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Hi Guys,

My car seems to have recently developed an engine rattle when starting from cold. It is only for a second after starting, but it isn't somthing i have noticed before.

It reminds me of the noise a car that has been sat for a long time makes when it is started, as there is not a drop of oil in the head.

Anyone elses car rattle on a cold start?

I also just had my cambelt changed at MRC, possibly related?

I have done a search of the forum, and i have seen that this has been talked about before, but not for a while, and with no definitive answer. Any developments on this subject?

Cheers

Simon

P.S. My oil level is fine (first thing i checked)

hydraulic lifters being noisy while the oil pressure builds up? If it's that then it is probably normal

sounds normal to me , especially now it is colder . Should only last a second or two until oil recirculates

Hi there - all normal - postings will resume when the cold weather gets here!!

Dave

cool!

Hi, the rattle you hear is the camshaft timing chain tensioners. With age the oil seals perish in the tensioners causing oil holding pressure to drop overnight, as the engine is started it takes a moment for oil pressure to build up in the tensioners to tension the timing chain correctly, causing the chain to rattle. Simples

What timing chain?

the ones at the back of the engine?

Timing chain? I thought it was belt!

ecain63 wrote:Timing chain? I thought it was belt!

There are chains inside the rocker covers to keep the cams in time....

Chains

Correction , its a known fault by audi,theres a pressure relief valve in between the banks, this fails allowing all pressure to be released overnight,bitch to change ive lived with mine since purchase , still offputting.

if it's any consolation, M5 V8 engines I've heard starting up from cold sound a lot worse than mine ...

Yep, you are right they have chains just under the rocker covers.
If the tensioners go weak the chain will catch on the rocker cover itself.