Hey guys and girls. I have a 1996 A4 2.8 Quattro Automatic with 152k on her. She runs great aside from the fact that recently I have noticed a faint clicking/ticking sound when I accelerate a bit harder than usual. I'll have to check next time I go out to see at what RPMs the clicking starts, but I thought I'd ask if anybody had any ideas about what this could be. Thanks!

 

Sure its clicking and not 'pinging'?

 

It could be pinging. Clicking. Ticking. I'm not exactly sure. I checked yesterday and it happens when I hit 2,000 RPMs or higher. I heard 2.8's engines click for no apparent reason, I read that in another thread here.

 

Could be pinging (spark knock) since it only happens under load. What type of gas you burning? I'd run some Techron (on sale; 2 for 1 at Advanced) or other good cleaner mixed with good Shell or Philips 66 premium through it for a tank or two and see.

 

93 Octane "Super Premium" at a local station. I made a mistake when I said it happens when I accelerate. I've been keeping tabs on when it happens and it seems to always happen when I hit or go about 2,000 RPM. It's really annoying to me when I drive with my windows down because that's all I notice, even when I turn up my music haha. I'm not sure if pedestrians can hear it but if they can, that's embarassing.