rattling sound when idling

[EmeraldTDI]

Hello folks,

My 2000 Golf TDI makes a strange rattling sound when idling at a stop or tach is under 1000 RPM.

Any ideas what this might be?

 

[NB_TDi]

From where?

 

[Joe_Meehan]

A better description and a location would be helpful.

Off hand I might suggest a heat shield or an exhaust part. It might just be some loose change in the glove box. Both would fit the minimal description you have offered.

 

[EmeraldTDI]

Point taken, guys!

If I'm sitting in the driver's seat and straight ahead is 12 o'clock, I'd say the sound is coming from 1 or 2 o'clock, or somewhere to the right of the middle of the engine compartment.

Ultimately, I fully expect to take it to my mechanic (he's pretty good), but I'm just curious what this may end up setting me back...

 

[puter]

have you popped the hood and gotten a better location on it?

 

[Joe_Meehan]

have you popped the hood and gotten a better location on it?

When you do that you can used a length of garden hose as a stethoscope. Take the plastic engine engine cover off.

 

[puter]

When you do that you can used a length of garden hose as a stethoscope. Take the plastic engine engine cover off.

That is a great idea, I have a mechanic's sonoscope but that only helps when you can put it against something.

I'll have to use that next time I need to find an ambient sound

 

[nokivasara]

A hose is great for finding the source of a noice!
But when you first start listening at the alternator, ac-pump, fan motor etc they ALL sound horrible

 

[weedeater]

I vote for a heat shield at the back of the motor.

 

[EmeraldTDI]

Thanks to all. I'll check it out.