New noise

[tc4332]

Fired the A8 3.0 TDI 2004 (ABS engine) up today to go on a family Mum's day visit.
After a few seconds a strange noise started. Stopped the engine restarted and again after a few seconds the noise could be heard.
Lifted the bonnet and using old fashioned screwdriver sensing techniques resolved the sound to the high pressure fuel pump.
New Lucas pump priced at £800, A8 parts at £130 (nil stock).
No apparent problems apart from the noise, bit like an unbalanced wheel catching something. Engine running as sweet as ever.
Tried again some five hours later (what can you do on a Sunday when a problem appears?) and no noise!!!!
Went for a run and still good.
Tried again an hour later and still good.
OK, plan of action is visit my Indie tomorrow and listen to his prognosis.


Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye (exit music plays)

[tc4332]

Here we are six days later and I’ll try to bring you up to date.
Problem started on Mum’s Sunday.
Monday visited my Indie and he resolved it to swirl flaps. He didn’t want to do a “flap delete” because he couldn’t do a remap. He recommended a local ex Audi guy who had a quick listen and agreed to tackle it today, Friday.
Arrived bright and early and he started with “Replacing the flaps could be very expensive”.
His face dropped when I said “Don’t replace, remove and remap”. I think he realised his AUDI trained stealing method had been thwarted, but he nicely offered me a cuppa and while I went to get one, he had another listen. He caught me before I could organise the kettle and reported “That’s timing chain mate, and I can’t do it, not enough space and my garage is too small”
Obviously, I looked rather annoyed at the new prognosis. By this time, we were back at my car with the bonnet up and he said ”it’s the passenger side chain” and pointed to the rear of the engine as if the lump would have to come out to fix the chain.
I left immediately because the timing chains are not at the back of the engine.
I’ve ordered a pair of refurbed and strengthened manifolds from Germany £250, complete with two new motors, gaskets and new bolts.
I certainly won’t recommend him to anyone. I’ve spoken with my own indie and he will swap both manifolds for me.
Won’t need remapping now.
Anybody know the part nº for the plastic coolant pipe that apparently always breaks when doing something like this?

[MikkiJayne]

Um, the timing chain is at the back, and the engine does have to come out to do it...

[tc4332]

Thanks MJ
We learn something new every day.
This noise is in the inlet manifold and at the front, not the rear.
Guess we'll find out when the manifolds come off.

[MikkiJayne]

Originally Posted by tc4332

This noise is in the inlet manifold and at the front, not the rear.

That's good Chains is not a fun job

[tc4332]

The other strange thing is that the rattle does not increase much when I increase the revs.
The other thing is that there is a delay afetr starting the engine before the rattle starts.
If it was chains it would be there from start and I think it shourd increase with revs.
But then again I am just an old don't know nothing long retired electronics buffoon, so what do I know.