[luckyjim]

This is my first post on this site.
I have a well looked after A4 1.8T (97) with 70K miles. It has developed an engine rattle on start up which lasts for anywhere between 1 to 5 mins, depending how many days it has been stood. The rattle dissappeares when engine warms up or above 1800 RPM.
Anybody out there have any ideas of problem?

 

[zippy]

Sounds like a heat shield,(if it is a tinney sound.) When it's cold it rattles then as the car warms up things expand and tighten up so the rattle stops. Try drumming on the engine parts and when the tone sounds the same try to tighten up the bolts or screws they may be loose.