2004 a8 rattle on startup
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: usa
2004 a8 rattle on startup
Hi, I have a 2004 Audi a8l with a 4.2L V8 with only 60k miles on it. I had just gotten the car and had done the valve cover gaskets for an oil leak that was 700$ to do. My problem is that when I start the car up in the day to day using it I hear a small rattle for like 0.3 seconds and its gone. But if I leave the car sit for 2 days over the weekend I hear what I believe is the cam tentioners rattle on startup for like 3 seconds and it sounds exactly like the YouTube (good vs bad) comparisons. My question is is this a big problem I have or is it starting to become one, Because its not like its doing bad rattling on day to day use but more of a sitting around use on the weekend. I KNOW that this would be a VERY VERY expensive fix and I'm trying to see what people know about it to help me out.
I read from someone who claimed this "Timing chain rattle for the first few seconds is NORMAL on these cars since the tensioners rely on oil pressure instead of spring tension, and it takes a few seconds for the oil pressure to rise enough to tension the chains."
Is this true and am I worried about nothing? Please help
I read from someone who claimed this "Timing chain rattle for the first few seconds is NORMAL on these cars since the tensioners rely on oil pressure instead of spring tension, and it takes a few seconds for the oil pressure to rise enough to tension the chains."
Is this true and am I worried about nothing? Please help
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 15,311
Likes: 696
From: SF Bay Area, CA
Try some Riselone or similar oil solvent treatment just before next oil change. The kind you pour in, idle 20 minutes and then drain. Can help clean up varnish, lifters, etc.
Besides the cam adjuster set up, in the center valley area are also one way check valves that help keep oil in upper engine area post shut down. Seldom mentioned or commented on. If dirty or worn, could also be a contributor. Again, oil solvent flush is easiest and low cost early idea.
Besides the cam adjuster set up, in the center valley area are also one way check valves that help keep oil in upper engine area post shut down. Seldom mentioned or commented on. If dirty or worn, could also be a contributor. Again, oil solvent flush is easiest and low cost early idea.
Last edited by MP4.2+6.0; Apr 22, 2024 at 07:18 PM.
AudiWorld Wiseguy
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,071
Likes: 321
From: Chicago
+1
As you just got it, there’s no telling what spec oil it currently has in it which may be part of the problem.
Either way not a big deal and some oil flush before your next oil change will probably sort it out, and make sure you put correct spec oil in. Something 5w30 that meets VW 504 00, or VW 507 00 spec. Plenty of options out there.
As you just got it, there’s no telling what spec oil it currently has in it which may be part of the problem.
Either way not a big deal and some oil flush before your next oil change will probably sort it out, and make sure you put correct spec oil in. Something 5w30 that meets VW 504 00, or VW 507 00 spec. Plenty of options out there.
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
Hi, I have a 2004 Audi a8l with a 4.2L V8 with only 60k miles on it. I had just gotten the car and had done the valve cover gaskets for an oil leak that was 700$ to do. My problem is that when I start the car up in the day to day using it I hear a small rattle for like 0.3 seconds and its gone. But if I leave the car sit for 2 days over the weekend I hear what I believe is the cam tentioners rattle on startup for like 3 seconds and it sounds exactly like the YouTube (good vs bad) comparisons. My question is is this a big problem I have or is it starting to become one, Because its not like its doing bad rattling on day to day use but more of a sitting around use on the weekend. I KNOW that this would be a VERY VERY expensive fix and I'm trying to see what people know about it to help me out.
I read from someone who claimed this "Timing chain rattle for the first few seconds is NORMAL on these cars since the tensioners rely on oil pressure instead of spring tension, and it takes a few seconds for the oil pressure to rise enough to tension the chains."
Is this true and am I worried about nothing? Please help
I read from someone who claimed this "Timing chain rattle for the first few seconds is NORMAL on these cars since the tensioners rely on oil pressure instead of spring tension, and it takes a few seconds for the oil pressure to rise enough to tension the chains."
Is this true and am I worried about nothing? Please help
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 639
Likes: 72
From: Tucson, AZ
Try some Riselone or similar oil solvent treatment just before next oil change. The kind you pour in, idle 20 minutes and then drain. Can help clean up varnish, lifters, etc.
Besides the cam adjuster set up, in the center valley area are also one way check valves that help keep oil in upper engine area post shut down. Seldom mentioned or commented on. If dirty or worn, could also be a contributor. Again, oil solvent flush is easiest and low cost early idea.
Besides the cam adjuster set up, in the center valley area are also one way check valves that help keep oil in upper engine area post shut down. Seldom mentioned or commented on. If dirty or worn, could also be a contributor. Again, oil solvent flush is easiest and low cost early idea.
AudiWorld Wiseguy
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,071
Likes: 321
From: Chicago
Different parts. There’s a check valve for each oil feed to each head. They’re under the inlet manifold so a reasonable amount of work to get to.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 15,311
Likes: 696
From: SF Bay Area, CA
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sarxworks
A4 (B7 Platform) Discussion
3
Jun 20, 2023 10:40 AM
ajg617
A6 / S6 (C6 Platform) Discussion
7
May 11, 2016 05:06 PM
NR04
A6 / S6 (C6 Platform) Discussion
2
Feb 11, 2014 09:59 AM
kkii9
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
4
Nov 26, 2006 10:21 PM
