My s3 has developed a rattle on start up from cold, last about 1-2 seconds, then won't do it for rest of the day until it's been left for a long time, what could it be?
Thanks
Thanks
S3 1-2 second rattle on cold start up
- Thread starter sarah1989
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What sort of mileage?
Maybe hydraulic lifters are a bit tired.
These engines do sound a bit rattly anyway as you'll know but that's one possible if the mileage is high.
It has done 94k, full history, engine sounds like any other one does on idle, just weird noise on start up, worried incase it's the timing chain
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Right sort of mileage for any of those unfortunately and impossible to easily say which it could be.
Do you have a good trustworthy independent nearby?
Have a few garages, but just the fact it only does it for 1-2 seconds on first start up from cold ;( is it something I could leave for the minute and listen out for it getting worse?
Has it had the oil changed recently?
Sometimes if the wrong grade of oils used it can cause it to rattle when cold.
Other than that I'd try an oil change with maybe an engine flush.
Sometimes if the wrong grade of oils used it can cause it to rattle when cold.
Other than that I'd try an oil change with maybe an engine flush.
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It's generally the cam chain tensioner. They get a little lazy with age, so when cold it takes a couple of seconds for the oil pressure to be built up within the tensioner and take the slack out the chain.
The tensioners are relatively cheap and it takes around 1.5 hours to change.
The tensioners are relatively cheap and it takes around 1.5 hours to change.
Does anyone have a guide for changing or inspecting the cam tensioner? I have had this cold start rattle twice since i bought the car, would really like to inspect it atleast to ensure all is sound.
