Problem #2 with my '95 Cab (first was a leak in the expansion tank under the main gas tank) I just noticed today a tapping in the driver side front end. It is a rapid tapping I notice when I first start the car. After a little while it stops and then starts again. Any idea what it can be? I appreciate the help...this is my first Audi and my first used car, so I'm a little on the nervous side!

 

knowing the engine size sometimes helps us diagnose engine noises

 

If it only does it when it is cold it could be your bearings needing time to warm up, rod knock or lifter tick. It is hard to say without hearing it in person.

 

The engine is a 2.8 V6. Oddly, it is bitterly cold this morning and I'm not hearing the noise (which after reading some other posts, I should describe as sounding like a helicopter. I was wondering if the dealer (where I took it yesterday) possible loosened something while trying to identify where the gas smell was coming from. They finally determined that the expansion tank was leaking by removing the main gas tank and examining the expansion tank which is apprently under the back seat. Sound feasible?

 

If it sounds like a diesel then its most likely lifter tick. Check your oil...