RS246.com Forum :: The World's #1 Audi R, S and RS Enthusiast Community

I'm sure I haven't heard it before, but the last few days when starting first thing in the morning there is a nasty rattle from the engine for a couple of seconds. For the rest of the day it starts without the noise. Have I bought a rogue ( what with the gearbox problems) or is it not as bad as I think (big ends). Any ideas??

Sounds like the cam chain tensioner / variable valve timing piston.

You can log the variable valve timing to see if it's that.

Mine does this - "rattles" for 2 seconds or so then good as gold and only from cold. Have heard other members with the same issue and no problems with the car - I believe a warranty engineer raised it on a warranty report that caused a problem when renewing but think it was sorted easily in the end

The tensioner is also what provides your variable valve timing. What makes the noise is the piston not holding oil pressure so it slacks off and until it fills again what you are hearing is the chain flapping around. No biggy as long as the car can still vary the valve timing enough. Does point to wear though, and you should plan on changing it next time yoru rocker covers come off.

Dingdingding. I have this exact thing too. Only tend to notice it when the car has ben left for a few days. Basically I hear it every time I start up due to only driving her once/twice a week. for a couple of seconds from the second she starts you here this metallic-like rattle but it goes away after that. I knew it was bothering me for a reason......

/Edit - Good god I am typing gibberish today.....

Like I said, you can check that the variable valve timing is still dephasing the inlet cams withthe Vagcom. IIRC you can get up to 46° dephasing.

Shoppinit wrote:Like I said, you can check that the variable valve timing is still dephasing the inlet cams withthe vagcom. IIRC you can get up to 46° dephasing.

Sounds too complicated for my noggin so I will ask the guys while she is still up there.

Mine used to do it but I had them replaced

Thanks guys and Amanda for putting my mind at rest!! I am taking the car up to Unit 20 in a couple of weeks for them to look it over before I start my big fight with Warranty Direct over the gearbox, so it is one more thing on my list!! I think I'll be spending a bit of money again shortly. Just had to have 4 new Michelins as whoever had the car before me had put Kumhos on it and they hard worn to the wire on the inside at the front (knobbly bits??).

amanda1 wrote:Mine used to do it but I had them replaced

Me to

marv8 wrote:Mine does this - "rattles" for 2 seconds or so then good as gold and only from cold. Have heard other members with the same issue and no problems with the car - I believe a warranty engineer raised it on a warranty report that caused a problem when renewing but think it was sorted easily in the end

Warranty Direct refused to cover my engine due to the rattle and demanded a full engine health check including oil pressure and compression checks. I got the checks done and they still refused cover, with hindsight probably a good thing.

Depends if it's a rattle or ticking. They all tick from cold for a while.

I started mine up for the first time in 3 months at the weekend. It ticked for a while then stopped. I then just stood there dribbling at the smooth sound of the v8! It has been tooo long!! My wife came out the house and looked at me really strange almost the same look when you are caught glancing at another woman! Lol

GarethRS wrote:Depends if it's a rattle or ticking. They all tick from cold for a while.

I started mine up for the first time in 3 months at the weekend. It ticked for a while then stopped. I then just stood there dribbling at the smooth sound of the v8! It has been tooo long!! My wife came out the house and looked at me really strange almost the same look when you are caught glancing at another woman! Lol

Ticking is normal and is even mentioned in the owners manual.
These rattles / ticking noises must be a Cosworth thing, my old RS500 used to rattle it's nuts off first thing although that was piston slap

Bet you wish you'd kept it though, eh?

Yes i do but at the time 11 years ago now, 7 mpg and new additions to the family mean't i couldn't