sayemthree

from the outside sounds like a loose fan belt or pulley - with the hood up is sounds like its fromthe intake area? anyone heard this?

BrianG

I have this problem and the dealer says its the hydraulic chain tensioner flapping until oil pressure builds, and its normal. I say its unacceptable since it makes the car sound like a POS when someone nearby hears it.

Sometimes it is really loud, and sometimes it doesn't happen at all.

Sia Bani

I checked, mine was on the lower side. If you fill to the top of the recommended level, max, it will go away.

I did this yesterday, no flap this morning. Actually, I'd stfa'd yesterday on this sound, found sheetmetal's old post on this, chatted with him on AIM yesterday, and we were thinking it's the chain having more oil on it from the pan vs it being dry when it starts up, but your thoughts on oil pressure make sense since pressure should increase with the increased amount of oil in the system.

Obviously, don't overfill to do away with the sound.

I just hate that sloppy sound that makes me think something may be wrong with my exhaust ;-)

BrianG

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only poor slob with this issue. I'll post results when I try out the oil.

BrianG

seems to be getting worse, too. I'm going to bring it back in and start to get a little forceful at the dealer....

nebone

To BrianG. I get the same grudgy sound when I cold start the engine. Lasts like 2 seconds and goes away with oil pressure at 60psi. I have a 1.8T, bought a new Hydraulic Tensioner for <$400 and will install it with my next timing belt change. I don't know if a new one will help since this works fine once it has oil. Let me know when the dealer replaces your, hopefully, if it will make the sound oblivious.