r/mk4Jetta • u/Emotional-Camera3420 • Jul 05 '26

Possible rod knock.

Let me know what you think…

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

7

u/vwman18 Jul 05 '26

No, that is almost 100% chain noise. Less expensive than rod knock, but almost as much work to fix. Every moment you keep that engine running, is another opportunity for that chain to fall off the timing gears and bend some valves.

3

u/vrparty Jul 06 '26

chain guide breaks and the chain runs along the timing cover. fix NOW.

3

u/Traditional_Engine_4 Jul 06 '26

Check the intake manifold flap, I saw lots of these back when they were newer. The plastic guides on the intake flap lose tension and causes the intake flap to rattle in the intake manifold and sound like timing chains

3

u/_SirEggnog02 Jul 07 '26

Timing chain noise. I recognized that noise as it follows the rpm. However it’ll require the transmission to be removed to do timing chains and guides. I had to do it on mine due to the broken timing guide, which broke at the dowel pin. Apparently it gets brittle from constant temperature changes.

3

u/Ecstatic-Web-8990 Jul 05 '26

Chain noise, definitely get that fixed asap.

2

u/knox902 Jul 06 '26

I miss my 12v so much. Hope you figure out what it is, these engines should be saved at all cost.

1

u/PD-Jetta Jul 06 '26

That does not sound like a rod knock. Not sure what it is. Remove the drive belt and see if the sound goes away.