Thrust washer behind TOPS/PVC valve.

[oldwill]

Greetings all,
Read a lot here but don't post much but this time really could use some advice. Bought a 2007 GTI se 155 / 164 hours. Changed wear ring and impeller, oil change, plugs before first ride. Runs great, preforms as it should.
Noted that use a little oil. First thing I checked was TOPS/PVC valve. Removed the valve and no V-ring gasket on the end which goes into the engine. It has obviously been like that for a while. Not sure how long but at least 50 hours of use. There is no thrust washer present so must be down in the engine somewhere. Hopefully all the way to the bottom. After all this time is it safe to use? Is the washer in its final resting place? Can I put another thrust washer in place without taking the timing cover off? Seems like a poor design. It appears nothing holds it in place except the TOPS valve V-ring gasket. It must stay in place when removing the TOPS valve.
Sure could use some insight on where it might be and could I put another one in place by just putting it inside the timing cover?

 

[oldwill]

Greetings all,
Read a lot here but don't post much but this time really could use some advice. Bought a 2007 GTI se 155 / 164 hours. Changed wear ring and impeller, oil change, plugs before first ride. Runs great, preforms as it should.
Noted that use a little oil. First thing I checked was TOPS/PVC valve. Removed the valve and no V-ring gasket on the end which goes into the engine. It has obviously been like that for a while. Not sure how long but at least 50 hours of use. There is no thrust washer present so must be down in the engine somewhere. Hopefully all the way to the bottom. After all this time is it safe to use? Is the washer in its final resting place? Can I put another thrust washer in place without taking the timing cover off? Seems like a poor design. It appears nothing holds it in place except the TOPS valve V-ring gasket. It must stay in place when removing the TOPS valve.
Sure could use some insight on where it might be and could I put another one in place by just putting it inside the timing cover?

Let me give you an update, took out my inspection camera and took a look in the area and there is no timing chain cover installed. So it would be impossible to put in a thrust washer without the timing chain cover. So my next question is, the timing chain cover snaps into place. Is there enough room to remove the valve cover and slip it into place? Or am I going to have to remove the timing sprocket and chain to get this done? Somewhere along it life there must have been some head work done!