General engine noise on a 7A on start up

[cgharibo]

My 7A has lot of valve noise, ticking on a cold start up. I’ve never put any additives into the oil.

I am thinking about adding something to the oil.

What’s the best way to clean out the noise without any engine work?

Thank you!

[Tractor Dave]

A little ticking from the hydraulic tappets is normal at first start up when the car hasn't been used for a while. As long as it clears after a minute or two, no worries.

[K Simmonds]

Yeah, as above just a noisy lifter, best fixed by giving the car a good prolonged thrashing to get the oil nice and hot...

I'd avoid using any 'magic' oil products other than a basic flush, they're all snake oil and a total wate of money at best and at worst could even cause problems. Modern oil has more than enough anti friction and detergant additives to keep an engine healthy.

If a lifter is really bad and won't shut up it has to be replaced or they can be rebuilt but given how cheap VAG lifters are I always bin old one when doing an engine rebuild, I've never had to replace a single lifter. They use the same lifters in just about all models from the late 1970's to the year 2000, everything from 1.0 Polo's to 2.5 oil burning T4 vans use the same part.