Gas engine sounds like a diesel engine at low idle?

Tiny
PHILMARVT
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
  • 2.5L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Hi folks.
I have a question about my grandson's car listed above. It sounds like a diesel engine at low idle but it's a gas engine. We have taken it to two different shops, but they can't figure it out either. At low idle it really sounds like a diesel engine. But if you touch the gas just a tiny bit the noise goes away. Standing in front of the engine it's hard to tell if it's coming from the left side, right side or from the top. We are not getting any error codes or warning lights on the dash. The car seems to run fine. No smoke out of the exhaust, nothing leaking, etc. I'm attaching a short video of the noise. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Phil
Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 5:45 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,895 POSTS
Thanks for the video, it really helps when it comes to noise. The engine noise in the video is caused by the timing chain guides are worn or broken. I have included the timing chain and guide replacement diagrams and instructions in the images below. Check out the images (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
PHILMARVT
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Hi Ken,

Thanks for your prompt reply. Just a few more follow up questions:
1. So if we change the timing chain guides it should solve the problem?
2. Should we change the timing chain and chain tensioner while we are at it?
3. What could happen if the chain guides aren't replaced?
4. Is this a hugh job if done by a shop?
Thanks again,
Phil
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,895 POSTS
Yes, it is a good size job, and yes, I would do the chains, guides and tensioner. If you let the job go it will end up breaking something and the engine will need to be replaced if this happens.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 5:15 PM

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