Timing -4.5 Degrees Compensation, 74K Miles

[hk1]

I have a 2012 Audi A4 2.0T AWD Engine Code CAEB with 74K miles. I took it to a European motors specialty shop today for state inspection and also had them try to determine the health of my timing chain and tensioner.

They reported: "Timing is at -4.5 Degrees for compensation. Timing should ideally be at zero."

I've scheduled for a different (cheaper) Audi/VW shop to replace my tensioner, chain, guides, etc but that won't happen for about 2.5 weeks.

I'm trying to understand what my relative level of risk is in driving this car for another thousand or two miles over the next couple weeks. I don't think this car has ever had the tensioner or chain replaced before. And I'm suspicious that it didn't get proper oil changes either in the recent past though I can't prove that (the car is new to me and I bought it from a little car lot).

Do these timing chain tensioners just randomly fail or do they mostly fail once the compensation is excessive? How bad is -4.5 Degrees?

[spin0rz]

It's pretty "bad" and unless you want a new engine, I'd get it done sooner than a thousand or two thousand miles if you value your car.

They can fail, early or late. It depends on a few factors. The chain could be loose or a guide roughened up, or the tensioner just isn't tight enough.

Its just a matter of skipping a few teeth and youre on your way to valve against piston land.IMG_6276.JPG


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[A.K.]

-4.5 , especially on a 2012 which most probably has the revised tensioner design is OK, no need to stress about it....at least I would not.

I am currently sitting at -5.8 (checked it 3 days ago) and the job will be done end of next month, there is a thread about cam phase adaptation.

Here you go, great read that will put your mind at ease: Link

[studioRS]

Helping out... here's the thread for more in-depth discussion.
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ser-adaptation

My 2012 was at -7.91 at 146,706 miles, measured about a week or so right after I bought it.

Now reading -0.37 at 157,761 miles (11,055 miles later) after the service repair of new timing chain, tensioner, guides and cam bridge.

[mtroxel]

They reported: "Timing is at -4.5 Degrees for compensation. Timing should ideally be at zero."

Either that shop doesn't know what they're talking about, or they're just trying to scare you into giving them money. That metric will almost never, ever be at 0°. In the thread StudioRS referenced, we've seen lots of guys at -7° or more. -4.5° is not a panic point. Right after I did my timing chain, I had a +0.46° reading. I'm sure I'm in the negatives by now. If you have a reading of 0.0°, I'd say something is wrong with your reading.

[Theiceman]

Yeah 4.5 is nothing to sweat over. Especially if it is on a new style tensioner. The old ones dont seem
To care what your chain stretch is.
I was at 8.4 on a new tensioner and it ran really well other than a slight vibration st idle.
Good you are scheduling it and being cautious but if its a new tensioner id drive it and not sweat it


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[Seal1968]

Just checked mine cold...0.00%. Idled for 5-10 minutes, reading was -2.43%. After a drive and the car sat for a few minutes, -4.83%.

More heat = more adaption for chain stretch...sound about right?

I'm checking my tensioner via the port on Monday to see if it is the updated one...if not, I'll be getting the full service done.

[Theiceman]

After the drive is the right number.
Car doesn’t try to adapt until engine warms up so you should expect zero as soon as you start it.


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