Tensioner rattle video library?

[xyber]

Just an idea, shall we film our engines on startup to show what kind of rattle and duration we are having and post here with our mileage.

I've got the usual short rattle, but I suspect like most, have no other comparison to any other car, so I could be thinking it's just the norm, but in reality I need it sorting. Could be useful as from what I understand there is no way to check the tensioner easily so a direct comparison to other engines may highlight that yours is better or worse than others.

From hunting around it seems tensioner failure is goodbye engine every time!!

[Vorsprung_Durch_Technik]

I dont think this is a bad idea, altohugh to be honest mine is different every time. I change my oil every 4K using Fuchs Silkolene Esther based 5W/40 oil. its always slightly quieter after an oil change, but in between changes sometimes when starting it doesnt rattle at all, sometimes its loud, sometimes quieter. I will try and catch it at its loudest. I have noticed that it is at is loudest after being driven a few miles then left to sit for a few hours. First thing in the morning its hardly noticable.

As far as tensioner failure is concerned I would like to think that you would get a bit of warning. i.e it would rattle at idle constantly, (I hope!) or I may have to make a desperate phonecall to warranty direct!!

[xyber]

I was reading a thread on Audizine where a guy had the usual rattle, but then the battery light came on then boom. So if your battery light comes on to show the alternator is charging pull over quick and investigate. I'm thinking of shelling out on a warranty just incase

I use edge 5/30 oil but I may try the new 5/40 next as I think it may improve things

[xyber]

Right, here's mine, I think if the camera was further away you'd hear the rattle better over the other noises so I'll try again in the week, but it's a start

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_V0NZ2K ... tube_gdata

[Vorsprung_Durch_Technik]

I was reading a thread on Audizine where a guy had the usual rattle, but then the battery light came on then boom. So if your battery light comes on to show the alternator is charging pull over quick and investigate. I'm thinking of shelling out on a warranty just incase

I use edge 5/30 oil but I may try the new 5/40 next as I think it may improve things

I can recommend warranty direct. Used them for a few years now, I think it was around £500 for the renewal this year iirc, but they have been relatively hassle free so far, Aux rads,, Coil Packs, Rear wiper motor, and front wiper linkage all covered up until now. It isnt the cheapest warranty I agree, but in my opinion its worth it if anything serious ever goes wrong!

[xyber]

They wanted £800+ from me, they seem to pick prices at random sometimes

[Vorsprung_Durch_Technik]

Bloody hell that isnt cheap. I wonder what mine will be next year!

[marv]

Out of interest guys, how old are each of your cars?

I'm thinking of getting a WD warranty, but haven't got a quote yet. I'd like to have some other peoples' quotes to use as a negotiating tool!

[xyber]

2004 saloon, 70k, took the non main dealer option as my local one is full of idiots and the specialist round the corner is a he'll of alot better and a mate. They will hound you with calls if you don't buy a policy and lower the price. They started calling me a few hours after getting an online quote

[Vorsprung_Durch_Technik]

04 04 Avant with 75K on the clock. Price was about 550 i think, I will have to check. WD have a progressive parts contribution system wherby for every 10K over 60K miles the car has done the ownders contribution increases. EG 70K 10% 80K 20% 90K 30% and so forth.