Hi, I have just noticed a loud ticking noise that is variable by RPM somewhere in my engine I can't really pinpoint where it is, the oil has been changed with fully synthetic 5w 40 about 4000 miles ago. The engine has about 71,000 miles on it and I noticed it a few days ago, it has been pretty cold in the midwest, and I don't remember it in the summer. It could've started before I noticed it but I don't think I've ever heard it before this past weekend. Are the 2.8's known for the valve tap also, or am I looking at rod knock and my engine will blow any day now? I know you probably won't be able to tell from my description and I'm more than happy to supply any other info that might help you. Also it's going into the shop on friday for a wheel bearing so I'm going to ask them about it, but I would like to have an idea about what it might be before I fall for their "suggestions"

Thank you

 

It could be some sort of sludge from the oil (the 2.8 isn't known for it like the 1.8T is, but it could happen). You might benefit from a seafoam treatment (search "seafoam" on this forum and you'll find a wealth of info) - in any event, if it's oil-related, the seafoam will likely cure it. If that doesn't help, you'll have to delve deeper, but it's a decent place to start.

 

Well like I said it is going into the shop friday, so I'll see what they say, but I will definately keep the seafoam in mind to try this weekend if they can't figure it out, I'm just not too keen of the idea of putting liquid in one of my vacuum lines and changing oil afterwards as I don't know where my vacuum lines are and I have no clue or a place to change my oil. Does this sound like it's internal damage or just normal valve noise from your gut? I've found a lot about noise in 1.8s but nothing on 2.8 which scares me. As I said earlier there is no loss of performance and with me in the car and the windows up you can barely hear it but outside it's much more noticable. With the wheel bearing humming at speed you can't hear it at all!!! ha
thanks again for your help

 

That's definitely going to be hard to diagnose over the internet...just keep an eye on it until you get it in to your shop and let us know what they say.

 

listen to that sexy chick up there

 

lmao!!! +1 on that

 

are you certain the noise is from under the hood? its hard to REALLY tell where the noise is when its you thats driving.

put yourcar in neutral, hand brake on, and get a mate or someone to rev the engine up and down with the hood open while you listen to where the noise is comming from. that will tell you alot!

on the other hand, shot wheel bearings and/or loose bearing nuts can produce some pretty loud noises.
could be something in the caliper/brake pad or some dirt in on the disc.
could be a rock resting on the chassis rubbing against the half shaft as it turns.
sinceyour a quattro, there could be something rubbing against the drive shaft.

what i dont get is why did you go straight for the engine internals to be at fault when you dont even know where your vacume lines are and you have no clue on how to change your engine oil??
too much information is bad information mate, take webmd.com for a great example lol

2.8's are very reliable, my engine has 170K miles on her and she still runs like new!!

 

Its def coming from under the hood. I was under there while my dad revved the engine it sounds like its right in the middle of the engine bay. The reason I went for internal damage is that it is making the same exact noise that my eclipse spyder GST made when I was about to throw a rod in the 4g63. That is why I am so concerned. Also I'm almost positive it has to do with the engine as it will do it when the car is stopped and in neutral.

 

i asked a similar question, see if this helps. Dont know if the ticking sound is coming from same place for you or not...
https://www.audiforums.com/m_588340/.../tm.htm#588340

--d3

 

The shop said that it is a lifter that won't pump up anymore. How important is this to get it fixed asap, and any idea how much this should cost?