Hello,
I am purchasing a 2001 A4 2.8, 5 speed 131k miles. The price was right so I couldn't pass it up (lets just say even if I had to replace the entire drivetrain I would still be doing good.) The car has no compression on one bank of cylinders. I was told by the mechanic at the repair shop that the timing bet was likely put on wrong and that the one side was out of sync and bent valves. The belt didn't break so compression on the other side is still ok. In fact, the car still runs and drives enough for me to load it on the trailer. I know that I am going to replace the head on the the right side. I am also going to do the FULL timing belt replacement with the tensioner, water pump, rollers, and seals. I will also give it a tune-up. My question is, should I replace anything else while I have the front of the car off and everything taken apart? Is there any reason to pull the other head and replace the head gasket or "if it ain't broke, don't fix it?" This will be an extra car so I can take the time to fix any of the things that typically go wrong so that I don't have to mess with it down the road.

 

Curious to know what you paid for it? I bought a 2.8 A4 Quattro with a bad transmission seal for $1000 delivered to my door. I feel like I stole it but I would love to know what you paid for your 2001.

 

It wasn't quite as good of deal as yours but I'm not too far off. The car is very clean in and out. Book value is close to $7k so I have some room to play.

 

Well seeing as how yours is much newer than mine I think you made out like a bandit! Also yours is a 5 speed! That is a HUGE plus!

 

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Hmm, interesting, I never thought about honing the cylinders. I've done quite a few head gaskets but that is a step that I have never done. Is there much of a benefit in doing this? I would be worried about the rings since they are broke in and seated already. Also, what is the groups consensus on using new head bolts. I have seen some people say it is required and other say it is not.

 

NEVER install used head bolts. When torqued properly they stretch. Always use new ones on ANY engine.

 

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I know what what honing does I just haven't heard of it used in this application. I would just be nervous doing it without a rebuild. I can't imagine the rings would be happy with the new surface after 131k miles. Plus without removing the piston you are missing that ridge at the bottom of the cylinder. Have you tried this before with good results?

 

I agree. If you are not installing new rings I wouldn't do it. I think it would cause a lot of blow by. I would just do a full rebuild if I was in your situation though. If you have another car anyway you will be much more happy with the end result.