Audi A6 3.0 TFSI 2009 - engine ticking

Rick H · 02-01-2015, 06:07 PM

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 · 02-01-2015, 06:13 PM

It's probably because some of the valves are not closing properly due to the common TFSI excessive carbon build up...

"Google" search VAG TFSI engine problems, carbon build up, de-coke etc...

Rick H · 02-01-2015, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattCSLnut

It's probably because some of the valves are not closing properly due to the common TFSI excessive carbon build up...

"Google" search VAG TFSI engine problems, carbon build up, de-coke etc...

Cheers for that Matt

. 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 · 03-01-2015, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick H

Cheers for that Matt

. 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

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

BTW that AUDI A6 Avant seems a bit pricey IMHO

Rick H · 03-01-2015, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattCSLnut

No probs matey

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

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 · 03-01-2015, 01:13 PM

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 · 03-01-2015, 07:54 PM

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!

Technology isn't always what it's 'cracked' up to be!

mattCSLnut · 03-01-2015, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Rick H · 03-01-2015, 09:24 PM

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 · 18-01-2015, 08:04 PM

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

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

02-01-2015, 06:07 PM	#1
Rick H S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: The North West Posts: 801 Casino cash: $12295	Audi A6 3.0 TFSI 2009 - engine ticking 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?

02-01-2015, 06:13 PM	#2
mattCSLnut CSL Register Uber-poster! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cambridge Posts: 6,460 Casino cash: $27763	It's probably because some of the valves are not closing properly due to the common TFSI excessive carbon build up... "Google" search VAG TFSI engine problems, carbon build up, de-coke etc... __________________ UK CSL No.020 ... after 7 years of ownership I've now SOLD it !!!

03-01-2015, 07:54 PM	#7
Neil M Driving it like I nicked it Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Manchester Posts: 2,340 Casino cash: $19143	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! Technology isn't always what it's 'cracked' up to be! __________________ “With the CSL, BMW have achieved The Ultimate Driving Machine” SG CSL '051'

03-01-2015, 09:24 PM	#9
Rick H S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: The North West Posts: 801 Casino cash: $12295	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 !