Hey guys

Took my car to a VW/audi mechanic today regarding some performance issues.
When accelerating there is a gurgling noise similar to the sound where the engine is lacking oil.
When applying full throttle the car splutters slightly.

The mechanic says the camshaft tensioner MAY need replacing soon, and reccomended I change my fuel filter and change my oil to some thicker stuff. Right now i have VW reccomended castrol fully synthetic.

Questions: Does the camshaft tensioner often cause problems for B5 owners (my car has done 139 kms (70-80k miles)?

 

its a common maintenance issue that crops up on our generation of Audis.. my car when it gets real warm and idles on a hot hot day you can hear it start to tick a little.. drive the car and the sound goes away.. one of those things you should consider replacing when you get the extra money

 

Been there ... done that at the 4-year 23K mile mark w/ my 2001 Passat wagon (AUG 1.8T). VWoA covered replacement of the cam chain adjuster (it is called a tensioner in early 1.8Ts, but an adjuster in later 1.8Ts, which have variable intake valve timing), but the service advisor told me the problem is often leakage of the CCA/CCT's gasket. This was presumably my problem as well, since the hot idle clatter was accompanied by a burning oil smell.

Check Passatworld forums for advice on DIY CCA/CCT replacement. If you can change a timing belt and water pump, you can probably change a CCA.