Oil Sludge Issue and Timing Belt Failure
A few weeks ago the timing belt on my ‘99 Passat went resulting in engine failure. Could the timing belt breaking be related to the oild sludge issue? Of course, I’m taking VW at their word that it was the timing belt breaking that caused the engine failure.
Thanks.
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nrizkallah Said,
February 9, 2006 @ 5:03 am
Oil Sludge Issue and Timing Belt Failure – Thanks for the responses.
I had about 135,000 kilometers. I realize from a “”legal”" point of view I’m responsible for ensuring proper servicing (I wasn’t aware that the timing belt required replacement at about 110,000) but I would think VW has a responsibility to give owners a heads-up. I was a frequent visitor to the dealership getting repairs on, among many other thing, numerous control arms, clutch replacement, electronic ignitions systems (twice), various electrical problems, starter replacement, etc. etc.
Not once did they mention the need to check the timing belt.
It’s really too bad these cars are so unreliable as I actually enjoyed driving the car. I’ve since purchased a new car (Infiniti G35) but would like to get any resdidual value out of the Passat.
No more VWs!
297 Said,
February 9, 2006 @ 10:13 am
Oil Sludge Issue and Timing Belt Failure – How many miles on that timing belt?
vabeachautohaus Said,
February 9, 2006 @ 12:33 pm
Oil Sludge Issue and Timing Belt Failure – Did the timing belt break or did the aeb engine have the old style timing belt and tensioner assembly with the tensioner damper that has the little arm that clips onto the tensioner,If it has the old style then I would suspect that the clip rusted out and the tensioner came loose causing the valve damage.Very common problem with the early 1.8 passat engine.VW came out with a new style damper and tensioner (same as the awm engine code) to replace the old style because of this problem.Also,Vw requires synthetic oil in all passat engines because of the extended oil change intervalls.They are having to warranty alot of engines now because of this.There problem was they never informed their customers to use synthetic oil.Check with your dealer and ask to get a copy of the notice sent to all dealers.
297 Said,
February 10, 2006 @ 7:08 am
Oil Sludge Issue and Timing Belt Failure – Well, that answers that. I find it odd the dealership didn’t mention you needed to have your timing belt replaced, considering it’s a service item and they get paid to do service items. With your Infiniti, I would pay attention to the service interval and what needs to be checked/replaced/filled each time you drop it off. Regardless of the shop, it’s your car, so take care of it.
neildont, how exactly do you find fault in someone who buys a G35 over a TL? That’s a personal choice, and frankly, I’d buy a G35 over a TL as well. It’s easier on the wallet, lighter by one person, rear-wheel drive (or AWD), and boasts 40 horsies and 30 foot pounds more than the TL. Moreover, I find Acuras crap to look at since the retirement of the Integra/Vigor/Legend lines.
297 Said,
February 10, 2006 @ 7:10 am
Oil Sludge Issue and Timing Belt Failure – Timing belt.
The short of it: the belt that keeps the valves and the crankshaft in sync, and thus, keeps “”time”".
neildont Said,
February 10, 2006 @ 9:44 am
Are ya nuts!!??? – A frequent visitor? 2 new ignition systems? A new clutch? We’re you on a first name basis with the entire service staff or what? Hey bub, I would have traded that piece of you know what in after the warranty was done, but then again, wasn’t it a 2 year warranty at the time. Didn’t that tell you something when you bought it?
And now you went and bought an Infiniti when you could have had an Acura TL???
Boy, I’d be doing a little more research before your next purchase!
I hope, at least, you got the 4 wheel drive version.?
Good luck!
sizen Said,
February 10, 2006 @ 12:19 pm
Acura – Yah, I agree with the above, but I would certainly have selected a Honda over the Acura. Despite the bright dashboard, they just seem to go on forever!
Brush up on that research there pal!
p.s..what’s a timing belt?
Post edited 02/10/06 12:20 PM by sizen