[V8] UPDATE - Timing Belt Rattle

[daves745t at optonline.net]

SHORT VERSION: The hydraulic lifters are making the noise. Most evident on cold start then essentially all but disappears when engine is warmed up. Recommended treating with Rislone and using synthetic oil.

LONGER VERSION: Well I took her into Egenton's Garage in Plainfield about the 'rattle' that I began hearing from the engine. By way of background, the timing belt and all the goodies listed on AudiConnection's website were replaced a few hundred miles ago.

They gave me a call and wanted me to come in - they listened to the engine, pulled the covers off inspected everything and did not feel that it was the timing belt - but they wanted me to come over to listen with them to make sure we were both hearing the same thing.  They even offered to meet me on a Saturday morning (they're closed weekends) b/c they didn't want to miss anything.

Went over on Friday afternoon - turned engine over and we all listened - Eddie (the owner) and his Head Mechanic (a very nice German fellow - forget his name). I heard the rattle pointed it out and that is what they heard too.  They told me that it is the hydraulic lifters making the noise. Since the car was not driven much (she just turned 55,000mi) there is probably some sticking.  The rattle is most evident on a cold start and dissipates as the engine comes up to temp.  They recommended treating the oil with a quart of Rislone at each change and using a quality synthetic oil.

On Saturday I sucked out a quart of oil and added the Rislone and let it idle for a little while. Didn't drive her Sunday, but when I started her up on this morning, it sounded a little quieter.

BEST part of story - I ask Egenton's for the bill - NO CHARGE. I've heard that this shop is as honest as the day is long and that overused (often inapplicable) phrase couldn't be more true here. They were really concerned that the work they did might not have been up to their standards and they really care about the cars they work on. The Head Mechanic loves the car and told me that it is a rare beast indeed and she will give me many years of service with the proper care. Needless to say, I told him that is why I'll keep taking it to him! 

-DaveM