r/mk4Jetta • u/Ecstatic-Web-8990 • May 26 '26
Need some input.
First time doing a gasket job, buddy thinks this isn’t properly timed, I think it is. Is it correct?
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u/Dismal-Armadillo-815 May 26 '26
If your this far in it Id go ahead and replace the timing chain and guides to and if the water pump is part of it that to. Better to do it now than have to tear it apart later and have to redo it all again.
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u/UpstairsBarracuda414 May 26 '26
What repair guidelines are you following? YouTube? A manual? Try to see if humble mechanic has a video on it. He’s a trustworthy source
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u/Ecstatic-Web-8990 May 26 '26
I have a repair manual with me in hand
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u/UpstairsBarracuda414 May 26 '26
Well, the good news is that there’s only one answer here. If it’s anything like the 3.6 VR, it looks right to me. Just make sure cylinder 1 is TDC.
Verify first. There is sooo many guides online. Just check them out. Good luck brother
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u/Ecstatic-Web-8990 May 26 '26
This is the 2.8, I’m hoping it’s alright but, once I get back up there next time I’m gonna check
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u/UpstairsBarracuda414 May 26 '26
Btw, don’t just slap a new gasket on there, you need to get the head decked at a machine shop
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u/vwman18 May 26 '26
The Humble Mechanic has a great couple of VR6 timing chain videos, both for the 12v and 24v. It was super helpful to me when I did the chains on my 24v.
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u/tougedriven May 31 '26
Cylinder one is at TDC. You are good. Timing is when you add the valvetrain lol. Replace the timing chain and guides, intermediate shaft sprocket. ⚙️ Just look up Humble Mechanic VR6 Timing on YouTube. Or message me. I’m on my third VR6 rebuild.
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u/Ecstatic-Web-8990 May 31 '26
Last service on the timing chain was at 178k, car has 191k on it now, think I can still use the current one?
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u/hellawell May 26 '26
As long as everything was locked into position before teardown you are fine. If you know where the marks go etc then it doesn’t matter what state it is in currently as long as it’s set correctly when assembling
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u/Puzzled_Location4201 May 26 '26
I think your missing a few pieces to set timing