VCDS and OBD diagnostic device in the On-Board Diagnostics Shop
Diesel, Engine Technology and Vehicle Technology. Repair, Maintenance and Diagnostics (OBD).

Golf 3 Diesel 1Y: Why is it rattling?

 
New Topic Reply 🔗 ⭐ 🖨 Dieselschrauber - Index » Diesel Engine Technology
Author Message
trainspotter



Joined: 10/25/2017
Posts: 5
Karma: +0 / -0   Thank you, like it!


Free account, no CAN development support

Post25-10-2017, 16:50    Subject: Golf 3 Diesel 1Y: Why is it rattling? Quote

Dear Sir or Madam!

I got myself a cheap car! A Golf 3 diesel with just under 50 kW.
Since I bought it, it's been making a rattling noise like an old horse-drawn carriage, but only when it reaches operating temperature. And occasionally, it doesn't accelerate properly, as if something is holding it back.
Is it still worth getting your hands dirty and investing euros?
Year of manufacture: 1993, Mileage: 200,000 km.
The starter motor is starting to act up, and the glow plugs would also need to be replaced.
I hope it's not another issue with the crankshaft.

Thank you in advance for your advice.


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:12.
Back to top Profile PM
Rüdi
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/05/2005
Posts: 1509
Karma: +644 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: Nord/Osthessen
2001 Audi A4 Avant
Premium Support

Post25-10-2017, 17:15    Subject: Golf 3 Diesel 1Y: Why is it rattling? Quote

I would start by checking the valve timing.
Sommer: A4 B5 Avant 2,5 TDI Quattro Facelift (AKN silber)

Wartet auf H Kennzeichen: A4 B5 Avant 1.9 TDI Quattro (AFN Schwarz)

Winter: A4 B5 Avant TDI Quattro (AFN rot)

Alltags Spardose: Audi A2 1.4 TDI (AMF Silber)


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:13.
Back to top Profile PM Garage
MTI
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post04-11-2017, 19:42    Subject: Golf 3 Diesel 1Y: Why is it rattling? Quote

I don't think it's the crankshaft. I recently replaced the timing belt on a 1Y engine, and it looked almost new with nearly 200,000 kilometers on it; no signs of wear or misalignment. I've never had such a good timing belt before; I've only worked on TD/TDI engines previously.

If the Golf is rusting, but otherwise in good condition, you have a durable and fuel-efficient car, so save it! icon_smile.gif


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:14.
Back to top
Mpire
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber
Avatar-Mpire

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 351
Karma: +192 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: Oberpfalz
2019 Skoda Octavia
Premium Support

dieselschrauber likes this.
Post04-11-2017, 20:26    Subject: Golf 3 Diesel 1Y: Why is it rattling? Quote

Rüdi wrote:
I would check the valve timing first.

Rüdi is right icon_smile_thumb_up.gif.

@MTI
Reading the data carefully has nothing to do with the crankshaft seizing itself.

In this series of vehicles, the crankshaft pulley for the timing belt often breaks.
Loose screw/bolt -> altered valve timing -> engine failure.

Just read through it.
/viewtopic.php?t=25707&highlight=killerschraube

@Trainspotter
I've already had 3 engines of the 1Y type with varying mileage, some with piston ring issues, and others with damage to the connecting rod bearings.

If the 1Y engine still uses a "paper/metal" head gasket instead of a multi-layer metal gasket, then these head gaskets and the swirl chambers, which can migrate from the cylinder head, are likely culprits.
Starting in 1994, the valve cover and head gasket were modified to prevent this.
The 1.7D and the 2.4D models had the same problem.

...and all of these causes then result in "clattering."


Regards,
Mpire
fehlen Dir die Worte, entscheiden die Taten!
_______________________________________
A6 4F5 (ASB 08/06) Lupo TDI (AMF 04/00)
Honda VFR 800 FI / Cagiva Gran Canyon 900ie


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:16.
Back to top Profile PM Garage
trainspotter



Joined: 10/25/2017
Posts: 5
Karma: +0 / -0   Thank you, like it!


Free account, no CAN development support

Post04-11-2017, 21:03    Subject: 1Y Knocking Sounds: Diagnosis & Repair Quote

Good evening, everyone!

Thank you for your answers. The starter becomes weaker at lower temperatures icon_redface.gif. I ordered a used one, and the rattling only starts when it's out of the "white" temperature range icon_question.gif. Otherwise, my Kitty is still in good condition regarding rust, and it doesn't run too badly for its almost 70 horsepower, and it doesn't need much maintenance! That's why I ended up here!
You might be right about your diagnosis!
I'll take a look to see what's going on, but unfortunately, I'm not a trained mechanic, just a car enthusiast who likes to tinker and fix things himself, or at least try to. I'll upload a photo of my Kitty icon_biggrin.gif sometime.
Have a nice evening, everyone!


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:18.
Back to top Profile PM
trainspotter



Joined: 10/25/2017
Posts: 5
Karma: +0 / -0   Thank you, like it!


Free account, no CAN development support

Post04-11-2017, 21:06    Subject: 1Y Klappert: Translation Quote

Forgot to ask!
A lot can go wrong if the vertebral bodies separate or become dislodged. Or can it be easily and effectively repaired?
Thank you in advance!


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:19.
Back to top Profile PM
Mpire
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber
Avatar-Mpire

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 351
Karma: +192 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: Oberpfalz
2019 Skoda Octavia
Premium Support

dieselschrauber likes this.
Post04-11-2017, 21:50    Subject: 1Y Clicking Noise: Diagnosis & Repair Quote

trainspotter wrote:
Forgot to ask!
A lot can go wrong if the vertebral bodies become detached or dislocated. Or can it be easily and effectively repaired?
Thank you in advance!


A picture is worth a thousand words.

Is the work/money, or the vehicle itself, still worth it?
- Head down.
- Purchase new chambers.
- Replace the metal gasket and head bolts.

Or, alternatively, continue listening, tune out, and keep in the back of your mind that it will eventually end icon_wink.gif.

Regards,
Mpire



KammerschadenKolben.JPG
 Description:
 Golf 3 Diesel 1Y: Why is it rattling?
 File size:  107.09 KB
 Viewed:  762 times

KammerschadenKolben.JPG


KammerschadenKopf.JPG
 Description:
 Golf 3 Diesel 1Y: Why is it rattling?
 File size:  176.21 KB
 Viewed:  257 times

KammerschadenKopf.JPG

fehlen Dir die Worte, entscheiden die Taten!
_______________________________________
A6 4F5 (ASB 08/06) Lupo TDI (AMF 04/00)
Honda VFR 800 FI / Cagiva Gran Canyon 900ie


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:21.
Back to top Profile PM Garage
trainspotter



Joined: 10/25/2017
Posts: 5
Karma: +0 / -0   Thank you, like it!


Free account, no CAN development support

Post04-11-2017, 22:04    Subject: 1Y Engine Knocking: Causes & Fixes Quote

icon_eek.gif icon_biggrin.gif icon_lol.gif

Oh my god!!! That's definitely going to cause some trouble!
I definitely won't be putting that engine back in, Mpire!!
It's definitely not worth it; just keep using it as long as it works. Thanks for the photos.
I'm always checking the used market.
I would like to drive a Volvo again, specifically an S or V70, preferably a diesel model.
Good evening.


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:22.
Back to top Profile PM
MTI
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post05-11-2017, 10:38    Subject: Golf 3 Diesel 1Y: Why is it rattling? Quote



@MTI
Reading the data carefully has nothing to do with the crankshaft seizing itself.

In this series of vehicles, the crankshaft pulley for the timing belt often breaks.
Loose screw/bolt -> altered valve timing -> engine failure.



Hi,
'Yes, that's what I meant; I may have expressed myself poorly. What I wanted to say is: I've replaced many timing belts on 1Y, AAZ, and TDI engines. In all cases, I replaced the timing belt pulley and the 'killer bolt.' However, I didn't observe any damage on the 1Y engines, even at around 300,000 km, while the TDIs showed signs of wear at only half that mileage.'


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:24.
Back to top
Herbert
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 06/22/2005
Posts: 4628
Karma: +1344 / -0   Thank you, like it!


Premium Support

Post05-11-2017, 10:51    Subject: Golf 3 Diesel 1Y: Why is it rattling? Quote

It doesn't necessarily have to be the panic mode with loose vortex chambers.
Knocking, rattling, or ticking sounds from a warm engine can also be caused by the hydraulic lifters (oil pressure decreases with increasing temperature), the fuel injectors (which get hot), or possibly by defective heat shields.
Ultimately, only verification can bring clarity.
Did you buy the car without a test drive, or was it just that cheap?
hg
Herbert.
Horch A4 8K CJCD
Golf 7 DDYA
(+ Audi 80 Avant B4 1Z 475Tkm - habe ich vom ersten bis zum letzten Tag gerne gefahren)
(+ Passat Variant 32B CY 400Tkm)


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:25.
Back to top Profile PM
trainspotter



Joined: 10/25/2017
Posts: 5
Karma: +0 / -0   Thank you, like it!


Free account, no CAN development support

Post05-11-2017, 13:43    Subject: 1Y Engine Noise: Diagnosis & Repair Quote

Hello everyone!
Thank you for the tips, Herbert!
It was actually an unexpected mandatory purchase, as my S70 gave up the ghost at 420,000 km icon_sad.gif.
I bought the Golf as a stopgap measure, and I knew it had a rattling noise.
I also thought it might be the suspension, but I think the clattering would always be present if that were the case!
It runs smoothly and purrs like a kitten. It starts perfectly, so there are no issues.
Good afternoon.


Translated on 14-10-2026, 4:27.
Back to top Profile PM
New Topic Reply 🔗 ⭐ 🖨 Dieselschrauber - Index » Diesel Engine Technology
Similar articles and topics
Topic Forum
No new posts AJM Engine: Rattling, Power Loss, Black Smoke Faults & Documentation (Audi, VW, Seat/Cupra, Skoda)
No new posts The fine particulate matter disaster and diesel engines w... Technical Articles
No new posts DPF-Diesel and GSKs, Glow Plug Failure Faults & Documentation (Audi, VW, Seat/Cupra, Skoda)
No new posts Is the Golf ALH engine not getting enough diesel? Diesel Engine Technology
No new posts VW T6 Seatbelt Rattle: Fix It Now! Transmission, Chassis, Body & Interior
No new posts 3C: Chiller return line rattles Diesel Engine Technology
No new posts Hydraulic lifters ticking VW Passat 3BG AVF Diesel Engine Technology
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum.