How to check if Passat is actually chainless?

mx07gt · Apr 16, 2013

I tried searching.

I am no newb to TDIs, ive had beetles, 2 jettas and 2 golfs. I only have 1 golf right now and I am looking to add a Passat to my fleet.

Owner claims it has 193k miles, maint' records for all fluid changes, ''balance shaf t upgrade'' done by a local tdi shop, genuine vw reman tranny replaced 20k ago (previous started slipping) receipt of cost and labor available, timing belt done 20k ago by the same shop, with parts purchased from an online tdi store (couldn't remember the name?)

Anyways, my main concern here is to actually confirm the car has the shaft upgrade (or delete?). I do plan on bringing my VCDS tool tomorrow if it helps.

Sorry if I sound like a newb, I really dont know anything about Passats but have taken enough time to read and know what their common problems are.

mx07gt · Apr 16, 2013

any other opinions or warnings are very much appreciated

vwztips · Apr 16, 2013

Short of pulling the pan, you can listen to it and trust the receipts are correct. Vag-Com will not help to determine this.

Where in TX/MX are you?

mx07gt · Apr 16, 2013

San Antonio area

dhuddleson · Apr 17, 2013

Has the current owner any bills to prove BSM work?

aja8888 · Apr 17, 2013

I had two 2005 Passats and did the BSM on one. There is no way to tell with a VCDS. MoGolf had a thread on how the dipstick reacts with the new assembly in place vs, the old BSM. Had something to do with the "feel" the last inch or so going into the tube. Do a search, you may find it.

Other than that, the engine will be quieter, receipts are always a good thing to see if the parts were at lest purchased.

The only other guaranteed way is to drop the pan or pull the timing and lower cover, all of which is no fun.

peiphil · Apr 17, 2013

The dipstick goes through a hole in the bsm
The hole on a chained bsm is smaller than the geared one.
You can feel the difference when pushing the dipstick in.

vwztips · Apr 17, 2013

But he doesn't have one side by side to check.

peiphil · Apr 17, 2013

Ya I know what you mean but the stick just drops in right to the bottom instead of having to push the last few inches if that helps

mx07gt · Apr 17, 2013

So if I need to push it it means that...?

vwztips · Apr 17, 2013

The dipstick tube is tight or you may have a chained BSM. Not having the experience, I doubt you will be able to tell. Most people could not and it's not a for sure sign either.

If you have paperwork saying it's been done, go with that. If you don't, assume it has not been done.

mx07gt · Apr 17, 2013

Do you think I can see it with a cable camera? ( like the ones mechanics use to see in tight spaces)

runonbeer · Apr 19, 2013

Sorry I forgot to check my records man. I'm going to pop by the shop tomorrow on my way to MotoGP. I'll see if I can find that invoice.

mx07gt · Apr 20, 2013

runonbeer said:
Sorry I forgot to check my records man. I'm going to pop by the shop tomorrow on my way to MotoGP. I'll see if I can find that invoice.

No problem, I know you are a very busy guy. I look forward to have my timing belt done by you on this car or my golf.

Thanks!

thundershorts · Apr 20, 2013

If you had a frequency spectrum analyzer, the chain generates a high frequency sound band that to the ear sounds like a drummer swishing brushes on a cymbal. The gear drive does not.

aja8888 · Apr 20, 2013

thundershorts said:
If you had a frequency spectrum analyzer, the chain generates a high frequency sound band that to the ear sounds like a drummer swishing brushes on a cymbal. The gear drive does not.

If he doesn't have that, maybe x-ray vision?

1.9glstdi · Apr 21, 2013

Call the shop and ask if they did it?

mx07gt · Apr 21, 2013

1.9glstdi said:
Call the shop and ask if they did it?

I'm waiting his response.

1.9glstdi · Apr 21, 2013

o ok sounds good

mx07gt · Apr 21, 2013

mx07gt said:
I'm waiting his response.

Just to follow up:

No record was found on the BSM upgrade done, and it was back in 2010. So my only proof is an invoice billed to Meyerhoff Autohaus for all the parts needed for a BSM upgrade, with OEM parts. I feel confident that this car was properly taken care of, since engine sounds very healthy for 195k miles, not a single hiccup or loose chain sound, and VCDS shows no codes.

The only problem so far is that it needs both driver side window clips. Thats about it.

Only mods I look to install is a tune, and a manual swap if the auto trans quits.

Heres a pic of my Passat.

runonbeer · Apr 21, 2013

I guess I need to figure out a way to give the oil pan a "chainless" tattoo.

mx07gt · Apr 21, 2013

An engraver should do the trick.

And thats a very good idea

thundershorts · Apr 22, 2013

good idea to mark them, should be able to find a star stamp. three gears in a circle

Keyser_Soze · Apr 22, 2013

This is the sound with the chain drive.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD08uhsWg9E

tdireader · Apr 24, 2013

100k+ test drive? ;-)

johnboy00 · Apr 24, 2013

I don't see how a mark on the oil pan would give you more confidence than an invoice for parts. It's a lot easier to mark an oil pan than to buy parts.

runonbeer · Apr 24, 2013

High strength ABS transparent front seal carrier and oil pan should be included with every BSM kit.

I'd also like to get a top cover for my injection pump made of the same material. Ooooh, and a valve cover...oooh might as well make transmission cases clear too! That'd be sweet!

mx07gt · Apr 24, 2013

We'd all like a bulletproof, maintenance free car, but we all know that aimt happening

runonbeer · Apr 24, 2013

I love maintenance! I'm a maintenance enthusiast!

<<<see

Abacus · Apr 24, 2013

runonbeer said:
High strength ABS transparent front seal carrier and oil pan should be included with every BSM kit.

I'd also like to get a top cover for my injection pump made of the same material. Ooooh, and a valve cover...oooh might as well make transmission cases clear too! That'd be sweet!

Anything is possible.

How to check if Passat is actually chainless?

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That helpful B4 guy