A4 3.2 Petrol 2005 V6 FSI 8E Engine noises

[Mark W]

I am trying to get over to run my friends 2005 Audi A4 3.2 V6 petrol engine on my VAG-com software but because of the 100mile + distance I am also trying to get some background to a potential problem that he is experiencing. The engine has done less that 50k miles.

When restarting the engine when warm (5 minutes or so left "ignition off") the engine sounds like a Diesel before any revs are applied. Once the engine is revved the noise goes away.
This started for the first time last weekend, and has happened 3-4 times this week (when stopping outside school to collect/drop off the kids etc) and he is concerned about what it could be. This problem is is not evident when the engine is cold.

There is no sense of vibration (when putting your hand on the top of the engine), no additional noise when removing the oil filler cap (as there was in my Mk3 Golf GTi when the tappets were noisy) just this loud noise that makes the lovely V6 purr sound like my Mk5 Golf 2litre GT Diesel!!

Someone has mentioned low fuel pressure rattling the injectors - or something similar. Are we barking up the correct tree? and if so, what can be done to resolve this problem - software upgrade to the car? Adjustment to the fuel pump??

Many thanks in advance for any help that you can offer

Mark

[beachlife]

I think the first thing you need to do is plug in the vag com lead!!! I think that the cam actuators can give a little trouble on these,usually get a code like "set point not reached" or some thing like that.
but before I'd go jumping to conclusions just get it plugged in,fast, Won't cost the earth no matter where he gets it done and could save thousands incase the engine goes pop!!!

[Crasher]

I have had cam chain issues with these engines.

[Mark W]

Cheers Crasher & Beachlife - I will speak to him tonight and see if he can ge tthe car to me (or a main dealer) for diagnosis.

Mark

[Mark W]

The car is going to the Main Dealer Monday - Fingers crossed it is an easy fix

[Mark W]

Well, the main dealer doesn't know what the problem is!

They are trying an "engine flush" today to see if it is sludge build up that is causing this noise - and then take it from there - Thats £200
Their next cause of action is a "covers off" job. This will be a lot more money, and my friend is not convinced that the mechanic is sure if that will solve the problem.

As & when I have more info I shall post it up here to see if anyone can assist.

[Mark W]

Main dealers still aren't confident about what is wrong.

When the main dealers ran a diagnositc on the car there were no faoult codes at all

The engine flush achieved nothing - noise still audable

They are taking the front covers off today to see if the front chain tensioners are maiking an "intermittent" noise  If they are ok then it will be engine out to check the rear chain tensioners (close to the firewall) and a £2'750+ Bill!!

Can anyone else shed any light on what this problem could be?

[laldog]

How about taking the drive belts off and starting it then,not easy on these i know! could it be the clutch on the alternator??

[Mark W]

Cheers laldog - I did suggest this to my friend to suggest to the dealers - but being Audi they have a "set procedue" to follow.
It astounds me that Audi cant (or arent prepared to) do things like you suggest.

I have just about everything crossed that the engine doesn't have to come out. They say that if the do all the tensioners at the front (engine in) and rear (engine out) and that doesn't solve the problem it will mean a new engine!!!!!! 

[laldog]

Tell you what,take it away from the dealers. There should be no reason to be even talking abuot new engines. Take it to a specialist or an independant who is prepared to have a look at it with an open mind.