crankshafts, so taking the sump off and checking mains/big ends would be my 1st step before removing the crank.

Pete

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Originally Posted by mobitune

I find it slightly amusing (though I can sympathise with you) that these guys are so quick to suggest a "new engine" without even offering to look at your current engine to confirm the problem.

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I agree, it seems to be part of the culture these days to replace with new rather than fix.:confused:

Is it that they don't like getting oil on there hands or it an easier profit to change the engine:dunno:

A final update on the problem with my Golf Mk4 - It turned out to be the camshaft. It had worn holes through the followers and caused a right mess. Garage said that it must have had long intervals between oil changes, but I have a full service history from Main Dealer. Although, I suppose anyone could have stamped the service record.
Anyway, car is now back on the road and my wallet is £1250 lighter (I had the main bearings replaced too, as they had it stripped down anyway).

There's a lesson to be learnt here...change your oil every 4-6000 miles if you value the pounds in your wallet!