Lower Timing Chain Cover: Installing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Lower timing chain cover bolt tightening sequence and specification. Refer to Figure.

-- For additional tightening specifications, refer to the following:

-- Use silicone sealant D 174 003 A3.

NOTE:

The sealing surfaces must be completely free of oil and grease.

Note the expiration date of the silicone sealant.

The cover must be installed within 5 minutes after applying the silicone sealant.

Replace the bolts which have been tightened to an additional torque angle.

Replace O-rings, seals and self-locking nuts.

-- Remove any sealant residue on the cylinder block using a flat blade scraper.

WARNING: Danger of eye injury.

Wear protective eyewear.

-- Seal off both sides of the seal with tape to prevent contamination.

-- Using a rotating plastic brush, remove any remaining sealing on the cover.

Fig 1: Cleaning Remaining Sealant With Rotating Plastic Brush

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Clean the sealing surfaces, they must be free of oil and grease.

-- Install the cover with the old bolts and tighten them to specification:

Tightening specification: 8 Nm.

-- Check the gap between the cover and the cylinder block using a feel gauge.

It must not exceed 0.2 mm.

NOTE:

If the gap exceeds 0.2 mm, replace the cover.

It is not possible to measure between the cover the upper oil pan, however check the sealing surface for evenness.

-- Make sure both alignment pins -arrows- are present.

Fig 2: Centering Cover Alignment Bushings

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Cut the sealant tube nozzle at the front mark (nozzle diameter: approximately 0.12 in).

Fig 3: Cut Tube Nozzle At Front Marking (Nozzle Diameter Approx. 1 Mm)

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Apply the silicone sealant to the clean sealing surface of the cover as shown.

Fig 4: Identifying Sealant For Cover Sealing Surface

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Thickness of sealant bead: 2 to 3 mm.

NOTE:

The cover must be installed within 5 minutes after applying the silicone sealant.

The sealant bead may not be thicker than specified, otherwise the excess sealant could enter the oil pan and clog the oil intake tube strainer.

Note the expiration date of the silicone sealant.

-- Install the cover immediately and tighten the new bolts:

-- Tighten the new bolts in 2 passes in sequence -1 through 15- :

Fig 5: Identifying Lower Timing Chain Cover Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Tighten the bolts to 8 Nm
Tighten the bolts an additional 45° (1/8) turn.

NOTE: After installing the cover, allow the sealant to dry for approximately 30 minutes. Only after then may the engine oil be added.

-- Check and fill the engine oil. Refer to OIL LEVEL, CHECKING .

Further installation is in the reverse order of removal.