Hello,

I was hoping I could get some advice from the experts. I have the opportunity to pick up an A4 for pretty cheap, the car has 164K on it.

Only issue is the car has an engine knock. I can ask the seller for some more specific issue, but she said as soon as it started she parked the car.

I'm mechanically inclined and don't mine getting pretty deep into the engine provided its not going to cost a fortune. I've done some homework so far and it sounds like engine oil clogs are pretty common or its a cam tension about to break.

Am I on the right track? What other info can i give you to better diagnose this!

Thanks!

Edit its a : 2.8 liter

 

Oil supply problems on the 12-valve 2.8 engines are not common, however any neglected engine could have such issues. And "cam tension about to break" doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but in any event you would be advised to change the belt, rollers, and pump if the service history is unknown, or it has been more than say 60K miles since last done.

If the oil pressure light is on, then there is serious bearing damage. Otherwise, maybe the knock is a valve lifter. Sometimes running fresh engine oil, with a quart of ATF added, can correct a ticking lifter.

 

Thanks for your help mate! For $500.00 with 162K I'm just trying to decide if its a can of worms I really want to get myself into. It seems like a good deal but who knows whats actually wrong with the thing. On top of the I'd have to drive it 180 miles home which I image is inadvisable.