Why is my 1990 Audi 80's engine making strange noises?

I recently purchased a used 1990 Audi 80 and have noticed that the engine makes a strange ticking noise when it's running. It doesn't seem to affect performance, but I'm worried it could be a sign of a bigger issue. Any ideas on what could be causing this and if I should be concerned?

It's possible that the engine noise is due to faulty lifters. This is a common issue in older cars and can usually be fixed by replacing them. However, it's always best to have a mechanic take a look to be sure.

Another potential culprit could be a worn timing belt or tensioner. These should be regularly replaced as part of routine maintenance, so it's worth checking the vehicle's service history. If they haven't been replaced recently, it's definitely worth getting them checked.

I have a 1991 Audi 80 and experienced a similar issue. It turned out to be a faulty fan belt. Replacing it made the engine run much smoother. Definitely worth checking if that could be the cause of the noise in your case.