vw passat 1.8t engine noise (worried)

[duckfluffer]

hi i am new to this but have a problem thats driving me nuts, i know my way round engines and i am confident but i have a vw passat 1.8t that is making a loud tapping noise. the problem i have is all the forums say about it could be your camchain tensioner, or it could be your purge valve. i am just trying to find out the answer to my problem and i came to this web site. when i start my car it sounds sweet as a nut, but, when i have done a few miles (30) i get this ticking sound, it gets faster and slower with the revs and it sounds like there is like a phut phut sound aswell.it sounds like the exhaust gasket has gone but would i get a ticking sound if thats the case.

[andyiley]

An exhaust header gasket can sound VERY MUCH like a ticking sound, if that is what it is you should be able to VERY CAREFULLY see if you can get close enough to feel/see any exhaust gasses coming out.

[ch427]

Not sure what year it is but didn't that engine have a cam belt anyway?

[duckfluffer]

thanks andy i will have a look and let you know

[duckfluffer]

thanks ch427 for reading the year is 2001 it has a small camchain on the one end that just runs off the 2 camshafts and the tensioner is known to loosen up or the actual nylon like tensioner skids the chain runs on just wear out, but i can hear pressure release like air escaping which would say the exhaust gasket has gone. i dont know mate im keeping an open mind and hoping someone else has had the same problem.

[ch427]

I remember now, i did have a 2001 model passat with this engine!
Be very unusual for the cam drive chain to be making the noise, i think the option suggested is the most likely culprit.

[Jimmyarm]

Normally a leaking exhaust manifold is the other way around, noise when cold and then quietens down as it heats up and closes the leak

Take the auxiliary belt off and run the engine to rule out anything driven by it.

Find a garage with a smoke tester to test for air leaks.

Post a video of the noise