Sister has this 60000 mile 98 A4 wagon 2.8 avanti. Steam from the exhaust suggests a head gasket, another issue is a random miss.It has been to the audi dealer and since it does not code and it does not have oil in water or water in oil they won't diagnose the head gasket under the extended warranty.The dealer wants 1200.00 to pull the head but they won't do it under the warranty because they can't absolutely diagnose the head gasket..
The dealer has thrown a lot of parts at the car but none have fixed or changed the problem.
Is a head gasket a known problem on this car?
Does anyone know of a good independant Audi mechanic in the Charlotte N.C. area.

 

i actually have never heard of a head gasket being a problem

and if there isnt coolant in the oil that probably isnt it

 

How is the compression? Let me guess they won't do a compression test, they only will take $1200 to pull off the head to "see" if they can find a problem? Low pressure in 2 adjoining cylinders would indicate an internal head gasket failure or low pressure in one or more adjoining cylinders accompanied by an oil leak would sugjest an external head gasket failure. Is there any condesation buildup on the windows while driving? Does it smell like burned coolant when it runs? If you pull the oil drain plug does water come out first? How bad is the miss?