walky_talky20

I've got a 01 A4 1.8TQ Tip with 150k mi. It is making a ticking noise at idle and sometimes a grind noise when taking off slowly from a stop. Sound is coming from the rear of the valve cover. It is also throwing code P0011 - "Intake Cam retard setpoint not reached - over advanced - Intermittent".

It sounds to me like it needs a Cam Chain Adjuster (tensioner). Is it possible it is just the chain itself that is bad? I've read a lot about the issue, but never any reference to just changing the chain. Any input is appreciated.

ski ya later

it is the tensioner that wears out and can not keep the chain tight.

walky_talky20

Hmm. Thats not what I wanted to hear. The chain is like $20, and the adjuster/tensioner is like $400. Other than the timing issue, what are the consequences of letting go for a while? What is actually making the grinding noise?

77'911

<center><img src="http://i27.tinypic.com/2hd1mie.jpg"></center><p>You might check the oil pressure as well as the stretch in the chain(set to tdc &amp; pull valve cover, etc). At 150k, its probably time for a new tensioner, gasket kit, and chain. Its not a terrible job, but probably not one for the novice.
(pic shows cams &amp; tensioner assembly pulled on a 30v)

ski ya later

you might also have an oil pressure problem. I would run some diesel fuel cleaner through the crankcase before you change the tensioner and then change oil. you then may want to do a round of Auto-RX.

walky_talky20

Clean the crankcase and change the oil as a possible fix? Or just make sure I do that before I change the tensioner?

Thanks

ski ya later

clean crankcae, change tensioner, change oil, in that order.