Hey people, got a few questions. I recently bought an 04 A4 1.8TQ M-6spd w/ 80k 3 months ago and my check engine light came on the other day. Running lean code which meant I need a new fuel filter but thats not the problem I have. While checking other things on it I stumbled across my oil soaked spark plugs, cylinders 1 & 3 (well 1 was bad and 3 barely had any oil in it. I know that just means I need to replace the valve cover gasket but what I was wondering is what else should I go ahead and replace while I am at it. My buddy suggest going ahead and replacing the timing belt and I am thinking of going ahead and getting new/better coil packs as well. Now I see at ECS they sell timing belt kits, is this a smart way to go or just a ploy to get you to buy more **** lol. Is there anything I am missing here that should go ahead and be replaced. Everyone's two cents is welcome

 

Call your local dealer with your VIN number and see if the coil pack recall has been performed. I bought my 2003 A4 in December and after reading about all the coil failures that was one of the first things I did. New coils should be good for a while.

If you are going to change the valve cover gasket you may as well replace the plugs while you are there.

You are in the zone for the timing belt to be done. It is a big job if you are new to Audis. Everything is peeled back from the front bumper back to the timing belt. The kits are worthwhile as they have everything you need from belt, waterpump and tensioners, some even come with G-12 coolant. If you have experience in the garage it can be done in a day. If you can find an audi shop it will cost a little under $1000, parts included, dealership qoute was $1650. I have a local independant guy that will do it for $650 parts included, but that is rare.

 

A TB kit from a reputable source should have everything you need, but double check to make sure all tensioners are included. The kit is relatively cheap compared to the labor effort (e.g., A6 2.7T is 6 hours, A4 3.0 is 7.5 hours), so skimping on a cheap part is foolish.

 

Luckily I do have some experience under the hood so no prob there, just finding the time is the hard part. I couldn't imagine paying that much for something I can do myself. Anyways, sounds like I need to get on ordering some parts. Thanks for the info, if there is anything else I'm all ears

 

Since you have an 04 A4, read my post about tips for someone completing a timing belt change for a 2003 Audi A4. We just did mine this past week and had a bitch of a time. Good luck!