Hi All

 

A very minor thing I hope but something thats bugged me since I got the car - it's a 2006 petrol VRS with 86k on the clock... all very well maintained, had oil changes every 8k miles etc. It's been mapped but thats probably not relevant.

 

When it starts, there's a bit of a diesely clatter just as it catches. It doesnt last any time at all, literally just a single clatter - at idle it's absolutely fine. I've heard that although these are belt driven, there's a timing chain involved - could it be an issue with that or something else?

 

I do also notice a clunk occasionally when pulling away and the drivetrain comes under load - which I'm guessing is an engine mount, wondering if the noise at startup might just be the engine moving and clunking against a bad mount.

 

Neither are bad or overly worrying but if there's anything I should be checking or changing preventatively I'd rather do it

 

Thanks!

Just been reading this.............http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/356572-new-vrs-2010-tfsi-what-should-i-do/ but other threads are available.

That's the newer chain driven TSI engine (despite the title), mine's a TFSI...

I get this sometimes too. I've noticed that if the oil level is low it makes the clattering noise. Check the level and make sure its correct. They like to drink quite abit of oil but since i've switched to 5W40 Its used hardly any

That's the newer chain driven TSI engine (despite the title), mine's a TFSI...

Apologies.  Easily confused.

As I recall is that not just a characteristic of a direct injection petrol.

 

The VRS TFSI did have a bit of a tractory clatter on startup.

Oil level is fine, mine doesnt seem to use much at all - previous owner had the PCV changed which I think helps a lot. It is on 5w30 semi synth oil though so I wonder if thats it - as these like fully synthetic I believe

Soooooooo TFSI/FSI has a cam chain (chain between the two camshafts at the top end) known issue with the chain tensions failing and the chain rattles around, might also just be rattle before the tensioner gets hydraulic pressure (oil fed)

 

Be aware, if its failed and the chain is flapping about all the time it increases wear and could result in a snap and all kinds of bad. 

 

 

Highly recommend Matt @ Volkscraft in Marsh barton... Get him to take a listen.. 

Edited 27 May, 201511 yr by neomancer

I've seen someone else on another forum say that it's a known issue but i've never actually read anything with any more detail - have you got any links to any more?

 

I dont think it's failed as it doesnt last any time at all, it's just a single rattle noise

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#safe=off&q=fsi+cam+chain+tensioner+failed

Thanks - still not a huge amount of information out there, not like the TSI failures. What I'd really like to find is information on what the symptoms are (eg, is it the noise I'm getting!) or if it's reccomended to do any preventative maintenance

Pop into Volkscraft.. it might be nothing, mine only rattled under load. (also could be the oil pump chain but that's another, expensive story)

 

Matt replaced my cam chain tensioner, after a bit of drama with the self tightened VVT which lead to a bunch of other problems.

Sounds different as mine sounds silky smooth at idle, under load, free revving etc.

Listening to it, it does sound more like something making contact as the engine shifts, a heat sheild or something. I noticed a similar noise when turning it off so I think something along those lines seems more likely. That said, I pass marsh Barton daily so popping in to let an expert ear listen doesn't sound like a bad idea

Sounds different as mine sounds silky smooth at idle, under load, free revving etc.

Listening to it, it does sound more like something making contact as the engine shifts, a heat sheild or something. I noticed a similar noise when turning it off so I think something along those lines seems more likely. That said, I pass marsh Barton daily so popping in to let an expert ear listen doesn't sound like a bad idea

iaind1, I'd love to know what you have / do narrow this down to. I have an '07 petrol vRS 1Z BWA engine, which appears to have the same noises:

Initial 'tractory' rattle at start-up, and again when stopping the engine. Sometimes, a very small 'knock' felt/heard when changing into first at standstill.

Runs and drives smoothly at all times.

Clutch works fine, though around 70% worn, and not slipping at all.

I've had a battery drain issue - replaced it today.

It was suggested by one mechanic (without me asking) that the sound may be the DMF beginning to fail - which could have led to a higher load being placed on the battery when turning over the engine. I'm hoping this is not the case!

What further have you discovered, if anything?

Thanks

To be honest I've not really looked at it any further. I'm taking it to my mechanic next week for an MOT so I'll ask him then but I'm not concerned about mine really. I'm pretty sure it's just an engine mount or heat sheild or something like that

Wanted to add to this, mechanic listened to it and it's absolutely nothing to worry about. It is a rattle from the timing chain as it takes a few cranks to get the oil pressure into the tensioner. Completely normal and shouldn't give any grief if I keep making sure the oil is changed at the right intervals with the right oil.

Oil level is fine, mine doesnt seem to use much at all - previous owner had the PCV changed which I think helps a lot. It is on 5w30 semi synth oil though so I wonder if thats it - as these like fully synthetic I believe

It shouldn't be on semi-synth.

 

For that engine on fixed interval service it should be VW 502.00 compliant (minimum spec). I don't think there are any 502.00 compliant semi-synth oils.

 

For a small cost premium, VW 504.00 would be better as it has better lubricity, better detergent qualities & less likelihood of inlet fouling from PCV blow-by.

 

On a TFSI I'd be looking at the high pressure fuel pump cam follower & make sure it isn't worn.

 

If you've really have been running a semi-synth then there's a small possibility the engine has a bit of sludging and maybe the valve lifters are sticking slightly.

 

Otherwise, it might just be that weird direct injection clatter they get on start-up (lasts about 5 seconds).

The 1L topup bottle he had in the boot was semi but I found the receipt for the castrol fully synth he put in it - so that's all good. It's got the right quantum oil in it now anyway as he did that for me at the same time as the MOT, the clatter is a bit quieter now.

Fuel cam was done in January