Seat Leon Cupra 290 (GPF Model) Knocking on Cold Start

[47berkz]

Hi,

BRIEF: knocking/rattling after cold start, goes away once oil temp is up.

Bought a Cupra 290 from a dealer in December 2024, invoices showed a full oil service was done the week prior to purchase.

trusted it too much and drove it for 4 months, started hearing noises from the engine bay

Checked the oil and it was bone dry- not even on the dipstick

full oil service done again, Millers 5w-40- noise retained. If anything it got worse

first it used to do it JUST as the revs drop after a fresh cold start, then it progressed into during the cold start, and now into the idle until the oil temp is warm (80* and above)

replaced cam follower which was bad, but noise is still there. Noticed one of the cams were very slightly scored but mechanic said it isn’t anything to worry about yet

can’t upload a video but here’s a link to it on YouTube for audio reference

- YouTube

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been struggling to deal with it mentally, one of my dream cars and it sounds like it’s dying

any ideas would help a lot, please and thank you

 

[47berkz]

Also changed the engine breather too- had no effect but no longer revs up if fuel cap opens whilst idling. Problem I didn’t know I had lol

 

[Ch-davies]

Hi, did this issue develop or was it resolved? I’m currently experiencing the very same thing. Thanks

 

[47berkz]

Hi, did this issue develop or was it resolved? I’m currently experiencing the very same thing. Thanks

Hi, yes! Turned out to be the solenoids (magnets) involved with the Variable Valve Timing system. One thing to note, it only happened whilst revs were dropping back to idle after a FRESH cold start, and after 30-60 seconds the sound disappeared. The way my engineer and I knew what it was, was by listening with the bonnet open- and spotted it came from around where the timing chain is, which is where the magnets are located.

Didn't cost much, don't remember the parts cost but was £50 labour in London!

 

[Ch-davies]

Never heard such good news mate hahah, been absolutely bricking it thinking my engines going for ages. Thanks for getting back to me I’ll be getting that sorted asap as that’s the exact problem on a fresh cold start im having.

 

[47berkz]

Never heard such good news mate hahah, been absolutely bricking it thinking my engines going for ages. Thanks for getting back to me I’ll be getting that sorted asap as that’s the exact problem on a fresh cold start im having.

Hope it gets solved. I remember first taking it to an engineer and mentioning my anxieties of getting it tuned. He inspected it and said “just go get it tuned mate” .

When tuning and datalogging, the tuner kept getting excited about the engine’s health and happy response to the tuning. So, shouldn’t be much of an issue. Just keep on top of oil, let some temp come before you drive and go get it changed when you can. Keep me posted!

 

[Ch-davies]

I get the same responses as I’m having the anxiety before going stage 2, will keep you updated mate should be getting done in the coming weeks with most “vag” specialists being very full