VW Golf Camshaft problem

[willow74]

I have just been told that my camshaft on my VW Golf is basically knackering itself out.  Whats the best course of action for it, apart from VW heaven.

Cost wise any idea, or is it a case of a new engine?

[KebabMeister]

Don't worry, it won't need a new engine!

The camshaft lays on top of the cylinder head.  Fitting it is relatively simple but it depends on whether the cam followers are hydraulic or shimmed.  I think they're hydraulic which would make it 99% easier.  If the cam-carrier can be removed without removing the cylinder head then I would expect the job to last no more than 1 - 1 1/2 hours.  A new cambelt would be worth fitting at the same time too.

Although I have worked on VWs, I can't remember the layout I'm afraid!

BTW Is it an single cam or twin cam engine?

Cost wise?  Not sure, depends on how much they do the camshaft for.  I would guess that it would be below 500 quid.

[willow74]

i dunno if its a single cam or a twin cam - i'm a girl !  haha!! 

Its a 1.8 CL 5 door model  - thats the best i can tell you

Its only a K reg one so not worth spending loads on it.. i'll take it to the garage and will be sure to be ripped off. 

I like to do my research before as it cuts down all the mechanic crap that you get

 

Ta

[KebabMeister]

Ah, it should be a single camshaft engine.

Try all your local garages and ask for quotes.  Any qualified mechanic should be able to do this job.

What exactly is wrong with your camshaft at the moment?  Is it noisy?  Wearing?  What mileage has it done?  Since it's quite an old car I would be tempted to put thicker oil in it and live with it since spending a lot of money on a car that age could go towards a newer car if you know what I mean?  Do you travel far in it?

[willow74]

It is rattlely and a little noisy (not deafening yet).  It starts on the second attempt, but thats just cos of the cold mornings i think. 

I am reluctant to spend loads on it as its not worth it, however the MOT is due in 5 weeks so thats another problem.

Mileage is 112,000 which is quite low for a VW really isnt it.   I use it every day and do about 22 miles a day

[verrecchia]

it might be an easier option to get a secondhand cylinder head fitted, but if the car is real old, then it could even be cheaper again to get a secondhand engine fitted.

One point though , i do know from experienc, that the oil filter on WV's can make a difference, if you use a WV filter, its fine, but spurious filters can actually be bad for it, causing tapping on cold engines

[KebabMeister]

A second hand cylinder head or engine might be all very well cheap, but to have it fitted would cost probably more than having a new camshaft fitted.