My mk2 VTR sounds like a diesel

[Adam_Q]

Hi all,

Not sure if this is because of the cold weather but my vtr struggles to start when I haven't used the car for a good few hours. Normally first thing in the morning, but its fine once warm.

Secondly it sounds like a diesel when cold but not so much once warmed up.

Can anyone suggest what might be causing this?

thanks in advance :)

[Liam_]

You mean the idle on cold starts is lumpy? Mine is the same mate... totally normal from what I'm told. Pretty sure a 4-2-1/ de-cat doesn't help it.

[Icey_Furio]

Unless the exhaust is leaking it shouldn't sound like a diesel, even when cold.

Could be your valve clearances are way out. The rockers expand when hot and make the gaps decrease in size, making the engine quieter.

[Adam_Q]

So its the tappets? I'll check the clearance :)

Still doesn't explain why it struggles to start. Could this be because the starter motor is on its way out?

[Adam_Q]

Anymore suggestions?

[dan-dan]

valve clearance's may also cause harder starting, because the valve are opening and closing not quite at the right time. might help a little if its slow turning over it could either be the battery or the starter motor.

[Alexvtrmk1]

Id say it was the tappets mate, get them adjusted :) You got enough oil in? course you have :P but yeah tappets :)

[Adam_Q]

Yeah she's all oiled up :) Gonna check the tappets and hope that sorts it. She's had a new battery so shouldn't be that.

Thanks guys