Pressurized sparkplug well???
 

Alright, I need your opinion on this... Was driving the car getting on the interstate and noticed that around 4500RPM I would get this pretty significant stutter from the engine.* First thing that came to mind was maybe I have a fouled sparkplug.* Ordered a new set of NGK BKUR6ET's and installed them.* I did however notice that during the install of the plugs that the coilpack on cylinder #2 was pushed up off of the sparkplug.* Upon finishing the plug install I made sure that all of the coilpacks were pressed down properly and went for a test drive.* Everything was smooth as new.* However I went out later to get something to eat and tried again.* Only this time I noticed the same stutter at 4500RPM.* Popped the hood and noticed that the coilpacks were pushed up on cylinders #2 and #3.* I have NO idea what could cause this, except for one thing.* I just want to see if you guys think of the same thing that I have or to let me know if this is potentially a common problem.* This is on an 01 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro BTW... Thanks in advance for any information and advice you can pass my way!

pretty weird problem but i've heard of it happening to a few other people. i think 034motorsports makes a bracket that hold them down but it's kind big. there are coilpacks that have a torq screw on them that you can screw into the valve cover and it holds it down. i forget if they were the bosch or valeo ones. do a search for coilpack pop up and you should be able to find some more info

iirc someone had a bad valve cover gasket seal around the spark plug hole that kept causing it to pop up. Is there any oil in there or is it dry?

Josh

PBGuy... That's what I was thinking it was myself. There actually was a LITTLE oil on my sparkplug socket after swapping the plugs.* Didn't take notice until I was done so it is hard to say which cylinder this was. I tightened the sparkplugs by feel the first time around. But have since dug my torque wrench out of my apartment storage unit to dial them in to 20ft/lb. Haven't driven since... I'll post results when I do drive it though. Thanks for the input guys!

Yeah let us know and if they still pop out it might be time for a valve cover gasket change and if it STILL does it then than I think it's time to get one of those brackets. LOL

Josh

That is the planned process to fix the problem. We shall see...

are these coil packs the kind that have 2 bolts that hold them to the valve cover? or do they just snap into place somehow? i do remember 034motorsport.com having some sort of retaining bracket for coils like that, i looked real quick but cant find a link for you though.

They are a suction type fitting almost. There are little rubber "fins" around the shaft that goes into the hole where the spark plug is that holds it in so if any pressure builds up in that area it will pop them out.

Josh

Exactly PBGuy... After the retorque to 20ft/lb's the problem has stopped it seems. I guess time will tell if that is the case or not. Thanks for the input and advice fellas.