Metalic rattling noise

[2007GTI]

I was checking under bonnet when the engine was running the other day and noticed a constant matalic rattling noise.  You can only hear it when the bonnet is open and I haven't noticed it before, but only had the car 4 months.

I got VW assistance out (well its free) and they pissed around and thought it was the just the injectors.  it drives fine, just not used to this sound.

Anyone else experienced this?

[Phil mcavity]

yes mine does, like a loose tappit sound like the old ford escort cvh hydraulic valve lifters used to do once the oil got abit thin. i only hear the noise on idle speed, but clears when you apply the revs.

[wantmygti]

Does the engine use a chain for a cam belt? My MR2 does and it produces a very ticky tick-over. Might be the same?

[2007GTI]

Took it to a dealer and he said it was normal.  Also started up another GTi while I was there and it sounded the pretty much the same.  Oh well, better to check!

[G]

I get a similar noice when accelarating fron 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th, mostly notably up hill when the engines under more pressure, it's happened since I got the car over a year ago, got fobbed off by one dealer many Months ago, seems to be getting worse so it's booked in with another dealer this Thursday.

[Phil mcavity]

sounds like the old term called "pinking" which is slight timing problem, older cars did that when under load or climing up hills etc, either could be caused by using low octan fuel, are you running on 99 octane?

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Does the engine use a chain for a cam belt?

Open bonnet, and looking at engine from front to rear, a cam belt on the left side drives one of the overhead camshafts (can't remember which ATM).  A the right end, the second of the DOHCs is driven by an adjustable chain from the other!

Look in the now sticky (wo ho!) thread: free Golf V workshop manuals, and download the self study guide!

Rgds