Engine Noise on cold start

[Rhigour]

Reading on I understand VW engines have variable timing systems which vary the opening of the inlet and exhaust settings by means of a hydraulic actuator, I think by as much as 30deg on the inlet . The "valve adjuster" is this actuator, which can go titz up and allow the piston to kiss the valve, which is probably the GRRRRR noise.

[Jumbo Golfer]

Cars back all OK again (so far so good) They didn't find the stammering RPM issues, still there (!), and the paperwork states little to be honest, other than CAM adjuster and seals. They defo said the valves were replaced (at least one, they had to re-dismantle it due to a leaking valve), but it's not mentioned on the paper work. So a little clueless why they had it for 2 weeks!

Anyway, I'm put off now. Sad feeling! Cars been fine for 2 years and 16k, now it's all gone to pot! First the suspension bushes, now the topend!

[HHGTTG]

Cars back all OK again (so far so good) They didn't find the stammering RPM issues, still there (!), and the paperwork states little to be honest, other than CAM adjuster and seals. They defo said the valves were replaced (at least one, they had to re-dismantle it due to a leaking valve), but it's not mentioned on the paper work. So a little clueless why they had it for 2 weeks!

Anyway, I'm put off now. Sad feeling! Cars been fine for 2 years and 16k, now it's all gone to pot! First the suspension bushes, now the topend!

To be honest, once this sort of thing has happened there is really only one solution, isn't there? This is the trouble with modern cars and large faceless dealerships in that they don't inspire confidence and don't really care.
It is a matter of fobbing you off with some repair work which may or may not be the solution and a lot of platitudes and the customer goes away with a tainted car, never quite having the confidence in it again.

[Rhigour]

Shame. If the dealership had been a bit forthcoming and explained what had happened and what they had done in the repair I would expect you to feel happier. But as this was a warrenty job they seem to wish to say as little as possible and sweep the issue under the carpet. Perhaps VW tell them to keep the owner in the dark so that it does not get discussed in detail on forums.

[Jumbo Golfer]

Frustrating....but this thread as a sticky might help others.

I have just called the garage and spoke to my service advisor as the list didn't seem to mention any Valves replaced. Well none were! Just the seals, gaskets, and adjuster. The car had to be stripped down again as a valve seal needed replacing and was leaking.

I'm going to keep an eye on the oil consumption now and smoke etc, in case any valves or pistons were damaged.

The car seems smoother, and the juddering RPM (where I posted a different thread on hoverring Revs) has gone completely, so this could have been a tell tale sign preceeding the noise. As a reminder of that symptom, if you cruise (with or without cruise control on), constant speed and revs on a flat road, anywhere between 1500-2500rpm, the Rev needle bounced quickly irratically +- 50/100 revs, all the time. This has gone (woohoo)!!

Doing a bit of research has pointed me to this (I knew I'd seen a Lexus with this issue a while back):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj3xm-LhWqs

Listen very carefully - especially the final start up noise in the sequence, where you can hear clearly what I have said happened to ours. Very similar indeed, albeit the Golf was as loud but for twice as long. Might help....

[Rhigour]

Not so much a rattle, more something chewing itself up.

[Jumbo Golfer]

Thought I should add - the garage have told me that new parts are modified parts, so I'm expecting no more on this issue with this car again....

This makes me wonder if there were some with a dodgy part? Wouldn't it be lovely if they did what the japs do and just call all affected cars back? I know it's bad publicity, but at least they're proactive, heh?

[Jumbo Golfer]

Spoke too soon - irratic RPM back :-(

Seriously guys - the garage can't see it, and I can like it's day and night. Anyone else got this?

I'm going to give them one last go, then go to another dealership.