Galaxy 2016 2.0 Diesel Auto - Engine timing chain or no?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice regarding my 2016 Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi. I’ve been experiencing an issue that is becoming more concerning as the temperature drops.

Background:

• May 2025: Had a full Timing Belt + Water Pump and Gearbox service done by Ford. At the time, I mentioned the uneven engine work on cold starts, but the technician claimed everything was normal.

• Since then: I’ve covered about 12,000 miles, including long international trips. The issue is still there and seems to be getting worse with the cold weather.

The Symptoms:

1. Cold Start Shaking: The colder it gets, the worse it shakes. At 0°C, the car starts immediately, but the whole body shakes violently.

2. RPM Fluctuations: Upon starting, the RPM jumps between 500 and 1000. It feels like the engine is about to stall, though it hasn’t yet.

3. No Smoke: There is no visible smoke during this rough idle, but I can smell unburnt fuel/exhaust fumes near the tailpipe.

4. Ticking Sound: I don't hear any typical chain rattling or "shirring" noise. Instead, there is a distinct rhythmic ticking/clicking sound, especially when accelerating.

5. Normal when warm: Once the engine warms up (after a few minutes of driving), it runs perfectly smooth.

What I’ve checked so far:

• FORScan: Fuel injector corrections look healthy (very low microsecond offsets) and the DPF soot load is low (2%).

• Paper Test (Oil Filler Cap): I watched Alan Howatt’s video and performed the "paper test" on the oil filler neck. My car passed – there is no excessive pressure or oil splashing out.

The Dilemma: My local mechanic is convinced it’s the internal Timing Chain (the one connecting the camshafts) and quoted me around £1,500 for parts (genuine Ford), seals, and labor. However, I’m hesitant because I don't hear the classic "rattle" associated with a loose chain.

Questions for the community:

1. For those who have dealt with the 2.0 TDCi camshaft chain failure: What were your exact symptoms? Did it cause violent shaking without a loud rattle?

2. Is there a reliable way to verify the chain/tensioner status (e.g., via Cam/Crank correlation in Live Data) before stripping the whole top of the engine?

3. Could these symptoms (ticking + shaking + smell) point towards something else, like a failing Glow Plug or a leaking injector copper washer, even if there are no DTC codes?

I’ve attached a link to a video of my engine running: https://photos.app.goo.gl/S19jgBG4MPmdNUaf8
Alan Howatt movie :

Any advice would be greatly appreciated before I commit to such an expensive repair.

Thanks in advance!