Rattling noise at 2500rpm.

[Phil_Gti-16v]

 Hi was just wondering if anyone could helpme out.

I have a 1990 Mk2 Gti 16v with 102,000 on the clock. I have been driving it about two months now without any problems. I first noticed this noise when starting from cold a few weeks ago. It is a very loud rattling, vibrating sound at 2500 rpm. It now does it all the time. It seems to be coming from the top of the engine. I have checked the cam shaft lobes for wear, and there is nothing.
Could it be hydraulic tappets? How much will this cost, and how hard is it.

Cheers people.

Phil.S

[tobz.]

Sounds very much like the camchain and tensioner, they are well known to become rattly usually at 120k+
Its a very mettalicy rattle usually when the engine is off load or at light loads. Tappets tend to be a loud ticking which is present across the whole rev range. Can't comment on how difficult it is as I wouldn't attempt it. If you are having it done it makes sense to renew the tappets while the cams are out. As a very rough guide I had the chain & tensioner, all 16 tappets, cambelt and tensioner replaced on my last valver a couple of years ago, the bill was about £450.

Just a thought:- Try some wynns hydraulic tappet cleaner in your engine first as if it is the tappets they will usually quieten down considerably for a while afterwards.