Just bought a 2005 A6 4.2 with an engine issue

[Shanealan]

I bought it for a decent price knowing it had an issue. The interior and exterior are in excellent condition for a 11 year old car. That's why I had to buy it and brought ng t back to life.
I believe it might have a camshaft chain issue, just from lurking around here and watching some YouTube videos.

I'll pick it up locally next Monday and trailer it home as I don't want to do anymore damage to her.
My question to you guys is, once I do get her home, where should I start, should I do a compression test/leak down test?
Of course if I had a vagcom Id use that.
Go easy on me.

[TechnoToad]

Hey congratulations on your new purchase....If you think you have a cam chain problem... The last thing you want to do is turn over the engine, with the starter....If the cams are out of time, there is a possibility of the valves could actually contact the top of the pistons. No good: I would pull the valve covers and spark plugs, and turn the engine over by hand..checking for any possible contact! If you do have chain problems....the engine is going to have come out...Good luck!

[Kevin1]

The 4.2 is known to have an issue with the chain guides and tensioners. In order to get to the guides and tensioners you need to either pull the engine out or drop the transmissions. I had it done on my old 4.2 when it had approximately 135k miles on the odometer. Dealer charged a little under $10,000. Good luck