Some advice needed on my 1.8t

[Dan_GTI]

my 2001 20vt has begun to use more oil recently, the performance and economy havent changed?

also from dead cold starting, there is a breif noise almost like the fan catching for a split second then never comes back until the car has cooled down? i can only put this down the the fan bearing but im hoping someone can shed some light 

[kcolevol]

If you have an oil leak at the filter, you wont see it under the car due to the engine sheild at the bottom.  Rub your hand around the filter to see if your loosing anything.  If not, remove the bottom plastic sheild and see if any fresh oil has gathered.  If so, you should see roughly where its coming from.  I have absolutely no leaks on my car but do have to top it up very little (about 2mm on the stick) just to keep the levels right, about every 45 to 60 days.  How often you checking?

[BaV]

my 2001 20vt has begun to use more oil recently, the performance and economy havent changed?

also from dead cold starting, there is a breif noise almost like the fan catching for a split second then never comes back until the car has cooled down? i can only put this down the the fan bearing but im hoping someone can shed some light 

Hiya mate, the noise could well be the started motor.  I have heard quite a lot of noisy starter motors on mk4's and alike.  Apparently its a prety easy job to just remove the starter motor and give it a quick clean with some brake cleaner.

And as for the oil how frequently are you having to top up and what sort of quantities?

[richw911]

Starter motor :

http://www.montreal-vdubbing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=43

[Hulmie]

Are you noticing an smoke from your exhaust system on tick over, like its burning oil? Also check around the sump plug and see if the washer is leaking and check to make sure its tight.

As for the noise, it'll most likely be what Bav mentioned. The starter motors do get gunked up and stick on for a split second when starting. However it will stick for longer if left.

[Ivor Mk4 Turbo]

Yes, I've got a squeaky starter motor but the noise disappears if the engine has warmed up.

Warm your engine right up first, then reverse the car up to some reflective glass etc. to see if any grey smoke is coming out of the exhaust.  If so, then it could be the oil seals on the turbo.

[Dan_GTI]

the oil level on the dip stick goes from top to middle in about 2 months, the oil filter was leaking but i did change it and the oil few months back. ill try checking for leaks and smoke and then report back 

cheers for the advise 

[Hulmie]

Maybe just check your oil filter, it may just need nipping up.

[topher]

To be honest that's still within the oil usage tolerances allowed by VW. How many miles has the car done?

[Dan_GTI]

Its about to hit the 100k mark, but it runs fine so i'd expect a little oil use just not that much!