Ok, so my car was doing the classic "Diesel sound" after idling for a couple of minutes, and I was told by the dealer, my Audi/VW mechanic, and numerous opinions on here that the cam chain tensioner had to be replaced. Well, I managed to do it myself, which was quite rewarding. However, the chatter is much quieter and takes longer to happen, but it does still happen.
So, I figure it has to be oil pressure related. Any ideas? I know I don't have engine sludge, I've only got 60,000 miles and have always changed oil within 5000 mi. Is there an oil pressure control valve or something? My old car had one, don't know if my 1.8T has one or not.
Also, regarding oil changes, I've been following the manual and using full synthetic 5W50, would a lighter oil such as 5W40 or 10W40 help me maintain oil pressure? Somebody please help, I'm diying to get back to autocrossing, but I won't race the car till I have this ironed out! Any input is appreciated!

~Bob

 

Check your oil pressure. Attach a gauge to the port near the oil filter. Then post up the info.

I am in the same boat as you are - my wife's 2.8 has the noise and I'm starting with the oil pressure check when she gets home Thursday night from her work trip.

MIKE

 

seafoam your car

 

thats a normal sound on a 1.8t if its coming from the back of the head expecially if it goes away when you rev it up.

 

ok, so I threw some seafoam in the crankcase on my way to classes today, and It seems to have already made a difference. I let it idle for about 5-7 minutes when I got home, and no ticking at all. I'll keep yall posted on what happens when I change oil friday. thanks for everyone's help!

 

just a lil FYI i dont think you should drive that long w/ seafoam. it says only 100 miles or so. that stuff can dry out seals if you leave it in for too long/ or use too much.

 

yeah, I was thinking the same thing about the seafoam, I've gone 120 miles since I put it in, and I'm gonna change it tonight. I wouldn't want to go any more than that, considering my oil is now ~10% seafoam. I will post tonight On what I observe.

Are you sure? Cause I would love to believe you, does yours do this?

Thanks to everyone who has replied, it's great to have such wonderful support. One question remains unanswered though, what oil is everyone using?

BTW: keep an eye out, tonight i'm gonna post pics of my new wheels and tires, exhaust, hid's and e-codes... at least I'm excited...

 

mobile 1 full synthetic FTW!!!

 

ok, so... I changed the oil, and replaced the oil with Castrol full-synthetic 5W50 (which is what I've always used) and it feels like a new engine. I guess the seafoam did the trick, cause the engine is much quieter, and so far, no tensioner ticking. If something comes up, I'll be sure to update, but It looks to be solved. The oil I removed was not foamy or full of crap, in fact my oil always comes out very clean. I tried to filter out any metal particles with a magnet taped to the bottom of the oil catchpan and to the side of the funnel, but found nothing significant. Thanks everyone for the input.

Bob