[Passatmno3]

Hi all! My first post.
I bought a 2003 passat glx 2.8l with 190k about a year ago.
Problem:
Engine start ticking (like loud lifters) recently on passenger side towards rear of engine, seemed like last two cylinders but then more towards back. I stoped driving it just about immediately. After reading some forums, I pulled the oil pan to check for sludge, turns out it was clean with a newer looking pump. But I found some small pieces of plastic (off burnt yellow) in the pick up screen (pic attached). Found no metal. I'm assuming it's the cct guide/pads. Was hoping for some advice or input on possible damage, what to look for, etc. I've read forums, watched video and everything else and I think I can handle the job. I know I must pull the valve cover to know for sure but what are the odds of getting by with just replacing the guides (funds are tight for another couple months). Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[KSEADUB]

You'll have to see what condition the metal shoes on the CCT are in. If the plastic shoes have deteriorated enough, the cam chain can run right on the underlying metal shoe, gouging it. This isn't good for the CCT, but more importantly, isn't good for the cam chain. Also it will sent metal bits (shavings) into your oil... which isn't good for any of the other oil lubricated parts of the engine.

If you get in there and see that the cam chain is running on the metal shoe, I'd be inclined to replace the CCT. But if funds are tight, and you can successfully squeeze some new ebay sourced shoes onto the CCT and they seem secure... this might work for ya for a bit. Not sure what your long term plans are for the car.


Oh... there are two shoes (upper and lower) on each CCT, so you'll probably want to pull the whole CCT out to inspect it. I find thats easiest when you pull the intake cam out with the CCT. If you do this, make sure you keep the Cam caps in the same order you take them off in. They have to go back in the same spots and in the same orientation when you put it back together. Also be careful taking the cam cap bolts out. They tend to get clogged up with cooked oil goo, which makes it hard to seat the torx socket all the way in the bolt... leading to stripping. No bueno!

 

[Passatmno3]

Thanks for the quick response and good advice. I'm hoping to get the car to last me a couple months as I just graduated and starting a new job, which I'll buy something else in a few months. Is it recommended to replace the half moon gaskets at this time? I've seen forums where this has been done without touching the timing belt. Is doing so safe to do that you know of?

 

[KSEADUB]

Yeah, if you take the CCT out to inspect, you'll want to put a new CCT gasket and half moon seal in.

You can remove the CCT without touching the timing belt, as it only drives the exhaust cams directly.

Reference this image to put the chains and intake cam back together correctly:

Bank 1 is the Passenger side head.