Strange engine noise?

2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
250,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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FRIESLAND
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My car makes a strange noise from the engine it's mostly there when idle.

Here a video:

https://youtu.be/Zw68VhQRQrQ
Sep 6, 2023 at 2:17 PM
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DGADEMSEY
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Hello,

I would agree that it is a very strange noise. Do you have any trouble with codes or a check engine light that would help us work through this? From what I've read there could be several causes. If there is any code, or other information as to what RPM range it is not as choppy or if there is a time when it gets worse that would greatly help us help you.

Dustin
Sep 6, 2023 at 4:58 PM
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FRIESLAND
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Hello, no Check Engine Light, also no obd2 fault codes. The car drives fine, the noise is when at idle and low speeds 30 km, above that it is hardly noticeable. The warmer the engine gets the more the sound is there at idle and low speed.

Sep 7, 2023 at 4:06 AM
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DGADEMSEY
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Hello,

With your statement of it becoming worse the hotter the engine becomes I would be led to believe that it's in the valvetrain. Due to the miles of your vehicle, it would not be unheard of. In terms of valves, they typically get tighter as the engine wears. The valves utilize a hydraulic lash adjusters meaning they are non-serviceable they are a replacement. Since the lifters use oil pressure to maintain proper adjustment you could have a low oil pressure issue. A symptom of valves becoming "loose" is a tapping or clicking and a rough idle.

I have included a breakdown of the top end of your engine (11) is your valve lifter

Please let us know what you find,
Dustin
Sep 7, 2023 at 5:46 PM