I just picked up a 2001 A4 Quatro with Tip auto, with the "S" option package. The car has 74,000 miles on it but doesn't run. It turns over but doesn't fire up. The previous owner said it needs a head gasket but the plugs, oil , and coolant don't indicate any prob with the head gasket. All plugs were normal brownish dry color. I did a compression check and found that #1=0 psi, #2=155 psi, #3=0 psi, and #4=120 psi. At this point I suspect the valve timming has jumped, but would it affect only 2 cylinders? I guess I will pull the timming cover and see if everything lines up, if not, I guess a valve job is order. Is there anything I am overlooking? Should I pull the pan and check the bearing caps while I'm at it, keep in mind we only have 74k on the motor. I'm not sure of the history of these motors. I don't want to work on the bottom end if I don't have to. What are your opinions?

I look forward to being a longtime member of this forum.

Thanks,
Dave
Waldorf, MD
01 A4 Quattro, Tip Auto, Silver, No mods yet!
93 BMW 318is, 5spd, 275k on the clock, still running strong!

 

I am wondering if the timing belt or tension broke. Pull the cover off and take a look at it. Also it could be that the timing is messed up on it. If thats the case then I would NOT try and start the car anymore. You could be bending valves and such.

Josh

 

***Update*****

I pulled the valvecover off and inspected inside. The cams turn when I turn the motor over but I'm not sure if it's still in time. I noticed one of the bearing caps in the very rear of the intake cam was discolored, compared to the others. I pulled it off and noticed the bearing is toast. Is this a common problem with the 1.8 Ts? I couldn't find any posts about cam bearings.

Can the head be machined and new bearings inserted, or is the head ruined? Can I still rely on the block, or should I be worried it may be ruined too? The motor has 74,000 miles on it and I have a ton of receipts from the previous owner where he has taken it in for Synthetic oil changes. Thanks in advance for your knowledge.

Dave

 

Take the head off and see the rest of the damage if any. You need to research the rest of the car before comming to conclusions. By the compression check it looks like the valves are most likly bent in those cylinders or the rings got toasted. Worst could be that thepiston rods broke and they aren't moving. You need to research the motor more. Take the head off and start there.

 

Its easy to see if the pistons are moving, just stick a long screwdriver thorugh the spark plug holes till it touches the pistons, remember where all four are with pencil lines on the screwdriver, crank it over real fast and see if they all moved or stayed the same.

If they are mot moving you would probably get a horrible mechanical knocking sounds while cranking though. I would assume valves. also I believe 155 and 120 are very low for a 1.8T mine had 195 195 180 195 when i got it with 142K miles.

 

Thanks for the expertise! It does appear the pistons are moving fine and as much as I can tell from looking through the spark plug hole they look damn good. PIMPHELL, I will take your advise and pull the head to assess the total damage. I just didn't want to proceed before consulting the experienced Audi experts. I will do anything but wish to educate myself on unknown species of vehicle. I have been a BMW man for the last few years but got tired of the decline in quality during the 90's. I began showing interest in the VW brand with the jetta and passat models but quickly fell in love with the A4 model because of the styling and the features. You guys are my new best friends! This car doesn't even run and I am in love with it! My first car was a 76 Audi 80 POS, but after 49 other makes, I am back to Audi. If anyone has any sugestions for 1.8 cylinder heads please let me know.

Oh, what does PM mean?

Thanks again!

 

lots of info on www.audidiy.com

 

as mentioned above several times, bent valves, or blown rings. could also be bad valve seats, but would think 2 cyclinders. if you take the head off, with timing set so the valves are closed on the 1/3, and 2/4 respectively you can poor water into the intake ports and see if they leak. obviously if it leaks you'll need to have some work done but you'll know what the problem is. good luck.

 

PM typically means private message

If you don't mind me asking - what did you pay for the car?