MK2 Leon FR: VCT 'Out'

[Kye69]

So had my Leon into a local VAG Garage to check out why the car was in Limp Mode. Originally suspected to be the MAF Sensor. Replaced the sensor with no luck.

Having got in a 'Diagnostic Specialist' it turns out to be the VCT (Variable Cam Timing) that has slipped for some reason. Having a look around the SCN and Google I can only find solid reference to VVT - so I assume it's the valve timing not the Cam timing?

I phoned SEAT Emmer Green (Reading) to see if they would quote for the work...no such luck. Firstly, none of the mechanics had heard of VCT - and didn't think much of the diagnosis of VVT. Then I would not be able to have a courtesy car as I didn't buy the car from them.

So, having it repaired by my local garage (Newtown Car Services, Henley) who think they will have to take the top off the engine to see if there's any damage.

Sounds expensive...we'll see if it hits 4 figures.

 

[robdf2]

It's probably because you didn't tell them the real name
Of the part you were trying to explain , if you had said the camshaft variator then they would have known what you were talking about.

 

[Kye69]

Sure, but I was still unimpressed by the response I had from their Service dept. Like the side skirts btw.

 

[cheungy]

N205 Valve...06F 109 257 C

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_V--2.0T/Engine/Electrical/ES281138/

(Ignore the GOLF 2.0T, same engine regardless).

Poor Cold Start / Lumpy Idle / & Top-End Performance.

It may not be related to your fault but as you mentioned VCT – It could be related…

Part is enough to replace - Unbolt + Lift + Swap = Done

Can’t dig out anymore info at the moment as I am in work, If I find anymore info I will reply back soon.

Hope this helps or shred some sorta light for you.

 

[Kye69]

N205 Valve...06F 109 257 C

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_V--2.0T/Engine/Electrical/ES281138/
.

Cheers for that! I'll have a chat and see what comes out...

 

[robdf2]

Sure, but I was still unimpressed by the response I had from their Service dept. Like the side skirts btw.

thanks

tbh you would get more answes from a kia dealership on your car than a seat dealership.

they are slow and very non commital
good luck mate
keep us updated

 

[Kye69]

lol yeah, pretty annoying.

The same dealership phoned me up to say there's an outstanding recall on the car for the Ignition Coil(s) and to bring it in when I can. They were so reluctant on the phone! So...taking it there for some more treatment following the Cam Variator problem...could be a while without a car!

 

[Kye69]

Update on the Leon:

Turns out that the problem is a cracked gear on one of the Cams. They've shown me and luckily the Cam hasn't got damaged or twisted.

Parts needed (without VAT):
- Timing Chain (£43)
- Gear & Camshaft together (£198)
- Inlet on Cam
- Tensioner (£71)
- Timing belt kit (£134)
- Cam cover gasket (£16)
- Chain cover (£4)
- Water pump also needs replacing (£37)
- Ignition Coil (SEAT Recall £free)

The bill is looking like approx £1000 including labour and VAT. The garage took a bore cam out and checked the valves, appears not to be any damage thankfully.

 

[robdf2]

I see that they have listed lot of parts, find out the price for a new variator might work out cheaper parts wise , they need to remove this anyway to replace the timing chain.

 

[Kye69]

Yeah, learning as I go on this one - really should pick up a banger to take apart & put back together etc

Things I'm still not 100% certain need to be done, what are your thoughts:
- Gear & Camshaft together - is this right? You can't replace the cracked gear with the cam too?
- Cam cover gasket - is it usual to have to replace this?
- Timing belt kit - I'm guessing it's not unusual to have the whole shebang instead of just the belt?

Cheers for the input

 

[robdf2]

Yeah, learning as I go on this one - really should pick up a banger to take apart & put back together etc

Things I'm still not 100% certain need to be done, what are your thoughts:
- Gear & Camshaft together - is this right? You can't replace the cracked gear with the cam too?
- Cam cover gasket - is it usual to have to replace this?
- Timing belt kit - I'm guessing it's not unusual to have the whole shebang instead of just the belt?

Cheers for the input

The gear comes with the camshaft , but I would be more worried what caused the damage?
Cam cover gasket is cheap as chips and is good practice to change ,cam belt kit is needed , you will also need new engine mounting bolts it's essential they replace these !

What year is your Leon? You might have the old style camshaft and could be covered under warranty , sure there was a recall to do with soft cams ?
Worth asking the question

 

[Kye69]

The gear comes with the camshaft , but I would be more worried what caused the damage?

Yeah the garage took out the bore cam out and all seems OK elsewhere

Cam cover gasket is cheap as chips and is good practice to change ,cam belt kit is needed , you will also need new engine mounting bolts it's essential they replace these !

Ha yeah, price was £2 for these

What year is your Leon? You might have the old style camshaft and could be covered under warranty , sure there was a recall to do with soft cams ?
Worth asking the question

Both my garage and SEAT checked and the only recall was on the Ignition Coils, but I will find out (google & SEAT) just in case...


Cheers again mate!

 

[Kye69]

So here it is, the guilty cracked intake cam gear:


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