Hi,

After driving for like 30 minutes my engine runs rough. When it starts to run rough, i just turn it off for a few minutes. When I start it again it runs good for a while.

 

Catalytic converter? Fuel Filter?

Something is either getting too hot, or clogged (it sounds like).

G/L

 

Car did smell like gas. That's a good guess. I also noticed some spillage in the rear when I pulled into gas stations. I wasn't sure if that was already there or came out of the car.





Can the fuel filter leak if it's bad?

 

If you have a Quattro and it's leaking gas from the back, I would change my fuel filter asap.

 

Is this something I can do myself? Is it hard to do?

 

It's not the easiest thing (on a Quattro), but it's not that bad. I just did mine (again) a few days ago. It's recommended that you change it every 15K miles.

Tools needed (that I can remember): Ratchet (3/8" or even 1/4"), an extension, a 13mm socket. 17mm & 19mm box end wrenches. There's one more wrench, but I can't remember the size. I used an adjustable wrench for that.

The fuel filter sits in a (designated) spot in the front Right (passenger) corner of the gas tank (under the car).

Jack up the right rear of the car (use a jack stand) then you have to lower the tank (you don't have to drop it). There are two straps securing the tank. Two 13mm nuts each (total of four). Loosen all of them first, then remove the one closest to the filter. Once you do that, you can use a 2"x4" piece of wood (or similar) and gently pry down on the tank from the front (watch for e-brake cables and fuel lines). You should be able to get the filter out at this point (if you can't, loosen the bolts a bit more).

The filter has two banjo bolts on it (w/ crush washers). Once you begin to loosen those bolts, a little fuel may spray out, due to fuel pressure still in the lines, so prepare for that (loosen them slowly and you should be fine, but protect your eyes at least). Make sure you pay attention to the arrow on the filter that says "FLOW" (remember it for reinstall). Installation is in reverse. Just make sure you gather all four (old) crush washers (sometimes they stick to the banjo bolts) and make sure you use all new crush washers on the new filter (both brass go on one bolt. The other two (silver) washers go on the other side). Just pay attention to what you're doing and how you're doing it and you should be fine.You can always write down what you're doing as you're doing it, so you don't skip a step during reinstall. When you're done with the filter, start the car and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, go ahead and reassemble everything.

As a beginner, you should be able to do this in less than 30 minutes (I can do it in like 15 minutes, so you should be fine).

If you need more help than this, try searching you-tube for the process. There should be a bunch of videos on it.

If I can help with anything else. Just let me know.

G/L

 

Thanks A4TurboGuy Audi wizard! I changed the catalytic converters and it's running good now. So I hope that was it.

 

LOL!

There are guys on here that are way more knowledgeable than me, but I'm glad I was able to help.

Have fun!