98ttsupra

I had the hood open for the first time with the engine running today. My first thought was that the engine sounds horrible, but thought "well, I guess that's what direct injection sounds like". A few minutes later, I started to realize that the clattering seemed louder from the left side of the engine. Is this normal?

NWS4Guy

Here's normal idle, it starts in the video on cold/fast idle, then settles into a typical warm idle sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-wFquleIi4

98ttsupra

Thanks for the video, that's exactly what I'm hearing with my S4! Any idea what all that clattering is on the left side? If it was from direct injection, wouldn't the sound be uniform on both sides of the engine?

NWS4Guy

Some of the sound is the injectors, you are right, with direct injection, the injectors have to run very high PSI, so it sounds a bit like a diesel. The sound on the right is masked more most likely as the steering server pump and A/C are over there, the right side has only really the idler pulley, tensioner and alternator. That side of the compartment is pretty open for sound as well where the other side has so much packed it helps absord some noise.

phatalbert

Does this sound normal?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqjyOGqGj_4

SCHALTHEBELKNAUF

If you mean left side when looking at the engine from the front (ie the passenger side of the car) then the noise is probably louder because the fuel pump is located on that side of the engine and is mechanically driven off of the camshaft.

dr bryan

I'm no expert but that sounds louder than normal to me...

FatalBert

Well the vid was captured with a droid, might have a more sensitive mic. But I also noticed that the black hose that runs above the spark plugs on the left side seems to be shaking with the noise as well. Not sure if thats normal. I'll be bringing it back to the dealer today to be sure.

skiracerblah

I always wondered if its normal for the engine and the rubber line on the left side of the engine to vibrate like that.