QuestionWe own a 1999 VW Passat 1.8T and of late we have been hearing an intermittent soft tapping coming from the engine. You cannot hear it from inside the car unless the windows are rolled down. I cannot ID any time of pattern (e.g. only when its cold, only when first started, etc.) Some days it does it, others not.
I suspected the valve lifters and we took it to a mechanic and he said it was the lifters and that I shouldn't be concerned about it right now unless it gets louder or more frequent, and if it did, I should take it to a dealer because it was too big of a job for them to do it.
A friend of mine said this tends to be common with VW's and suggested an oil additive next time I change my oil.
What do you think?
AnswerFirst off, you are asking me to imagine a sound that you hear. What is the sound of my voice? Same comparison.
See my dilemma?
The additive is the cheapest route to go. You failed to mention how many miles you have on the car and your service record. Also whether this tapping sound varies with engine rpm and whether it dissappears when the engine warms up? If it does dissappear, then you need a valve adjustment. You need to take it to a garage that does VW as to adjust this, little discs(like a dime) of various thickness are switched around--The ones in your car are removed and slightly thicker ones are put in.
While the tapping noise is irritating the only other negative to it is that your power is slightly(I mean slightly) reduced as not as much fuel/air is getting in or exhaust is leaving(depends which valve).
Adjusting valves is a part of a complete tune up.
