engine noise on 2.0 tfsi

[Staz]

My God, that sounds more like a diesel !

...and absolutely nothing like my engine !

I'm glad you said that. The only way forward on this problem is for us to complain to Audi customer services direct with evidence. Maybe you or someone else can make a recording like that of a silent engine and I'll email them both to Audi.

I'm only keeping the car for a year but it's not the point. Plus I might be getting an S3 next and don't want it sounding like that!

 

[RobinA3]

mines sounds the same but not as loud.................your's does sound loud!

 

[MattS]

If yours is noisy, it is either defective, or it has been thrashed !

total crap, we had ours since new and I know for a fact it is not either defective or thrashed.

It sounds to me that you don't really know the noise we are on about.

Mine was also built last April so Audi must have built you a special engine.

To use the word rattle is wrong in my opinion, it is more of a clicking which is perfectly normal. I would say that yours may be defective if it as quiet as you say.

 

[mfspen]

...I know for a fact it is not either defective or thrashed...

How do you know ?
There could be a manufacturing defect in the 2.0T, which affects some engines and not others - on a batch by batch basis, for example.

Having listened to staz1000's clip, I can say that my engine doesn't sound at all like that. There is no clicking or rattling - just a smooth hum.

 

[Staz]

Can someone please make a vid of their quiet engine so I can send both to audi??

Also please note that audi said the car that had done only 2 miles was the same and audi know nothing of a problem with TFSI engines.

The vibrating bit I zoom in on is actually the tensioner. I've worked on engines before and they don't normally vibrate.

 

[mfspen]

The vibrating bit I zoom in on is actually the tensioner. I've worked on engines before and they don't normally vibrate.

I agree. I'm sure it shouldn't be moving and vibrating like that.

I don't have a camcorder, so can't make a vid, but will see if I can find a way of recording the sound.

This thread is very similar to the endless discussions here on oil consumption, which seems to affect both the 2.0T and TDI engines. Some engines don't use a drop, while others drink it. Just ask Bowfer, it's his favourite soapbox !

It all points to some sort of manufacturing tolerancing issue.

 

[Wilkinson]

Audi technician used the same technique with me. ie. He got me to listen to another A3 tfs 2.0 except that I pointed out that his had over 20,500 mls on the clock compared to my 2,500 and we did not know the history of his. Getting customers to compare cars seems to be a standard Audi response!! My noise developed at about 2,200 miles. It wasn't there before that. It's probably a pulley or tensioner, not injectors which you will hear anyway. It's there shortly after start up and when warm and very noticeable at tickover. I compared my car with the courtesy car (2.0 tfsi s line) with 3,000 on the clock and the courtesy car didn't make the noise. Also compared mine with two others in the family with the 2.0 tfsi engine and theirs sounds sweet compared to mine. Audi said to monitor the situation for another 1,000 / 2,000 miles. However I have taken the precaution of writing to them with a copy to Audi UK to make sure everything is on record.

A3 2.0 tfsi with lots of extras.

 

[Staz]

I did mine using the vid setting on my digi cam. Mobile phone vid should be good enough too.

The only way to really address this is by building a case file between owners. Each person giving mileage and vehicle history then preferably an audio test but reality means a vid is the option. I know the guys without the problem probably aren't too bothered but we need you help to get this fixed. Who knows, yours could develop it later in life!

PS my oil level hasn't dropped in 5500 miles

 

[Calibos]

Audi dude reckons there's nothing wrong with it. They compared it to another a3 tfsi that had only done 2 miles and it was the same apparently. Are we being too sensitive??

I've made a vid which clearly shows the noise I'm on about. Plus halfway through I closed in on what my mate said was the tensioner and you can see it vibrating. I'm not sure it is a tensioner cos it doesn't look like it touches a belt! The audi guy didn't correct me though.

Anyway......

http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/staz1000/?action=view&current=MOV01176.flv

BINGO!! I thought I was mad!!

I generally am very paranoid about any strange noises any time I get a new car. Picked up a 2.0T TT last week and after my brother got a puncture in my old A3 I was paranoid about a hissing sound. Wasn't coming from the tyres. I then checked under the bonnet. Maybe it was a pressure hose worked loose?? After further investigation under the bonnet I realised I was imagining the hissing sound but oh dear God I thought I left my diesel days behind me when I sold the 2.0TDI A3 to my bro Tappety Tappetty tap.

I localised the sound to that exact spot. I take it this is not normal then. I figure its that round rusty coloured bolt bit that is attached to the left half but sits over a depression on the other half. Mine is still metallic coloured though. Looks like the rusty bolt is not supposed to touch the other half (because of the way the other half kind of has a depression molded into it.) ie the rusty bolt isn't supposed to vibrate off it.

Anyone know if its save to test the theory that this is it. How about putting a rubber thimble over the bolt to see if that stops the vibration.

 

[Staz]

I figure its that round rusty coloured bolt bit that is attached to the left half but sits over a depression on the other half. Mine is still metallic coloured though. Looks like the rusty bolt is not supposed to touch the other half (because of the way the other half kind of has a depression molded into it.) ie the rusty bolt isn't supposed to vibrate off it.

Not sure whatyou mean by all that. Any chance of pics with arrows to explain?

 

[MattS]

How do you know ?
There could be a manufacturing defect in the 2.0T, which affects some engines and not others - on a batch by batch basis, for example.

Having listened to staz1000's clip, I can say that my engine doesn't sound at all like that. There is no clicking or rattling - just a smooth hum.

Because I am not stupid and know what an engine should sound like. There are 3 2.0T FSi cars in my cul-de-sac, 2 x A3 and 1 A4 and they all sound the same. Exactly how they should.

 

[Xedos]

That noise sounds normal, just louder because youve stuck a mic right by it.

Mine has made that noise for 25000 miles now. Still fine.

 

[mfspen]

Because I am not stupid and know what an engine should sound like. There are 3 2.0T FSi cars in my cul-de-sac, 2 x A3 and 1 A4 and they all sound the same. Exactly how they should.

Well there are at least three of us in this thread who would disagree with you !

 

[Staz]

Because I am not stupid and know what an engine should sound like. There are 3 2.0T FSi cars in my cul-de-sac, 2 x A3 and 1 A4 and they all sound the same. Exactly how they should.

Is yours quiet yeah? Any chance of making a vid??

That noise sounds normal, just louder because youve stuck a mic right by it.

Mine has made that noise for 25000 miles now. Still fine.

Er Xedos are you not concerned that other peoples' engines DON'T sound like that?? ie it's faulty

 

[Xedos]

Is yours quiet yeah? Any chance of making a vid??


Er Xedos are you not concerned that other peoples' engines DON'T sound like that?? ie it's faulty

That ticking noise thats a bit louder when cold isnt that loud and every 2l sounds like it.

 

[Staz]

That ticking noise thats a bit louder when cold isnt that loud and every 2l sounds like it.

no they dont Xedos that's the whole point of this entire thread! Have you not read the posts?

My God, that sounds more like a diesel !

...and absolutely nothing like my engine !

 

[Xedos]

They all sound like diesels. Its just how sensitive you are to noise you are.

 

[Staz]

Whatever dude. You obviously can't read:

"...and absolutely nothing like my engine !"

 

[Xedos]

mines sounds the same but not as loud.................your's does sound loud!

In an isolated part of the engine with a microphone next to it of course it will sound prominent over the exhaust or other noises.

That noise is normal. It makes a bit of noise, but its nothing like the volume of the Tdi engine.

 

[Xedos]

Er Xedos are you not concerned that other peoples' engines DON'T sound like that?? ie it's faulty

ALL 2l tfsi's make this noise. Your just moaning about it. You stick a mic in it and of course it makes it more prominant. Your chasing your tail on this. How many thouands 2l TFSI engines now exist? How many recalls have your heard of over this?

 

[Staz]

If you have a problem with this thread then don't read it. When someone tells me their car doesn't make much noise and mine clearly does I know there's something wrong. It sounds loud on the vid but it sounds loud for real too. I should know cos I was ****** there! And I'm sure the noise my engine makes is DIFFERENT to others too.

 

[Xedos]

If you have a problem with this thread then don't read it. When someone tells me their car doesn't make much noise and mine clearly does I know there's something wrong. It sounds loud on the vid but it sounds loud for real too. I should know cos I was ****** there! And I'm sure the noise my engine makes is DIFFERENT to others too.

Your just breeding panic thats all. Aud will tell you your car is fine. When youve done 100,000 miles on it, then will you believe its okay?

 

[Staz]

I didn't start the thread Xedos.

 

[Calibos]

Just did a little test on mine with a thick eleastic band....don't laugh!!

Looped the band under that portruding bolt and started the engine. No effect and the band came straight back out without pinching. So its not the bolt vibrating against the other side of the Belt pre-tensioner housing.

Started to move my head/ears around to the front of the engine and tbh I reckon the sound is coming from deep in the middle of the engine bay. Whatever it is if its not the tappets its probably a case of bolts being tightened tighter or losser or rubber gromets missing etc on some cars and not others etc.

Never once did I think there was anything mechanically wrong with my engine in case thats what Xedos thinks. I just wonderred about this noise and the fact that some cars had it and others didn't.

Certainly it doesn't bother me anywhere near enough to have the engine rebuilt just to sort this noise!!

 

[HeliChris]

If you want to diagnose an engine noise without stripping an engine there are specialist tools (which are very expensive), but you can use a large screwdriver as a crude stethoscope.

Place the metal end of the screw driver on the area of the engine you suspect is making the noise the press you ear on the plastic handle. You will be able to pin point the sound much better than using your ears.

Hope this helps

Chris.

 

[smee]

Time to resurrect this thread.

My car is six months olds and has just started making the tappety noise (mentioned above) last week. Although I dont often stand outside my car when the engine is running my 10 year spotted it straight away when I dropeed him off at school last week. I have checked it since and it is definitely noisier than it has been in the past.

Would be interested to find out if anybody had any luck with Audi on this one.

 

[Hotscar]

Isn't it to do with VVT?

 

[smee]

Maybe, but why the change in engine note now. Car was delivered 8th Jan has only done 2400 miles (sorry I know thats a sin but I live very close to work and dont get much chance to drive for fun ) it was fine for the first 2300 miles. Why should there be such a marked difference now? It used to purr now it clunks

 

[Staz]

VVT? Tfsi doesn't have it.

Well I was trying to convinve people to make a vid of their quiet car but noone was interested so I gave up.

 

[s3rob]

TFSI does have variable valve timing and hydraulic tappets.

Btw guys, my 8P S3 has exactly the same ticking noise as described here.

It is perfectly normal, it has done it since day 1 and has not got any louder, it is caused by the high pressure injectors in the FSI system and is not a mechanical defect.

It has all the power it should have as proved by a recent run at Santa Pod.

I agree that it sounds a touch agricultural and no I don't think BMW or Mercedes would have signed off a petrol engine that sounds like that at idle but it is a quirk of the technology and not a fault. In fact you could argue that the sound is a fair trade off for the better MPG of FSI.

I would love to hear a clip of an FSI engine that doesn't click. Anyone?

 

[smee]

In fact you could argue that the sound is a fair trade off for the better MPG of FSI.

I would love to hear a clip of an FSI engine that doesn't click. Anyone?

Better MPG Mine admittedly has had mostly short journeys but all I have achieved to date is sub 20mpg.

 

[mfspen]

Better MPG Mine admittedly has had mostly short journeys but all I have achieved to date is sub 20mpg.

I am one of those with a quiet 2.0TFSI, and it still is. No ticking or clicking ! Unfortunately, I have no means of capturing a vid or sound clip.

20mpg is very low, even for quattro. I get 29-30mpg on short runs, and would expect 3-4mpg worse for quattro. On long runs, I get 35-37mpg.

 

[Staz]

Just spent ages trying to find something to tell me about this apparent VVT but had no luck. One guy said it has VVT on the exhaust valves, which isn't the same. I'm gonna continue to believe it's not VVT until proved otherwise.

 

[smee]

20mpg is very low, even for quattro. I get 29-30mpg on short runs, and would expect 3-4mpg worse for quattro. On long runs, I get 35-37mpg.

I have just checked on DIS and it is showing 20.2mpg from new and 16.8mpg for the 3 mile drive into work this morning.
I am getting about 200 miles even to a tank so that would indicate a sub 20mpg average currently.

 

[s3rob]

Just spent ages trying to find something to tell me about this apparent VVT but had no luck. One guy said it has VVT on the exhaust valves, which isn't the same. I'm gonna continue to believe it's not VVT until proved otherwise.

'Variable Inlet Camshaft Timing'

 

[Staz]

Yes that's not the same as variable valve timing

 

[a3norwich]

I had read somewhere that TFSI uses variable valve timing too, as it is unusual, with turbocharging. Take a look at page 10 here [although that wasn't where I had read it].

If you're a tech-head, it's very interesting stuff!

The elliptical drive sprocket is damn clever too!

 

[RobinA3]

The 2TFSI engine does have VVT.

There is 42degrees of crank angle adjustment on the system.

 

[mitch78]

:thumbsup:

 

[Staz]

It has variable inlet timing ie the size of the inlet is adjusted. It's actually called Continuous intake camshaft adjustment. Variable Valve means it uses 4 inlet valves until a certain point and then all 8. Dependant on how many valves there are of course. The TFSI does not do this.

EDIT: I'm reading the pdf file posted by a3norwich and although it mentions variable vale timing it doesn't seem to mention it again or explain it. If it was continously changing the number of vavles used then surely there'd be a kick like in any other VVT car. I'm still confused on this. Also as fsi injects direct;y into the chamber the inlet valves are only used to add air. And tumble flaps are used to adjust the fuel/air mixture inconjunction with the fuel pressure regulator. Normal VVT engines are completely different from this.