Whenever I start my car from cold lately, I can hear a rattle coming from under the bonnet. It sounds like something metal is loose, but after a few depressions of the accelerator pedal it clears and becomes a nice quiet car again.

Is this normal on an Octy vRS? (which is completely standard by the way.)

Not being too mechanically minded, I thought I throw it over to some who are for a diagnosis?

Thanks,

Andy

Yes, it is also known as the diesel sound... Pretty normal (can't exactly remember what it is called though).

It could be your hydraulic tappets sticking a little. It is quite common on all types of car, you may need an oil change or it could be just mileage. It isn't a problem unless it doesn't clear within a reasonable time after starting.

Thanks Guys,

It only had an oil change a month ago, and has 16,000 miles on the clock - it does remind me of a diesel (only for about 5 seconds though!), and then it's fine. It just seemed a bit weird, none of my previous cars have done it?

Andy

Thanks Guys' date='

It only had an oil change a month ago, and has 16,000 miles on the clock - it does remind me of a diesel (only for about 5 seconds though!), and then it's fine. It just seemed a bit weird, none of my previous cars have done it?

Andy[/quote']

Sounds like they have use thicker oil.

Its clearly beyond hope.

Give it to me and I'll make sure it gets well looked after. :vamperic:

I think it just needs some excercise, lend it to me for the slalom on Sunday

OK, 1st one round my house can borrow it............

(not!)

Whenever I start my car from cold lately' date=' I can hear a rattle coming from under the bonnet. It sounds like something metal is loose, but after a few depressions of the accelerator pedal it clears and becomes a nice quiet car again.

Andy[/quote']

If it's any consolation, mine does exactly the same. Just suddenly started doing it.

It starts ok though, nothing has dropped off and it'll still outrun most BMW's, so I figure it can't be too serious .

Andy, if the sound only lasts 5 seconds then it is normal for the 1.8T engine. Mine sometimes does it for a second or 2 only.

Andy, if the sound only lasts 5 seconds then it is normal for the 1.8T engine.

Mine does exactly the same ...........but it is almost quite scary though !

Wow, this is bizarre - still getting replies to a thread from 5 months ago, I've done another 5,000 miles since then!

BTW - the death rattle seems to have abated somewhat now.

Thanks all,

Andy

Mine new car does it slightly worse than the old one did :(

Mine new car does it slightly worse than the old one did :(

But in your case it is due to a design defect, Jon. :(