4.2TDi sudden death

[erubus]

No, the mileage, like the date and time, isn't correct. That's not to say it's not a high mileage car but it was a one owner car that had been religiously services at an Audi dealer. There were receipts for absolutely everything. The only job not done by Audi was the gearbox oil and filter changes every 40k. If it wasn't for that and the price, which reflected the (90% motorway) miles, plus all the extras and generally excellent condition, I wouldn't have bought it.

I've been offered a 20 year old Toyota Corolla for sweetie money until I decide what will happen with the A8. It's going to be a change. My last three cars have been 8's and I've only had Audi's for the last ten years or so except for the landys.

[erubus]

Little update. I put the endoscope down the little plugged holes on top of the cam sprocket housings. On the n/s bank, you can see everything spinning away clear as day. O/s has no movement at all so definitely got a snapped chain and presumably a wrecked head.

How much do you guys think I'd make selling the car as is, 2008 excellent condition in general, gearbox oil changed at 60k intervals.

Probably make more breaking it but I don't have the time and fixing it is unlikely given the cost of parts and time involved.

Gill

[MikkiJayne]

Damn

[tc4332]

Bloody Hell.
Sad news.
Feel for you.

[Joe2.0E]

Thats a disaster, would a used engine be an option.
It’s likely to be cheaper than rebuilding yours.

[erubus]

Originally Posted by Joe2.0E

Thats a disaster, would a used engine be an option.
It’s likely to be cheaper than rebuilding yours.

The cheapest engine I've seen so far was £3'500!

I've decided I'm going to rebuild the engine. I've got a (horrendous) Peugeot 407 2.0hdi to run about in just now. It cost very little which was handy given that's how much money I had! It's the worst handling car I've ever driven but so far it seems to only need to be shown fuel to run... Which is nice. Going to need a timing belt etc though as there is no history with it.

My plan with the A8 is to turn it round in my work shop first off. Easier said than done due to slopes and available turning space and a generally big car.

Once it's pointing towards the door I'll get it up as high as possible on axle stands and disconnect everything underneath then disconnect everything from the top and lower it down onto a trolley of some sort which I'll need to make.

Once the engine/transmission/subframe combo is on the ground I'll lift the front of the car as high as possible with the front loader of the tractor and hopefully have enough room to roll the engine out to the side for stripping down.

I've found complete febi timing chain and tensioner kits for £550 online and should be able to get them cheaper through my dad. Valves cost about £7 each. Guides are about the same.

The problem would be if the head itself is cracked, or if pistons are cracked. Rockers and hydraulic tappets could also be broken and hard to source.

That's all an unknown until the engine is out though which will be challenging enough! I'll keep you all posted with plenty of pics.

Gill

[MikkiJayne]

I assume technical data for this venture is either in the tech dump or online somewhere, but if not ping me and I'll look up what I can

A pallet truck is very handy for pulling the drivetrain free once it's on the floor.

[Mechcanico Lee]

Don’t take engine out yet !!
You say it does not sound any different cranking over ? This is indicative of it not bending valves , you can hear the engine off when you crank it if it has bent valves

Seen on loads of diesels with broken cam belts sometimes it just breaks rocker arms or if it’s hollow cams knocks the lobes round .

Remove injectors and rocker cover and inspect , it may be rockers or buckets, im not sure .

I realise that if it’s an engine out job to do the chains , well so be it ....but have a look first , is the toothed segment that the cam sensor picks up off part of cam or a separate bolt of section .

Have a look first before you commit to dropping the lump out