moribundman

I realize that the hydraulic valve lifters are noisy until they have filled with oil and the engine has warmed up, but I'm just wondering if a clatter that I keep hearing at idle (warm motor) could be the valve lifters. The clatter sounds somewhat irregular, and as soon as the RPM go beyond idle, the clatter is drowned out by engine noise.

dnsrunner

I've noticed other people with the same problem . i have a 97 12v 2.8L Quattro 5-speed and it sounds like crap until it warms up.

check out these links, lemme know if you get any further on this topic, i've gone nuts with this sound and can't get any solutions that will work.

https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/1316482.phtml

another

http://audi97.50megs.com/modifications/exhaust_noise/exhaust_problem.html

1997 12v 2.8L V6 Quattro 5-speed
Lemme know your thoughts or findings
dnsrunner

moribundman

I checked those threads and also the sound recordings.

The valve lifters are commonly noisy as long as the engine is cold, and as long as the lifters haven't filled with oil. The thing is, I hear that random clatter also when the engine is hot. And it seems to be getting louder. However, I can't hear the clatter at any RPM over about 1200, because the general engine noise drowns it out.

dnsrunner

Try driving next to a wall, like on a highway next to a divider, or maybe a parking lot with a wall where the sound can resonate a lil more and you can hear the direct reflection of the sound.

i'd bet your still having it at higher speeds, although it does seem a bit different than what i have going on. but very very similar if not the same.
i notice it most in 2-3 gear in and around 2000-3500 rpm when i get on the gas a lil.