okay I am helping a buddy fix his 2000 a4 1.8t and he had to have the head rebuilt. He got a new cam chain tensioner but reused the old chain. Anyways he has codes for misfires and cam retarded. Things like that. I had this issue with another 1.8 but couldn't figure it out. I didn't time it, I trusted he could do it on his own, looks to be about right at cam(I get that it may be off at the crank). I tested the cam position sensor and it was fine, exhaust cam looked fine, intake was a bit different but still in spec. Anyways, I am leaning toward two things tell me what you think. The first being that the motor isnt timed properly, and I have heard that the cam chain stretch which is hard for me to believe but still possible I suppose. What do u guys think????

 

if everything looks good under the valve cover/cam chain side, the issue is probably on the timing belt/crank side. therefore, i think you are right, the motor isn't timed properly. take the belt off, re-index everything to TDC, reinstall an tension the belt properly, give it a few turns by hand ensure there is no interference and give it another go.

-not an expert, just an enthusiast