So after talking with the mechanic... he's got the cover off got the VAG hooked up and everything seems to be firing just fine. He said the engine doesn't look too sludged up (he's seen them worse) and may have even been replaced in the not too distant past. The cam tensioner gasket looks good but the tensioner itself appears to allowing for some slack under high temp. Gonna replace the tensioner at see it that fixes it. If not... then seafoam, prayer and trip to go see the guy that sold it too me.

 

Seafoam it either way, though do it after he replaces the cam tensioner. If there's even slight buildup on the engine components then do it.

 

Just to wrap this up... had the screen cleaned and the cam tensioner replaced, did the seal while we were at is for good measure. Seems to have solved the problem. Still planning on seafoam before the next oil change. Now I get to try and solve the "no heat" problem since it's single digits outside and figure out how to hook up my iPhone. Thanks for all the help!

 

I've noticed after having my first Audi that the ticking sound is a lot more common than I thought it was. I've heard a bunch of even new Audi/VW cars have that little ticking sound as they drive by me in parking lots. As long as the car's still running fine, that's all that matters to me lol.

 

Did he check the valves to see if they need adjusted?