I have a 97 Audi A6 2.8 12V and I just got done changing the head gasket on the right side (sitting inside he car). had the head shaved by a hair line since it never overheated and put everything back together. Started the car today everything works fine but I can hear a small ticking sound, its very similar to when your valves are out of adjustment but I guess the hydraulic lifters on these arent adjustable!!

anyways did a compression test:

3) 180_____6) 172
2) 185_____5) 175
1) 190_____4) 180

as you can see the side I changed the gasket has about 10 more psi on average! is this whats causing the ticking sound? should I just play around with the timing belt tensioner to see if I can get it run smoother? tighter or looser?

any help appreciated,
thanks

 

I dont think the increase in pressure is causing the ticking sound. Ever since my timing belt I have a very quite ticking as well, I think it has to do with the belt but the car runs great.

 

Hmm, but where is the ticking coming from? Inside the engine, or is it from the belt? If not, I would be more cautious about a possible problem with a stick valve. Did the head gasket change go down without a hitch?