B5 Models Please discuss all 1996 - 2001 B5 A4 topics here...

possible cam chain tensioner problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 06-06-2011, 11:58 AM
temesta's Avatar
1st Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 7
Default possible cam chain tensioner problem

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum .

Anyways, my 1.8t a4 2001 makes a terrible sound when the engine is hot. On idle its intense but it follows the rpm. I googled a bit and found that the cam chain tensioner miggt be the problem. I am not sure so I took a video. If you have any idea it would be greatly appreciated.

http://m.youtube.com/index?client=mv-google&desktop_uri=%2F&gl=CA&rdm=4mty1b87f#/watch?v=1VwoF2oHfic

Thx!
 
  #2  
Old 06-06-2011, 12:09 PM
ImTheDevil's Avatar
Administrator
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 11,670
Default

If it's a diesel clatter sound then most likely it is the tensioner.
 
  #3  
Old 06-06-2011, 12:43 PM
temesta's Avatar
1st Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 7
Default

Originally Posted by ImTheDevil
If it's a diesel clatter sound then most likely it is the tensioner.
It is not a diesel engine tho...
 
  #4  
Old 06-06-2011, 12:44 PM
ImTheDevil's Avatar
Administrator
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 11,670
Default

I realize that. If it SOUNDS like one, that's one of the telltales that the cam chain tensioner is going.
 
  #5  
Old 06-06-2011, 10:41 PM
Tweaked's Avatar
3rd Gear
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CT
Posts: 1,900
Default

I can't see the video on my Droid, so I'm going by what you've said...

Can tensioners usually make the most noise when the engine is cold. It sounds like a sewing machine clatter. If it doesn't clear up after about 30 seconds, the tesnioner might be going south.

If the noise is only audible when hot, you may have a turbo or cat issue.

Try running seafoam in the crankcase for a couple hundred miles. Change the oil using 0w-40. If the noise diminished under the conditions you stated, suspect the tensioner. If its unchanged, look into turbo and cat noises.
 
  #6  
Old 06-07-2011, 07:59 AM
temesta's Avatar
1st Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 7
Default .

thank you for your replies! so let me give some little more info about my problem. the sound will only happen about 10-15 mins after i start the engine and will slowly increase. After a while, it wont only make a weird sound when reving, it will also make a sound on idle (and the sound will follow the rpm). it really sounds like 2 pieces of metal hitting, and i first thought it was a problem with my fan, but everything is OK with it.

Here is the youtube link, not the mobile one this time :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VwoF2oHfic

the video was filmed after about 30 minutes on road at about 70 kmph, if it can help. my turbo doenst sound blown at all ( compared to the videos i saw).

Thank you again!
 
  #7  
Old 06-07-2011, 09:07 AM
Tweaked's Avatar
3rd Gear
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CT
Posts: 1,900
Default

Wow that does sound bad. Does the car feel sluggish? I'd start with a compression test and see what's going on inside. Another good test it to remove the acessory belts and fire up gathered engine. If it goes away, you've got a bad accessory or pulley.
 
  #8  
Old 06-07-2011, 12:06 PM
temesta's Avatar
1st Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 7
Default

Thank you for your recommendations, ill try them asap! To answer your question, my car doesn't feel sluggish at all since I fixed my misfire problem. From the sound
 
  #9  
Old 06-07-2011, 12:07 PM
temesta's Avatar
1st Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 7
Default

Thank you for your recommendations, ill try them asap! To answer your question, my car doesn't feel sluggish at all since I fixed my misfire problem. From the sound, do you think it could be the cam chain tensioner at all?
 
  #10  
Old 06-07-2011, 04:44 PM
Msnickbroderick's Avatar
Actual WIZARD
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 1,047
Default

It almost sounds like rod knock, but not...
 


Quick Reply: possible cam chain tensioner problem



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:23 AM.