Timing chain tensioner question

[Miro1118]

Just picked up an 2007 A4 2.0T. Has 85000 miles. I see that the coolant flange is leaking. I want to be economical doing this. I am waiting for a mirror to see if the vacuum pump or the timing chain cover is leaking oil. I would like to get away with just removing the pump for clearance. Question is, if I go through the trouble of taking off the timing cover, can or should I replace the timing chain tensioner? If so can I change it without removing the chain or the adjuster? The other thing is I feel that while I have the coolant drained that I should tackle the timing belt change since I am at 85000 miles. Thanks in advance for responses

[Miro1118]

Answered my own question with a YouTube video. I am waiting on parts to do the coolant flange. While I have the coolant drained I’m going to give the timing belt and water pump a shot. And also the cam follower. I’m going to just take off the vacuum pump to access the flange. It seems that just the heater hose port of the flange is leaking so I’m going to replace the heater hoses too. Any tips would be appreciated.

[Dondbg]

Do the thermostat was well.
Most of the time I have seen the leak is from the vacuum pump seal to the chain cover or the pump itself, I rebuilt my pump using a eBay kit (just a bunch of o rings).
If you don’t have rattle why change chain tensioner ?
Check the oil filter housing area and see if there is a leak.

What I would is give the engine a good clean and drive the car then check for leaks, that’s what I did.

[Miro1118]

Thanks, I Watched a pretty in-depth video on how to change the coolant flange on YouTube. He was able to do it by just removing the vacuum pump. Some people say that access to the flange is much easier with the timing cover removed. I figured that I could do that and check on the timing chain tensioner. But I changed my mind. I ordered the seal for the vacuum pump as well. The thermostat is a good idea. The engine is kind of dirty on that side which probably means I have a leak in that area. But seems like a lot of work to do in just one sitting. I guess I’ll get started and see where it leads me. LOL.

[Apaul]

Hello all, so I’m new to this. I was just driving on the highway 60mph or so went to speed up. Heard a pop and car shut off. Pulled off highway, tried to start back up and now sounds like the engine has no resistance. Help!🚘🔫

[wkhanna]

sounds like a timing mech failure & you bent your valves.
what model, engine & mileage?