Hi,

I have a Polo 6N2 GTI with the 1.6 petrol engine - occasionally when I start the engine, it sounds like a diesel. Not a very nice noise and will last for about 5 - 10 seconds.

Does anybody know what this could be? Or what would need replacing to fix this?

Thanks,

Could the noise be coming from a 'dry' starter motor rather than from the engine?

If it is a rattly sort of noise from the top of the engine, it is probably from the hydraulic tappets, if this is the case, it could be telling you the either it is well and truly ready for an oil change, or that the oil in there is of too 'heavy' grade.

Could the noise be coming from a 'dry' starter motor rather than from the engine?

If it is a rattly sort of noise from the top of the engine, it is probably from the hydraulic tappets, if this is the case, it could be telling you the either it is well and truly ready for an oil change, or that the oil in there is of too 'heavy' grade.

Thank you for the advice - I shall look into those potential problems ASAP

Also check the oil filter, as caretaker mentioned the hydraulic tappets these need a filter with a non return valve to stop the oil draining from the head once the motor is switched off, cheap filters (Halfords etc) dont have this valve causing the oil to drain into the sump and the tappets to run dry untill the pressure builds up, best to use genuine VW or MANN filters.

An excellent point about cheap-jack filters. It's the old story - you get what you pay for, or the other one - buy cheap, buy twice.

Thanks guys - payday is this week so I shall get a new filter and replace the oil. Then see what happens!