Another Death rattle story

[Simon Wallwork]

A few weeks ago, I got the 'min oil level' warning on the DIS.

Stopped and put half a gallon in! Obviously a problem as car serviced 5000 miles ago.

Yesterday morning, started up. Death rattle from engine. Shut down, checked oil. Added 3 pints. Still rattling.

Drove to work slowly. Rattle worse and definately related to engine speed.

Drove to 'A for Audi' after work. Andy diagnosed it as Cat problem straightaway.

I was unconvinced until he smacked it with a hammer, stopping it instantly.

'Has it been using oil?' he said.

It seems that a blocked CAT causes increased back pressure which causes the engine to burn its own oil.

I paid £300 for a replacement CAT. It's getting fitted on Friday.

Every day, a schoolday!