VR6 - Engine Rattle

[SW VR6]

Well, I got lost after "remove the....".  Way, way out of my depth!

I stumbled across this link http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1127339, which leads to a sound clip of some bloke's VR6, experiencing problems with the timing chains. Sounds a bit more severe than my rattle, although it is quite reminsicent of the type of noise I am experiencing.  

I also found this link http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1264409, which was posted by some bloke who obviously has far too much time on his hands.  It's a blow-by-blow account of how to change the timing chains on a VR6.  A bit sad, but some very detailed instructions and good pictures of the whole process.  If nothing else, at least I know what it looks like in there now!

Anyway, car is going in for a check over on Tuesday, so I'll wait and see what they say about the rattle....

[N-Wales_vr6]

I know it sounds stupid but have you checked your exhaust heat shield? sometimes that rattles until warm up.Your car is a Windsor Blue (which flips to purple in the sun) Dusty Mauve is the purple that always stays purple! (but not Highline Purple which is called Blackbury Metallic) Non vag dealers call it Mystic Blue cos they dunno the correct name!
Anorak huh?

[SW VR6]

Ah - Windsor Blue.? It sounds so regal!

Car went in to the tried and tested local VW idependant garage yesterday. Conclusion: worn upper guide rail and/or tensioner.? Parts aren't too expensive (?140), but 4 hours of labour, so will probably cost ?300 all in. Not the end of the world, but a bill I could do without!

Anyway, the guys at the garage were great (been using them for years), they had all the exploded engine diagrams for me and all the parts listed so that I could see how the overall cost was built up.? In fact, they have been so good for so long that I'm going to post their details in the Good Guys section.

No more rattles on cold from next month!