1. Home
  2. Volkswagen, everything else
  3. Q: Scarry noise - Passat 1990

Q: Scarry noise - Passat 1990

Got this terrible freakin scary noise from the Passat engine compartment. Stopped and lifted the bonnet. It sounded as though it was coming from the engine rocker cover area so I took off the oil filler cap and saw oil splattering about; checked the oil level and there was certainly oil there. Felt the alternator and it seemed OK although the noise did *I THINK* settle down if I held the alternator bracket - not really sure. The noise did NOT seem to increase as I revved the engine - strange. On the way home -for no apparent reason- the noise disappeared and the car drove fine. There was no hint of anything when used it the previous day and I covered about 70 miles. At home I checked/ tightened the alternator bolts and they seemed OK. SPOOKY! I have not had the need to drive it today.

Any ideas what it could be so I can tackle it BEFORE it either gets worse or breaks down.

1990 "H" reg. Passat estate 16v 2.0L petrol manual.
Reply to
Yellow dog
Loading thread data ...

What did it sound like? We don't know what sort of noise scares you. Whistle, squeal, rattle, knock, something else?

Amplitude or frequency? Do you mean it didn't get louder? Or it didn't get faster with engine speed?

I'm not sure if this engine has hydraulic valve lifters. Have you changed to a better quality (synthetic) engine oil lately?

John

Reply to
John Henderson

On Thu, 2 Mar 2006 20:36:53 +0000, John Henderson scribbled by his own authority... (in article ):

Rattle.

Didn't get louder or increase in frequency.

Only had the car about 7 days and was assured by a friend of a friend that it had been serviced a few months ago.

Thanks for taking the time to repy.

Reply to
Yellow dog

Reply to
Patrick Bennington

...

OK, nothing to do with hydraulic tappets or type of oil then.

If it happens again, you might be able to "stethoscope" your way to the source. Being wary of rotating parts, use a long screwdriver or a stick to listen to parts of the engine (one end against your ear, and the other end on the valve cover for example). You'll hear many individual noises as you move it to different places.

John

Reply to
John Henderson

I'm sure it has hydraulic tappets.

Check the oil level - my '90 Polo has just developed a rattle and I thought the oil level was OK, but it took most of a pint and then the rattling subsided a minute after starting up. I've done about 2,500 miles since changing the oil, so I guess it deserves a top-up. Maybe it was only kidding me that the oil level was OK - nowhere much is level at home, so there's a bit of guesswork needed.

Reply to
Dave Hall

On Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:53:10 +0000, Dave Hall scribbled by his own authority... (in article ):

I'm not sure of the frequency or noise increase but consensus does suggest hydraulic tappets. I had to top up the oil, so I'll wait and see how I get on. Thanks for everyone's input.

Reply to
Yellow dog

Could be the water pump bearing is wearing out. When it goes, it sounds like there is nuts and bolts inside your engine. Look at the water pump pulley, try to see if you could move the pully back and forth if it moves, change your water pump. Also look for coolant seeping out of the little hole on the pump housing near where the shaft goes in.

Reply to
stu katz

On Sun, 5 Mar 2006 09:25:55 +0000, Yellow dog scribbled by his own authority... (in article ):

Apology for replying to my own post. Drove the car today and it was as quiet as a mouse.

Reply to
Yellow dog

Funny that! It's been quite cold recently - maybe that has had some effect. My Polo didn't use any water today on the same journey it has recently used around a tea-cup full. Baffling. Maybe warmer weather is sealing hose joints or helping the expansion tank cap valve to work properly. Even the temp gauge was working the whole journey. Must be Springtime again. :-)

Reply to
Dave Hall

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.