Hi everyone.

I bought my first ever Audi yesterday however I've took a bit of a flyer on it and would appreciate some advise/guidance.

Its a 2008 A4 Avant Quattro S Line 3.0L TDI with slightly over 81K.(New Shape).

Over all the car is in very good coindition usual wear and tear however it has been recorded as flood damaged and was sold as a non runner however I have been told no one has attempted to start the car. From the condition of especially the interior it does not appear that the car has been in water to any great depth but cannot confirm.

When I went to see the car the igniton etc would all operate but the battery was practically dead and I did'nt want to try and start it due to causing much more damage. I have removed the battery and giving it a full charge and I am now ready to put it back onto the car and start trying to get her going.

I dont have any experience with water damaged cars but I am aware that if you try and start with water in the engine you are practically condemming it to death.

My question is where do I need to remove before turning over the engine??.

I have read with some research that I should try manually turning over the engine from the crank with certain parts undone to sit out the water??

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also if there is anything you feel I may have overlooked please let me know.

If this is in the wrong place for the best help please advise so I can move.

Thanks in advance.

 

I got no experience with flood damaged cars, but I can just mention some points you might want to check. Maybe you already did, let us know?

I'm sure there are several ways to check the car, but first is just visual inspect it as you did. It's hard to tell much unless you know what type of flood damage it was and was it salt water or not. Salt water is always worse.

Check contacts of different sensors, might give some indication if the lower sensors are damaged. Always check the intake path, atleast change the air filter and clean up the filter box. Depending on model, there might be separate path for warm air in the intake box which might scoop water if water has been high enough (ie. top of wheel level). Of course turbo is next in line. If all looks fine, there should not be problems with the water in engine as there isn't much ways for it to get to the engine unless the car was completely submerged. After all intake path is sealed after airfilter for good reason. Audi's have the intake air scoop fairly high, so you'd need to submerge the car up to the front grill top for water to get in to the air filter box.

Battery can get wet if the water gets in from the cabin exit air vents and water level was high enough. Obviously you already checked this.

Exhaust pipe is one which might have gotten damaged, mostly corrosion and clogged pipe or catalytic converter. If the car is with DFP, it should be fine as it should be fairly near the engine and high.

Also what you said about turning the engine manually is good too, but requires a bit work to get to do that. The 3.0TDI engine bay is quite full. Also check the error diagnostics if there are any codes available after such long period without battery.

Of course if the car was driven to a high cold water, there might be some problems with engine block deforming due sudden cooling, etc.. but that'd be really wrecked car and bad luck then and one of the reasons (at least in Finland) why insurance won't cover any damage due you driving to deep water as you should know this and avoid it.

Mostly just common sense.

 

Hey there, I just purchased a flood damaged vehecile myself. Can I contact you to ask some questions?

Thanks

jessie

 

First is it a "salvage" tittle car. If so it will most likely be good for parting out. You need to know how flooded it was. Has the oil been changed and if not is there any water in it. Look for water line stains both inside and outside the car. If salt water damaged any sensor or electrical connector will need to be replaced. You should also consider having it towed to a body shop and have them put it into a heated paint booth for a few days to make sure it is dried out. Usually the body and undercarriage are not the problem it's the electrical system that will act funny and then crap out. Good luck but I wouldn't drive it to far when and if you get it running.