Polo top end rattle

[yorky19640]

I have a 1998 Polo 1.4 16 valve, that runs perfectly, however, when you first start it in the morning the top end of engine is very rattly. Is this normal and is there anything I can do to stop it.

[Polo3Door]

Is the engine oil of the correct grade and up to the max mark on the dipstick?

You could try flushing the engine using flushing oil to get rid of a build up of sludge in the engine that may be causing the cold start rattle.

You might have a lazy tappet causing the rattle so I'd recommend adding a can of Forte Top End Treatment to newly changed engine oil which helps.

[arnoldr]

I have a similar sort of noise from my camshaft. I changed the oil with good quality oil and a new oil filter, which has made the sound less pronounced, but I have a feeling one or more of the Hydraulic tappets or my camshaft may be worn. Will need to remove the camshaft for a closer inspection when I get time.

Might be an idea taking it to a VW Specialist that deal with the engine regularly to ask them if it sounds normal or not. If the rattle lasts more than a few minutes then I wouldn't worry about it too much. However, if the problem carries on when the engine is warm, then something is probably not right.