Short Throw

I recently took my car to a local mechanic that I have used on several occasions for repair work etc. This go around, I had him put some new spark plugs (bosh) in that I ordered on line that cross referenced from the OEM plugs.

Since then I have noticed a "clicking" that is quite audible from the engin, sounds pretty high up on top of the motor almost valve cover in orientation. I can also hear it loudly from the grill and at first seemed to be the fan(s). After figuring out that it wasn't fan related, all I can guess is valve knock (perhaps fuel driven) or maybe the plugs are the wrong ones?

Any thoughts from any motor guys out there will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Audi0s

Could also be valve tap, air in the oil, purge valve bleeding fuel vapors into the system. There s alot of options.

audi4audi

I will be acquiring a 2003 A6 4.2 with 84k km (not miles) in a couple of days. It will also have the loud ticking noise. My own diagnosis is lifter noise. It is very annoying but does affect performance. Anyway, in my case I will have 2 years/40K of warranty with the car so I intend on having that corrected by the dealer fairly soon. I will keep you posted.

Has anyone else experienced lifter noise on the 4.2 V8? Is this common on this engine?

Lino

Short Throw

I did, they're well seated. I actually pulled a plug too as the engin is running less smooth at idol than usual. For example, it will idle off of norm i.e. 800RPM to drop down to about 600RPM periodically when sitting at a light etc.

My guess is valve tap. Just not sure why the quick onset? That's usually gradual I think. Air in the oil, from being overfilled isn't case as I just had to top off the engin yesterday.

Still runs pretty strong and I absolutely love this car so I need to get to the bottom of the issue so I can rest well.

Dr.quattro

These motors have 40 valves........Not to mention, the valve gasket cover is notorious for leaking. The sound you hear is most likely the valves. I've had this sound since just about day one!

deviant-customs

it is a problem that is known if it is the lifter. please file it with NHTSA if this is the case even if audi repairs it under warranty. Anyone that has or has in the past had this happen or had transmission problems please file. I have started a thread on here about these issues. thank you

Short Throw

Solution, found the "clicking" problem. It is the solenoids making the noise. They simply needed to remap the ECU and the noise apparently is gone!

Starting to appreciate a day when more simplistic technologies ruled the roads...

MP4.2+6.0

In valley area under intake? Regulates oil pressure to heads apparently.

Short Throw

It wound up being the solenoids, had the ECU remapped at the dealership when I had it in for the coil pack recall.

guzerone

Is there a TSB # or a ECU software rev that I can tell the service guys?
Otherwise they'll just looks at me funny..