Engine start up metalic clatter

I have had my VRS for 3½years from new now and for the last 3 years have been suffering from a metalic noise on cold start up. The agents have recently fitted a secondary air pump, new cat, new flexible exhaust connector to the manifold and had the vehicle for around 4 weeks to try and diagnose the problem. The noise is very metalic and sounds like a loose baffle, valve or bracket in the exhaust or inlet pipes. The noise is gradually getting worse as time progresses but is generally only present in a severe form within 30 seconds or so of start when the vehicle has been unused for over 10 or twelve hours. I have read the reports in the forum but dont agree with the view that the noise is not one to worrry about. The noise is extreemly loud can by schreechy can have a metalic clatter or knocking. The noise seems to be worse when starting off with the engine under load (slight acceleration) and below 1500rpm. As the engine warms up the metalic content seems to disappear and there can be a knocking sound with the engine under load at low revs.

Whilst the car is now out of warranty Skoda are still actively trying to rectify this problem which suggest to me that they must have some concern as to the cause. Unfortunately everthing they have done to date has had either very little or no effect on the noise. The noise has significantly worsened over the last two months and is loud or extreemly loud on most cold start ups now. Has anybody any fresh ideas on the causes and remidies for this?

Knocking noise from under passenger glovebox

the kncking noise will happen almost at any time and even when the ingition is on without the engine running. Must be electrical. The agents have no idea what it is and have checked the air con unit.but to me it sounds like a sensor searching for but not being able to find a stable setting or a relay chattering. The knocking is not consistent in beat. Everthing works on the car. Has anyone any idea what could be causing this?

Problem 1: I assume the car first went in with this problem while it was stil under warranty? If so it may be worth a letter to customer services telling them that you expect further work on the problem to be covered as the issue is yet to be solved. After all, if a part has failed under warranty it should be replaced - all they need to do is find that part.

I think someone else on this forum has had/is having the same problem. Sadly I cant remember who it is but they may well see this and reply.

EDIT: - I think this may be of interest:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/octavia/30921-vrs-nosiy-start-up-6-months.html?highlight=noise+starting

It may be worth sending that member a PM (private message, cclick their name)

Also:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/octavia/21331-your-vrs-noisy-cold-start-please.html?highlight=noise+starting

And:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/octavia/25508-octavia-sounds-like-bag-spanners.html?highlight=noise+starting

I also get this metallic noise on start up. It is very disconcerting. I have only had my VRS for a couple of weeks, it is an ex company car on a 03 plate but has done 100k. I first assumed that it was a loose baffle but as it goes off once the engine has begun to warm I can only assume that if it is related to the exhaust system then it must be something that warms up and expands to stop the noise. If it is not exhaust related then I would assume that it is something related to a cold start mechanism. Pure guess work only I am afraid.

Problem No. 2: McGyver had an issue with the Climatronic air con recently. Even with the car not running, a gurgling/ clicking noise could be heard, especially with the glovebox open. I have a feeling mine is starting to do this too, but maybe I am just a pesimist.

Problem No. 1: I sometimes get a noise at start-up on very cold mornings, if I drive away almost immediately after starting. Like yours, it's metallic sounding, but it's only for about 5 seconds as I release the clutch and for a couple of seconds after.

problem 1

The nosie has been present on each day this week on cold start up in the morning. The noise is llike a loud clattering of a loose baffle and will be easily heard some 30 metres away. Just about all the exhaust system is new from the manifold flange down. I wonder if there is anything in the inlet ducting tha could generate such a noise.

I have already contacted the customer services at Skoda and they ring me regularly to check on progress. Its a pity they cant diagnose the fault. The service manager is comming to my house in the morning to have another listen. Sods law says that it won't make the noise tomorrow.

I will keep you updated with any developments.

The only good thing to come out of my 3 year battle is that at last Skoda seem to be taking the problem seriously.

Might be the timing chain tensioner.

I have mentioned this to the agents but they look at me as if I'm daft. At first they didn't know that the cam shafts had a chain and hydraulic tensioner at one end. I think they must have looked in the technicl manuals now as they now know the tensioner exists.

I achieved today what I tried to achieve sime two years ago. Today the service manager for the local agent witnessed the engine noise at my home!!!! I think he was surprised by the agressive nature of the dry metalic clatter. He now wants to have my car for one week to inspect some of the engine components and is going to arrange a loan car. I will let you know their findings.

i had something similart on my octy, infact someone has posted a link to my original post earlier in this thread.

Anyway my dealer replaced the secondary air pump and that cured it. For six months anyway.

A few weeks ago i noticed the noise again for a few days on the trot, then it seemed to stop doing it.

I popped the bonnet and had a rummage around and noticed that the hose coming from the secondary air pump had come loose.

I popped in the dealers and they did it while i waited and i have not noticed the noise since.

It sounds like your problem may be more complex than this but i hope you get it sorted soon