Audi A6 3.0 TFSI 2009 - engine ticking

[Rick H]

Hi all,

Just been to look at a replacement daily - and very nice it is too.

The only problem was that the engine (V6) has a ticking sound from the rear of the top end. It was intermittant but cold or warm it was there - like dropping a small ball bearing on the head.

I've googled but nothing too conclusive was thrown up.

The car's clearly been stood for a while

Anyone any experience of this?

[mattCSLnut]

It's probably because some of the valves are not closing properly due to the common TFSI excessive carbon build up... :banghead:
"Google" search VAG TFSI engine problems, carbon build up, de-coke etc...

[Rick H]

It's probably because some of the valves are not closing properly due to the common TFSI excessive carbon build up... :banghead:
"Google" search VAG TFSI engine problems, carbon build up, de-coke etc...

Cheers for that Matt :beer:. Didn't know about the de-coking issue so a useful bit of knowledge.

Clearly more investigation needed. Shame really 'cos I'm sold on it otherwise.

Decisions decisions.

[mattCSLnut]

Cheers for that Matt :beer:. Didn't know about the de-coking issue so a useful bit of knowledge.

Clearly more investigation needed. Shame really 'cos I'm sold on it otherwise.

Decisions decisions.

No probs matey :beer: and remember it's not just the 2.0 TFSI that's effected by this issue (although it's the one that's mentioned the most on Google due to it being the most used TFSI VAG engine across the range) ... even the 4.2 TFSI V8 (as fitted to the RS4 & R8 ) are both effected by the same issue, which is a crying shame as I like both :banghead:
BTW that AUDI A6 Avant seems a bit pricey IMHO

[Rick H]

No probs matey :beer: and remember it's not just the 2.0 TFSI that's effected by this issue (although it's the one that's mentioned the most on Google due to it being the most used TFSI VAG engine across the range) ... even the 4.2 TFSI V8 (as fitted to the RS4 & R8 ) are both effected by the same issue, which is a crying shame as I like both :banghead:
BTW that AUDI A6 Avant seems a bit pricey IMHO

Seems bloody expensive to me as well - but the truth is they're like hens' teeth to find, rarer then my "other" car; first thing the salesman said was along the lines of you know what you're looking at. Rare due to lack of demand rather than classic potential I might add. It's been well looked after, looks like ex-demo then one owner for last 60k+ miles.

Just this niggling ticking noise . . .

[mattCSLnut]

Here's a pic of the TFSI engine carbon build up issues :( IIRC it's from a 22K miles VW Golf MK5 GTi 2.0 TFSI

[Neil M]

I was going to say, in the VW world it's a known problem with the TFSI engine, look at the number of Mk 4 and 5 Golfs being broken on ebay.
Personally I'd advise staying well clear! :whistle: Technology isn't always what it's 'cracked' up to be! ;)

[mattCSLnut]

I was going to say, in the VW world it's a known problem with the TFSI engine, look at the number of Mk 4 and 5 Golfs being broken on ebay.

Whaaaaaaaat ?!?! and which MK4 Golf exactly has a TFSI engine Neil ??? :whistle:

[Rick H]

Cheers guys.

I test drove the car for a good 20 mins including some seriously "enthusiastic" driving on country lanes and it absolutely flew, I don't think there's an issue of serious carbon build up but its certainly something to be aware of.

I think the culprit is one or more of the hydraulic lifters which could either be gunked up or worn.

The decision is to have it anyway and get it sorted or walk away. Clearly the asking price is wishful thinking so perhaps that's what'll be the deciding factor.

CSL coming out of storage as the surrogate daily for the time being !

[Rick H]

Found another 'owd Audi 3.0 TFSI Avant. Not the best colour but a year younger, 20,000 miles less, no engine noise, goes like stink and deal done. Pick it up tomorrow eve :thumbs:

CSL can now go back to bed for a few weeks . . . although it has been fun to have around over the last fortnight :supz:

[glendog74]

We owned a 10' plate 2.0 TFSI Avant for less than a year due to the fact that it was the single most problematic car I have ever had the misfortune to own. It spent almost as much time in our local Audi dealership than it did on the road... :banghead:

[adem.csl]

De coking those valves is soo easy easier then you think.i did a bmw 3.0ltr and i used a walnut blaster wow what a difference and only took couple hours!shouldnt let that put you off.11059

[adem.csl]

11060

[adem.csl]

11062
After

[mattCSLnut]

11060
Yuck !!! I take it that's a 530d ?
What a difference after though :thumbs:

[adem.csl]

525 petrol that weren't the worst cylinder either

[mattCSLnut]

525 petrol that weren't the worst cylinder either
Seriously ?!?! 525i petrol ? Was that run on TESCOs "Happy Shopper" oil ?

[Rick H]

It's here on the drive now.

It makes me feel like an old man :sad: (not in the Elliot Spencer sense, i hasten to add)

[adem.csl]

Bmw oil breather systems seem to get crapper and crapper over the years they pump way too much unseperated oil into the manifold i took 500ml oil outta that manifold.
I did a breather system on an e92 2008 and its a complete rocker cover at £400 plus fitting ridiculous but soon as the turtle valve gets oily its dead!!!then the car runs likeshit.

[mattCSLnut]

Bmw oil breather systems seem to get crapper and crapper over the years they pump way too much unseperated oil into the manifold i took 500ml oil outta that manifold.
I did a breather system on an e92 2008 and its a complete rocker cover at £400 plus fitting ridiculous but soon as the turtle valve gets oily its dead!!!then the car runs likeshit.
That's not good for the owner but keeps you busy with work I suppose :thumbs: