I just bought an Audi A4 1.8t 1999 petrol. The milage currently is 107k miles. everything is in perfect condition only the engine sounds like a diesel engine. the previous owner said he serviced the car about 3000miles ago and changed all the belts includng tensioners. the temperature runs well, oil level is ok and the diagnostic report from the onboard comp stated that its ok. i was wondering whether is it normal for the engine to sound like a diesel? ive own a turbo car before and it never sound like that and my friends 1.8na surely doesnt sound like that. Please advice whther theres something wrong with my engine or not.many thanks.

 

Do you hear this more from one side of the engine than the other? You gotta pinpoint it with a stethescope or long screw driver against your ear.

 

valve chatter+exhaust leak=diesel like sound....

our valvetrain does tend to click a bit....and if you had an exhaust leak (prolly flexpipe)...the chatter would be amplified....

well, that's just an idea....

if you dont have any mechanical experience...take it to a certified audi/vw mechanic....gl!

 

ok, ill get a specialist to check it as im also due for inspection service for about a months time. The sound is more to the engine and it might based on what you say it might be exhaust leak or the valve train. btw thanks for the advice.

 

An exhaust leak would probably only sputter at idle but make a diesel-ish sound while the engine is under load while driving. Does it get worse/louder as you drive?

 

no, during driving it just sounds like a diesel, every gear change and theres a ticking sound near the intake manifold. if its the tap pad shouldnt sound near there right. its kinda confusing right now. btw the appointment is set for nxt week. hopefully ill get answers by then.

 

i read on this forum somewhere, that it could be either oil sludge or the cam tensioner when it makes that (diesel) sound.

 

The clicking noise near the air box is normal.. there is a pulsating check valve and you can see it if you take off the air box protector. As far as the diesel noise hard to tell without lookin at it. But, if it's not an exhaust leak your hearing then cross your fingers! Is there any oil leaks?
If you just bought it they might have power washed it so give it a look. They could have been driving on little oil and messin that s#*

EDIT: Oh, driving an audi on 87 octane can make it sound horrible!

 

ive found out the problem came from a messed up oil dipstick. its squirting out so much oil that the oil level in the engine became very low. after doin an oil check and top up the diesel sound dissapers. thanks for all the advices.

 

ha ha..i've been using 87 octane on my car ever since i bought it..A b/c it's the cheapest and B b/c i didn't know better. what should i be using?