Actual TDI Balance Chain Failures?

[depronman]

Quick query: I'm in the midst of doing the timing belt (now I've made an engine support beam).

If I was to drop the sump only, would I be able to see enough to make any sort of assessment on chain / tensioner ramp wear? Or ... if I pull the front cover off as well, does that destroy the seal or can it go back on again?

Do I need any gaskets or is it all RTV sealant (of which I have some Loctite / Porsche sump RTV that would be fine I'm sure.

Finally, the sump 'bolts' appear to have both external and internal hexes. Is the internal for factory assembly and the external for maintenance, or is there some lovechild tool as a product of a liaison between a hunky 12 sided socket and a slender yet shapely allen key?

LOL loving the love child analogy

 

[Weetank2]

Quick query: I'm in the midst of doing the timing belt (now I've made an engine support beam).

If I was to drop the sump only, would I be able to see enough to make any sort of assessment on chain / tensioner ramp wear? Or ... if I pull the front cover off as well, does that destroy the seal or can it go back on again?

Do I need any gaskets or is it all RTV sealant (of which I have some Loctite / Porsche sump RTV that would be fine I'm sure.

Finally, the sump 'bolts' appear to have both external and internal hexes. Is the internal for factory assembly and the external for maintenance, or is there some lovechild tool as a product of a liaison between a hunky 12 sided socket and a slender yet shapely allen key?

Dropping sump gives adequate access for a visual inspection of guide wear / position

Rtv / instant gasket is fine + front crank seal not disturbed

Regular 1/4 drive 10mm socket from memory with a wobbly extension combo

 

[Rusty911]

LOL loving the love child analogy

Takes bow ...

 

[Rusty911]

Dropping sump gives adequate access for a visual inspection of guide wear / position

Rtv / instant gasket is fine + front crank seal not disturbed

Regular 1/4 drive 10mm socket from memory with a wobbly extension combo

Ah, thank you very much: that seems to be a sensible compromise overall. Will have a look as see if I can gauge the state of the ramps and get a feel of tensioner protrusion. Just need to remember to drop the oil before removing sump ...