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[10thomas89]

Hello,

I am wondering if anyone could help me shine a light on a couple of small problems i have with my Volkswagen Golf 1.6 FSI SE.

Problem 1: Occasionally when starting the engine, the starter engages, turns the engine, the engine starts, but then a horrible rattling sound occurs and lasts for approximately 3-4 seconds then stops, nothing effects the revs, or engine sound. I have had the starter motor checked out also the starter ring, but no problems have shown up. This happens roughly 1 in 6 starts of the engine and can occur when the engine is both hot and cold. I have tried to pin point where about within the engine the noise is coming from but cannot detect it.

Problem 2: I am suspecting there is a problem with the exhaust as there has recently started a knocking sound coming from the rear of the car. I have not had exhaust inspected but wondered if anyone else has experienced the early stages of exhaust system failure? The sound is a very tinny rattling sound, happening mostly when the engine is cold.

I would be very grateful of any information on any of these problems and can provide more details if required. I would also be more than happy to answer any other questions about my car, if anyone needs any help.

Thankyou

Tom

[JON76]

Tom

How bad is the engine rattle? I have an Audi A3 with the same 1.6FSI engine and it's certainly not the most refined petrol engine out there. It regularly rattles on starting and then the engine noise smooths after a couple of minutes driving. The best way I can describe it is that it sounds like the engine rattle you used to get in an old 1.3 litre Escort or Fiesta if you've ever driven one of those!

It mainly happens when the engine is cold but can do the same on a warm start. I think it's quite a common issue with this engine and if you look through the forum you'll see that others have reported similar problems with rattle, noise, judder etc.

Can't help you with the exhaust question as I haven't experienced this

[10thomas89]

Hi

Thank you for your reply to my post.
The rattle does sound pretty bad, its certainly not a rattle you can ignore. It only lasts for about 5 seconds maximum. I know what you mean with regards to the rattles that were popular among old ford engines (and probably some new ones lol).
I have noticed there have been lots of people reporting rattles like you said in the forum, also i have found alot of info from google about it.
The most likely one that suits my problem, and the one that i hope it is, is that the cam chain tension pulleys rattle when they are dry.
Its a strange one, could be allot of things really but i hope it never leads to anything catastrophic!