I'm new to the forum and new to audi's, had 2 bmw's before but always had a bit of a thing for audi's but since owning my allroad I'm a lititle bemused!

So I got the car a couple of months ago and it's caused nothing but problems since here is my list, hopefully I can get some advice!

I changed timing belt, water pump and thermostat as soon as I got it, as soon as I got it back from the garage I noticed it stalled when it was first started. Took it back to the garage and they hooked it up to their machine and apparently the engine wasn't getting enough fuel so they suggested I change the fuel filter as it may be blocked and was a cheap option to start with so I did and it still stalls.

I've read about the MAF sensor so I think I will give it a clean soon and see if it helps, I unplugged it with the engine running and the engine didn't noticeably change but my engine management light came on so I gather the MAF is working but could be dirty?

The car starts after several cranks, spits out a lot of grey smelly smoke which clears in about 4 seconds and has a rough idle. All this stops when the engine reaches operating temperature, it runs fine.

No the bigger problem I'm suffering is causing me headaches! I have an oil leak, when I first got the car my mate had a quick look and said my injectors need reseating as they're leaking oil because they were caked in it.

I haven't got round to that yet but I was having a look under the bonnet and notice what I believe is the valve cover gasket spewing oil. It's the gasket where the intake manifold meets the engine? I panicked that it was the head gasket but I looked into it and I don't think I'm showing symptoms of a head gasket faliure (I.e dirty oil, white smoke or using lots of coolant/frothy coolant).

The oil leak has got worse the last few days so I'm going to get the car in on Monday for the valve cover gasket and hope some of my problems will be fixed.

Other problems are just poor maintenance by the previous owner like scarred discs and split cv boots which will be fixed as soon as I've cured my oil leak!

I've had the car 2 months and it's cost me £700 so far and I think I'm looking at about another £1000 to get the car where I want it! I should have got a pre purchase check but I was monging it a bit and now I'm paying the price for it!

As much as its giving me headaches I already have a soft spot for the car, it's comfortable, looks good and drives really well! I don't want to get rid of it and where I live the 4 wheel drive without a bulky suv is perfect for me, I get the sporty car and the wife and baby get their family car!


Any advice would be appreciated on what my stalling/oil leak problems could be.

I'll buy you a virtual beer if you can help me

 

So after 167 views nobody has any ideas on the oil leak I'm suffering? If in fact it is Likely to be coming from the intake manifold or its the valve cover?

 

Sorry, not familiar with the 2.5tdi, is it european?

Valve cover leaks common with 2.7 twin turbo and 4.2 V8 though.

 

Yeh I'm in the UK, should have clarified. Maybe that's why people aren't sure :/

I've got the usual problem with the passenger door not catching when I close it but I have a tool arriving shortly to move the d shape striker around until I find a good catch.

I've never worked on cars before (apart from an oil change etc on my BMW) but since owning this I've changed fuel filter and I will be doing oil filter and oil change soon, combined with the passenger door and whatever else I feel comfortable doing to save pennies at the garage.

I'm trying to find an Audi specialist near me but all I can find is the Audi dealer and I'm not keen on them raping my wallet just yet!

 

Just a quick one, if it is my valve cover gasket leaking would that be cause for my car to have a rough idle when it starts and stall if I don't bring the revs up? When the engine is up to temperature it's perfect absolutely no noise or shaking and won't stall. I've read about cleaning the throttle body?

There's just so much that could be wrong with this car but I'm seeing it as a project more than a pain in the **** crazily enough

 

I am NO mechanic, but the 4.2 V8 and the 2.7tt are not difficult to work on.

My best suggestion if you want to save money, get a factory service manual "Ebahn" on disc for your vehicle. It will answer most of your questions.

Important, get a Ross-tech VCDS software and "dongle" so you can diagnose the trouble and save you greatly at the mechanic/shop. Many parts and maintenance items can be replaced and repaired by you with basic tools using these diagnostic items. The cost of the manual/software/cables will pay for itself with the first repair.

Along with this website, these items will make you an expert. I have saved thousands of dollars with these tools and doing my own work.

I have not been courageous enough to change engine gaskets, but most other repairs that seem to occur regularly with these allroad's haven't been that challenging yet.

TC

 

Just guessing, but the idle/stall could be a dirty IAC idle air control valve which you should be able to clean.

The VCDS will tell you the codes and is a good place to start. Otherwise we're just guessing.

 

OOPS;

Ross-tech; Ross-Tech: Home

Ebahn; http://www.bentleypublishers.com/aud...-c5-ebahn.html

 

Thanks doc, I'll take a look at the IAC valve and see if that helps. I took the maf out and gave it a good clean (it was filthy!) but no change as yet so the IAC valve will be my next check.

Ive seen a vag com cable on Amazon for £32 so I'll grab that and the software soon. I can't believe Haynes don't do a manual for this, I've heard mixed reviews on the Bentley but since that's all there is I guess I don't have a choice.

Thanks again

 

I recommend a cable directly from Ross-tech (I have no association with them), sometimes the ebay cables don't work or allow the full use of the software. Cables are not expensive from Ross-tech. In my opinion.