Superb Elegance 170PS, first registered April 2012. 68k miles so out of warranty :-( I recently noticed a change in the engine note. When accelerating, there is a 'slightly 'throaty' sound. It is quite quiet, but noticeable.If it had been louder I would suspect a blowing exhaust, but I dont think it is that. I have searched the net but cannot find anything. Any thoughts / pointers to what might be the problem would be much appreciated - I am cocerned it might be a warning of an impending expensive repair bill.

Have you checked that it's not the rattling air intake box, or the rattling pipe on the bulkhead heat shield?

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/263477-gruff-exhaust-on-140-estate/?hl=+gruff

 

and

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/311004-rattle/?hl=%2Bbulkhead#entry3719983

Thanks. No I hadnt checked them but I will now :-) BTW the Skoda dealer wants £96 just to look at the car. If one of these is the problem I can buy a LOT of tape for £96!!!

Had a listen under the bonnet whilst someone revved the engine gently. Definitely NOT the air intake or pipe on bulkhead rattling. Sounds like it is coming from the rocker box (is that still the right term these days?) and might be one or more of the hydraulic tappets (again is this the right terms these days?) It certainly sounds metallic with my head under the bonnet and the frequency increases with engine revs whilst the car is stationary

 

Oil level is fine and the oil looks ok (no froth or emulsion in it). No warning lights on dash.

 

It is beginning to sound expensive

Edited 20 October, 201411 yr by Bigbigblue

Get yourself a warranty from any of the warranty providers sharpish mate.

Get yourself a warranty from any of the warranty providers sharpish mate.

I think it is a bit late for that ....

Took it into centralaudivw in Birmingham. Diagnostics show no faults, oil pressure is within spec, pleanty of oil sloshing about in the rocker box cover. They don't believe there is a major problem (or one about to occur). Last oil change was 8k miles ago, so they are going to change the oil and filter and I will keep an eye on it.

In one way I am relieved, having not got a big bill to pay, but there will always be that nagging feeling that something is going to go wrong anytime soon....

Edited 24 October, 201411 yr by Bigbigblue

You could get a company to analyse the oil from the oil change, it would help give a warning if something is about to go wrong: http://www.theoillab.co.uk/fuel-testing?Pid=12&Sid=21

 

Just get the garage to hold a sample for you in the meantime.

Loose or hole in intake pipe / airbox?