Blown head gasket...need advice making a tough decision.
#21
10-26-2013 | 08:22 AM
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 296
From: Concord, NC
Hey man. Well, it's a slow one since I don't have much free time. I need to make a list of all the parts I need too so I can actually get the job done since I don't even have the tool I need to get the head bolts out for starters.
I need new head bolts of course and I want to get a complete gasket kit and timing belt kit so everything will be in top shape. And not to forget getting the head resurfaced. It will still be a lot cheaper in the end to get the car running compared to buying another car. That is if all goes well God willing. Messing up the timing was my biggest concern but if everything is marked then there shouldn't be anything to worry about I guess.
I need new head bolts of course and I want to get a complete gasket kit and timing belt kit so everything will be in top shape. And not to forget getting the head resurfaced. It will still be a lot cheaper in the end to get the car running compared to buying another car. That is if all goes well God willing. Messing up the timing was my biggest concern but if everything is marked then there shouldn't be anything to worry about I guess.
You can always re-set the timing. As long as you don't try to rotate anything you'll be good.
#22
10-26-2013 | 09:47 AM
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 55
From: Mill Creek, Washington
Hey man. Well, it's a slow one since I don't have much free time. I need to make a list of all the parts I need too so I can actually get the job done since I don't even have the tool I need to get the head bolts out for starters.
I need new head bolts of course and I want to get a complete gasket kit and timing belt kit so everything will be in top shape. And not to forget getting the head resurfaced. It will still be a lot cheaper in the end to get the car running compared to buying another car. That is if all goes well God willing. Messing up the timing was my biggest concern but if everything is marked then there shouldn't be anything to worry about I guess.
I need new head bolts of course and I want to get a complete gasket kit and timing belt kit so everything will be in top shape. And not to forget getting the head resurfaced. It will still be a lot cheaper in the end to get the car running compared to buying another car. That is if all goes well God willing. Messing up the timing was my biggest concern but if everything is marked then there shouldn't be anything to worry about I guess.
I'd like to do this myself as well but I'm worried about the timing too. In theory I know how to do it, it's just actually doing it for the first time that's pretty daunting.
#23
10-26-2013 | 10:02 AM
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,272
From: Minnesota
It is scary the first time. But if you follow the directions, it's really not that hard to do. If you're really nervous, pull the plugs after you're done and turn the motor over 2 full revolutions with a rachet wrench and a big socket.
Last edited by mtroxel; 10-26-2013 at 10:37 AM.
#24
10-26-2013 | 10:36 AM
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 296
From: Concord, NC
Funny I'm literally in the same position as you with this, as well as just putting over 1.5k into the car to make it run good and find this out.
I'd like to do this myself as well but I'm worried about the timing too. In theory I know how to do it, it's just actually doing it for the first time that's pretty daunting.
I'd like to do this myself as well but I'm worried about the timing too. In theory I know how to do it, it's just actually doing it for the first time that's pretty daunting.
#25
10-26-2013 | 02:57 PM
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 794
From: Lancaster, CA
New head bolts and that special wrench for removing and installing them. Torque on them is high as well; 44 ft. lbs. plus 90 degrees. Here it is,
Video Link: http://www.amazon.com/V3452-Audi-Head-Bolt-Tool/dp/B000PH6VLU
You can always re-set the timing. As long as you don't try to rotate anything you'll be good.
#26
10-26-2013 | 03:08 PM
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 794
From: Lancaster, CA
I'm not even using instructions. I'm just taking apart everything that I know that needs to come off. Maybe because I did a timing belt job on another car already, that gave me a little confidence to do this. Just the whole idea of removing the cams had me a little nervous.
#27
10-26-2013 | 04:36 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 55
From: Mill Creek, Washington
I'm assuming this is resetting the timing? If I go this route what exactly does it mean?
#28
10-26-2013 | 07:21 PM
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 794
From: Lancaster, CA
No, all he's saying is that when you put the timing belt on, turn the crank gear a few times to make sure that the marks still line up perfectly with the cam gear. That assures you that the timing is good.
#29
10-26-2013 | 07:22 PM
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,272
From: Minnesota
What I'm saying is, before you start the car...in fact before you get the front of the motor back together all the way, pull out the spark plugs. Then you put a big socket (I don't remember the size...32mm?) over the crank that sticks out of the damper pulley and you turn the motor over with a ratchet wrench. The idea is it will turn nice, easy and controlled with no compression (hence the plugs on your bench) and you can tell if you made any mistakes without pistons flying at valves at high speed.
#30
10-27-2013 | 09:44 AM
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 55
From: Mill Creek, Washington
What I'm saying is, before you start the car...in fact before you get the front of the motor back together all the way, pull out the spark plugs. Then you put a big socket (I don't remember the size...32mm?) over the crank that sticks out of the damper pulley and you turn the motor over with a ratchet wrench. The idea is it will turn nice, easy and controlled with no compression (hence the plugs on your bench) and you can tell if you made any mistakes without pistons flying at valves at high speed.