2005 C6 A6 4.2, chain tensioner/guides inspection possible?

[altxf4]

So am about to get an Audi again...finally. It is a 2005 A6 4.2 with 104,325 miles. I do not hear any rattle on initial start up or anywhere in the RPM range, but if I can I would like to be as sure as I can about the timing chain assy. Is there any way to remove any of the rear covers and use a bore scope to check the condition of at least part of the system.
As far as I can tell it seems like the care was driven light and well cared for.

Thanks

[JPJ2007]

There's a video here of a mechanic doing a timing chain guide swap without pulling the motor, However it looks pretty intense. I couldn't tell you for sure though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAWsKChptvU

[SinCityA6]

You could potentially remove the upper timing chain covers and try to inspect as much as you can. Not sure if the trouble of doing so would be worth the relatively limited amount of knowledge it would provide. If the timing chains are not rattling at all on a cold start, then that is the most telling indication about the condition of chains (stretch) and the tensioners. Just my .02


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[altxf4]

Thanks!
I have done plenty of 1.8t and other none VW/AUDI timing belts but never a timing chain. It is all doable for me as I have the shop, lift, hoist, and other non-special equipment but I rather not have to do it.

Is it the upper tensioners that fail more often? We havn't purchased it yet, but going to go buy it tomorrow morning. I told them that if it has been started at all before we get there the deal is off. Last time I started it, it was later in the day, but temp gauge was showing full cold as a 93 degree day would allow.

[JPJ2007]

I might just be lucky but I have 213,400 miles on mine and since I bought it with 90k miles I haven't had issues from the chains/guides. They're more reliable than belts but as you know the guides ware down.
I'll let others chime in, but like mentioned rattle at start up is an indication of problems with either the guides or chains. With 100k miles I wouldn't be too worried about it unless there were some
signs of wear and tear.

[Kevin1]

So am about to get an Audi again...finally. It is a 2005 A6 4.2 with 104,325 miles. I do not hear any rattle on initial start up or anywhere in the RPM range, but if I can I would like to be as sure as I can about the timing chain assy. Is there any way to remove any of the rear covers and use a bore scope to check the condition of at least part of the system.
As far as I can tell it seems like the care was driven light and well cared for.

Thanks

My old 4.2 started making noise around 130k miles, and the tensioners and guides failed around 135k miles. I was the original owner and the car was religiously maintained at the dealer with the oil changed at 5k mile intervals.