I've read loads of theads on AEB head noise and most attribute it to the CCT. But none of them have discribed the noise mine is making at the moment.
I was wondering if anyone here has has the same noise or could help.

The noise sounds like a dry bearing noise and is comming from the rear of the head about where the CCT is.
The noise only happens when the engine is hot and between 1200-2000RPM, it seems loudest at 1800.
Its been running with this sound for the last year and its not getting any worse, just annoying.
It does not sound like a slack chain. and the head sounds good when cold.

The car has done 175k, is running on 5w30 fully synthetic. New oil pump and pickup fitted 10k ago due to blocked pickup. I have flushed the engine the last 2 oil changes.

I'm going to pull the rocker cover off soon and have a look, anyone come across this before?

 

whenever anyone mentions this type of noise, the automatic answer is the CCT. some other possibilities are sticky valve, broken valve spring, possible problem with a cam. regardless, pulling the valve cover and having a look is you next step.

 

Or just send the head to me, and buy a new one.

 

deleted

 

I can't speak for the OP, but the shops where I live don't carry 5W40... I've been running 5W30 full synthetic for the last 28,000 miles that the car has been in my possession.

 

I'm tempted given the amount of threads talking about CCT problems and the car's mileage to change the CCT regardless.

Has anyone any experience using non genuine CCT's? There seem to be plenty of places selling them for 1/2 the price of a VAG one. Im not worried about it not lasting for another 100k, just want a couple years more use out of it.

I've not seen anyone so far recommend changing the chain. Unless it looks obviously buggered would everyone stick with the old one?

 

there are a couple different "schools of thought" on changing the CCT. since you pulling the valve cover and will be there anyway, just go ahead and change it. OR some people say if it isn't broken now, just leave it alone. OR, most of the CCT failures aren't really a failure of the CCT. There is a "plastic" pad on the top of the CCT that the chain runs across. The pad breaks and causes slack in the chain. it is possible to buy just the pad and replace it for significantly cheaper than the entire CCT.

a lot of the aftermarket parts are as good or better than OEM. Personally I would steer away from any deal that seems too good to be true (cuz it probably is).

the chain itself will not need to be changed (or at least I can't really imagine a situation in which it would, or that you could without doing significantly more work)

keep us updated

 

Its gonna be a couple weeks before i get around to this but ill try and take some pics and let you know what i find