Passat engine/gearbox problems

[starmanv8]

hello to all.
i need some help and advice and hope i can obtain some.
i own a 1999 S Passat TDI 110 Auto Estae.
It has been a great car, but recently developed a rattle from under the bonnet.
The rattle seemed more an engine one from a gearbox, but the rattle happened when the car in the park stationary postion and also in the drive too.
The gearbox has never caused a problem and the car performed well even with the rattle, loosing no oil or water.
Anyway an experienced mechanic friend diagnosed a possible engine bottom end problem and i asked them to carefully remove the engine, component after component.
They have done this and have found some age a related wear, but nothing broken.
They DIAGNOSED THAT IT MUST BE THE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX!!!
Never having caused a problem I was shocked and asked them to remove the gearbox and also give me the torque converter too so I could take to my local automatic gearbox specialist to investigate.
the gearbox has been inspected and is fine, but I will have to now have the torque converter cut open.
I am totally perplexed, but hope for some advice through this forum and also have some questions to ask.

My Passat gearbox is an O1N and has a Torque Converter Code - LCDC.

Do any other VWs use these ie the 90bhp and 110bhp and Used in the 1999 Golf Tdi Auto, Bora etc etc??

Also can anyone help me on an Engine Question too - My Engine Casting Number is 0281030218L and I have been Offered an Engine with Casting Number 0281030218S1.

Will these Engines be the same??

The Cylinder Head Casting Numbers both m,atch exactly being 028103373N

All help would be gratfully received.

Many thanks.

[matt19norwich]

Funnily enough, mine had a rattle when idling. Was a horrible noise.

I have a 98 R 1.8 20v non turbo. Turned out that the Cat was broken in about 3 pieces!

Changed the cat and problem solved.

Matt