Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Hi again. Been a while!
Anyway, I was at one of my local Audi dealers yesterday; took my B6 A4 Avant in 'cause it was idling a bit rough. It's due for new plugs (last changed around 55K, now have 126K). They supposedly gave the car the once over and agreed that the plugs need replacing (but wouldn't tell me a price) but also said the timing belt should be checked, that the "cam shafts read -5.00 degrees and -11.00 degrees, which they said is a high reading. They recommend the camshaft timing should be checked (the belt was replaced within the past 5000 or so) and, if necessary, adjusted.

They also said it would be nearly as expensive as replacing the belt - something like $1200.

My question is, does their cam gobbledygook make sense or are they just trying to sell me work? And if it does make sense, how soon should I get it done?

I ask because we're taking a trip from Calgary to Seattle at the end of next week and I'd rather not be left on the roadside. I'm planning to get the plugs done, but can that timing thingy be delayed - and am I better going to one of the good service dealers than taking it back to Audi?

Thanks!
Jim

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Hey Jim. I have no idea if this is BS or not but it sounds like you could use a second opinion. In the absence of someone who knows what they are talking about posting you might try calling an independent shop and relating the story to them too. The people I trust the most to give me good info are Paul at Tony's Auto Service and the folks at Tunedub. Both are shops with good reputations and reasonable pricing but the issue may be your timeline as they are usually quite busy. Couldn't hurt to call around and see what they say.

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Hi, Tim$2. Thanks for getting back to me; I'll give those guys a call and see what I can get done fairly quickly. Thanks for directing me toward Tony's and Tunedub, too. The belt was changed at that place on 14th street SW with the big VW spider outside (forget the name); hopefully they have a good reputation though, since you didn't mention them, I now have my doubts.

cheers
Jim

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

If the belt was changed I'm sure all the timing and cam adjustments would've been done at the same time to so I think Audi is full of .

As for spark plugs, why don't you do them yourself? It's near impossible to f-ck up.

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Thanks! I contacted one of the repair shops referred to above and they'd never heard of the timing situation I quoted, either, though he admitted it was a possibility that they'd have different diagnostic equipment. But the fact he'd never heard of such a scenario makes me I think it looks like the dealer might be trying to pull a fast one as well. I'd do the plugs myself, but am far too oafish, and lack the tools. I really should learn, though!

Cheers,
Jim

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Well just because I didn't mention them doesn't mean they don't do good work. I've never used that shop before so I couldn't say one way or the other.

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Fair enough; I didn't mean to slag them and have no reason to think they aren't great (- though the guy I bought the A4 from said he wasn't pleased - but that was more their customer relations than the actual work, IIRC.

I'm taking it into Tony's next week. They were quick to return my phone call, and that impressed me. Maybe I'll try Tunedub when I have a bigger time window. Wish I could find a good guy in the North, though.

Thanks for your advice! Much appreciated!
cheers,
Jim

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

I think you'll be satisfied going to Tony's. Their shop may not look like much but they do good work and they don't try to upsell you. If they say it needs to be done then it needs to be done. Hopefully you get away with just doing the plugs and wires and the timing turns out to be fine.

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Thanks for all your advice! Much appreciated. What wires are you talking about having done? Are they the ones that attach to the plugs, and is that normally part of the plug-changing process or something I need to remind Tony's about?

cheers
Jim

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

AH! My mistake Jim. Was just thinking that when you do new plugs on a car most times you would replace the ignition wires at the same time but thinking about it, the 1.8T has the individual ignition coils right near the plug so there isn't any ignition wires to worry about I don't think. Disregard.

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Thanks for the clarification. I have the 3.0 litre V6, though. Does that change things?

Thanks,
Jim

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

No difference, same kind of system.

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Wonderful. Thanks again.

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Since you mention having the v6 you could very well have a bad cam adjuster causing a timing difference or the timing belt is out a tooth. The gf just picked up a 99 a4 2.8 30v and the timing belt is suspected of being off a tooth, it idles quite rough and vag com gives me different timing retard angles for each bank. It will not affect the reliability of the car for your trip tho. You will just notice rough idle and less fuel mileage. If the belt was just done and this happened right afterwards take it back to the shop and have them look it over again. Doing a t belt on a 30v looks like a scary job lol

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Hi. Thanks for the advice. Your description sounds like the Audi dealer's. Belt was done just before I bought the car last fall, so I doubt I have recourse against the shop that did it. Since the car was like this when I got it, I really have nothing to compare its mileage/power with, but I got the plugs changed on Wednesday and it's running well. I get a bit of a rough idle when stopped with the clutch in and the car in gear, but otherwise it seems fine.

Glad you think I'll be fine for the trip. I'm really looking forward to putting some quality miles on it!

Thanks again,
cheers,
Jim

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Okay folks, I made the trip and have a few observations for opinion/advice. The car drove well but I'm not sure about the timing belt issue. I averaged 9.7 l/100km, which translates to just a merkin under 30 mpg Imperial (about 24 US). This was mostly highway miles, at about 120-140 km/h when possible, often in cruise control. Does that mileage seem fair? I average about 11.4 city, btw.

And though I have nothing to compare it with, the power seemed only adequate till the revs approached 4000, at which time it stemmed to come more alive.

Does that fit in with the above-discussed timing belt riddle?

Also, I've noticed a vibration I feel through the seat of my pants. It isn't really bad but it did make driving more tiring after a long day. No such feeling through the steering wheel, which makes me think perhaps the rear wheels or tire need alignment or balancing. opinions?

Other than that I'm more in love with the car than when I left, and glad I had a chance to take it on a longer trip.

Thanks,
Jim

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

I don't really have anything to add about the timing belt or vibration but the fuel economy seems fine to me.

EPA states you should be able to get 16 mpg(US) city and 24 mpg(US) highway.

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Thanks for that! I think unless I hear anything more that I'll leave the timing belt issue till spring at least; idle is a bit rough but not bad and the car still drives really well.

cheers,
Jim

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

You Just have to change the plugs, unless your coils are going. if you need coils as well as plugs get the Mk 5's but you will need adapeter plates but they (coils) are more reliable. as far as plugs go with copper. $4.00 each compared to the $15.00 for platnum. you'll have to change them sooner (Every 10000km) but they run colder and you'll get bettter performance. I run NGK BKR7E

Re: Does this sound probable, or like BS?
 

Thanks! I had the plugs done and it's running great right now. Took it on the highway last weekend and it was wonderful!
cheers
Jim