Gymbeau

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

Thanks,
Jim

Tim$2

No difference, same kind of system.

Gymbeau

Wonderful. Thanks again.

seanf

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

Gymbeau

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

Gymbeau

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

Tim$2

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.

Gymbeau

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

RsKoyote

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

Gymbeau

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