cam installing tool VSE7171 - help needed (desperation) 2009 Q5 2.0TDI

[Expatscot]

Had to re-register as couldn't remember old password, but don't think I posted much here before anyway.... (have to admit even though I haven't had a Vaux for years I still default to VxON if I have time for idle car banter).

Anyway, the matter at hand.... probably a big ask but getting desperate. Cam installing tools for VAG group... VSE7171 I am told it is, does anyone have one that could be 'hired' or know of some alternative?
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Long story is my work wagon Audi Q5 water pump went back in October, took all the teeth off the cambelt with the resulting (fairly minor all things considered) valves mash up. RAC dropped vehicle at my mechanics.. wont bore you all with time wasting faffs that have happened since then but the engine top-end was sent to specialist (Redman's) to be re-machined, re-skimmed and otherwise ready to work.

It is now all back at mechanics where it has ground to a halt (again). My car knowledge ends at a basic service, maybe changing my brakes - so bear with me if I describe this wrong. Work can go no further as he needs to install the cam and needs this particular tool(set).... I don't think this is just cam locking tool, as used when changing cambelt (but maybe) - he said it's this VSE7171 set, image attached. And he doesn't have it as never needed it and unlikely to need it in future..... (which again makes me think it is not just cam locking for changing cam belt).

So does the great VAG collective have any idea of what can be done, or have one of these 'sets' and is within 'renting it out' distance of Oxfordshire?

I have managed to work the last 4 months but it is far from ideal, I really need my work vehicle back.. not to mention the fact I have already paid out for getting the engine work done. If I had any hair left I would be pulling it out about now

[Crasher]

I doubt any VAG specialist with that unit is going to lend it out unless you leave a deposit for the full value which is around £1500. This not not required for a belt change, only if you want to remove the cams when the VVT unit falls to bits... Which engine code do you have, CJCA, CAGA etc?

[Expatscot]

I doubt any VAG specialist with that unit is going to lend it out unless you leave a deposit for the full value which is around £1500. This not not required for a belt change, only if you want to remove the cams when the VVT unit falls to bits... Which engine code do you have, CJCA, CAGA etc?

I can fully understand that point..... wish I had known before this whole mess started.
I had to ask around anyway. (I would leave a large deposit or something - if it got to that point). Getting to desperation now. It's been an absolute ball-ache from beginning to end.

Engine code - myself wouldn't know, and the vehicle isnt 'here', - is there a way I can work it out.

I have used this mechanic for over 10 years - I do 40,000/50,000 miles a year so my cars get serviced 4-5 times a year, all the usual wheel bearings, brakes changes etc all done by him fine.
But he does so much other (non-mech) work now he gave up his own workshop years ago, & that is where all the time delays have come in on this particularly extensive job as he has had to use workshop space at his mates.
With hindsight I would have spent a bit more (arguably) going to a different mechanic but the job would not have dragged on for 4 interminable months, but its difficult to throw a strop and go elsewhere when your vehicle is in bits.

[Crasher]

Private message me the reg

[Expatscot]

Private message me the reg

done

[Crasher]

You have a CAHA code engine, I am at home now so I can see more at work tomorrow. If we had this in the only way we would do it is by fitting a genuine exchange cylinder head which comes fully built and ready to instal for £2771.70 including VAT. The tool alone from Laser is £1700. By the way, I hope they did not skim the head as this removes the Hot Isostatic Pressing heat treatment which seals the heads face against porosity; initially this will not be a problem but in a year or two it will start using water.

[Expatscot]

You have a CAHA code engine, I am at home now so I can see more at work tomorrow. If we had this in the only way we would do it is by fitting a genuine exchange cylinder head which comes fully built and ready to instal for £2771.70 including VAT. The tool alone from Laser is £1700. By the way, I hope they did not skim the head as this removes the Hot Isostatic Pressing heat treatment which seals the heads face against porosity; initially this will not be a problem but in a year or two it will start using water.

The reason it went to Redman's was because they had done this before.... part of the problem for this job was the confusion that resulted from my mechanic originally chatting to Redman's Engine Centre and then me. After they did the initial chatting to him (mechanic) he brought me the top end & parts all packed in plastic wrap and I sent it off and from then on I used terminology from my understanding, rather than what was actually done.
My mechanic thought they (Redman's) were going to install the cams - or so he said - but I knew nothing about that so it came back all re-engineered and ready to fit, but the cams need fitted. I don't know how accurate that is - like I said I can do a basic service and change brakes, beyond that is out of my knowledge. [I should never have been put in the middle of sorting that as I wasn't sure what was needed - imho].

With hindsight - the whole procedure you just mentioned is what I should have done, and fannying around with my usual mechanic has been a false economy potentially anyway. But such is the nature of hindsight.

I have not given up hope yet, of being able to source this tool (leaving deposit or whatever) and getting this fitted but the whole 4 month of arsing around on this so far has got beyond a joke. Yes, I want to put it back on the road, it has been well serviced and works well for my work, it is in good condition, and has just had new clutch and DMF fitted, but at some point it ceases to be worth it. Just haven't reached that point quite yet.

[Crasher]

Accuracy is not the issue as such, we used to go through this with the 16v Golf 2 in the 90's where as you tighten down the caps the position moved so you set them up in a jig (home made in our case) on the bench and then carry the two chain linked cams over to the head where you gently wind the caps down a little at a time bringing the cams down until other caps can take expose their threads, all the time praying you do not snap a cam cap. And this is the issue, the CAHA cams are held down with a frame and you can't use that old method as if you do and crack the frame, that is game over as the frame is align bore matched to the head.

The VAG tool list number are T40094, T40095, T40096 and to remove the pulley hub, T10052

[Expatscot]

Accuracy is not the issue as such, we used to go through this with the 16v Golf 2 in the 90's where as you tighten down the caps the position moved so you set them up in a jig (home made in our case) on the bench and then carry the two chain linked cams over to the head where you gently wind the caps down a little at a time bringing the cams down until other caps can take expose their threads, all the time praying you do not snap a cam cap. And this is the issue, the CAHA cams are held down with a frame and you can't use that old method as if you do and crack the frame, that is game over as the frame is align bore matched to the head.

The VAG tool list number are T40094, T40095, T40096 and to remove the pulley hub, T10052

Cheers for all the additional info.... I will pass it on to mechanic anyway, but meantime there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Through his mech contacts we now have a VAG specialist with the toolset coming, mobile, to the workshop on Friday to 'do the complicated bit'.

[Expatscot]

Well, after another slight delay... it lives!

Back running fine. Only issue is battery is seemingly needing replaced, which I dont find surprising given its age and it has stood in the cold/damp for almost 5 months. Currently it wont hold charge overnight.