Bad engine noise – 05 VW Passat 1.8T

[Matt]

Any ideas what this terrible engine noise could be? Does it on a cold startup but lasts until after it’s warm then randomly goes away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Xe29L_uqA&feature=share&list=UUe0VgoEAiIQpxfcW8DbCOHA

Topic

[Matt]

Anyone?

[LS2000]

Pulled any codes from the computer? Still get a scan regardless of CEL on or off. Sounds like a chain slap to me (usually caused by bad tensioners). You can pull off the valve cover and have a look at it to see if theres any metal being shaved off the inside of the cover.

[William McClurg]

I’m pretty sure that power plant uses a timing belt, not a chain. We had our 01 Jetta 1.8t in recently for timing belt & water pump. A parts search on google tells me that its a belt on the 05 application as well. Sorry I can’t help answer your question, our VW has made all kinds of weird noises, but that isn’t one of them. We signed paperwork today to trade it for a new Honda, that is my reccomendation as well as the recommendation of my mechanic for what to do when VW’s start making weird noises. Good luck with your car.

[Matt]

It actually uses a timing belt AND timing chain believe it or not. Those damn Germans couldn’t make it simple could they.

I believe after some research, I have an issue with my hydraulic timing chain tensioner not holding prime.

Found this nice thread on changing it.
http://www.passatworld.com/forums/61-b5-information-base/215732-how-replace-1-8t-cam-chain-tensioner.html

Now others have another source for searching if they find this thread on engine noise.

[shomoser]

did you check the valves? did anyone play with the timing belt? or adjusted valves on her?

[Matt]

Car only has 95,000KMS on it, so no. Timing belt hasn’t been done yet.

[EricTheCarGuy]

To me it does sound like it could be a timing chain issue. If it runs a hydraulic tensioner then it’s likely that’s the cause as pointed out. I suppose you could confirm this by removing the valve cover and checking the tension on the chain.

[Author]

Replies