timing belt jumped on my 2.8

[desmo]

The title says it all.

I'm not going to be doing the work myself so I'm looking for some first hand knowledge. I haven't had the heads pulled yet, so I don't know the full extent of the damage. The engine turns over, but that's it.

What is the likelihood and range of damage and repair costs. Obviously a number of valves, but what else and ballparks for expense would be great. Just so I know what to expect.

Thanks!

[audifirst]

Borrow money from all your friends, family, wife, girlfriend , co-workers, it will be expensive

[desmo]

Cool! Advice like that could only come from a friend. How much can I put you down for?

[audifirst]

you can get head rebuild for around $500+ per side depends who is doing for you, and all the remaining timing belt parts looking around $300 all the gaskets $100-$200 ... and lot of tools... $100-$300,

[desmo]

Thanks. I just checked with Shokan and they have a complete engine (less the accessories & manifolds & with the new timing kit installed) for under $2k. And the engine's got about 100k fewer miles than mine.

[audifirst]

I would first check if both heads have bent valves, if just one then it is better to repair , you can buy the valves and replace your self

[desmo]

Thanks. That's great advice.

[audifirst]

if you do search I believe there were few people who have rebuild themselves the engines and heads, replacing engine will be my last resort

[Scotty@Advanced]

if you do search I believe there were few people who have rebuild themselves the engines and heads, replacing engine will be my last resort

To be honest it's probably going to be less expensive to replace the engine. If the damage is bad, the top ring land can get crushed by the intake valves and that means possible cylinder wall scoring, low compressor, a broken ring or all of the above. The nicks in the piston top from the valves can also cause detonation and mis-fires.

Here's a somewhat realistic break down in cost.

Head gasket set ~$250.00
Rebuilt heads ~$500 each so $1000 total really depends on how many valves you need and what other stuff is required.
Timing belt set ~$280
Fluids ~$200.00 (coolant, oil, filter, cleaner spray, beer to get friends to help)

Used engines can be had for as little as ~$800.00 (100,000K) from reputable recyclers. However it's likely you'd want to service the timing belt and V/C gaskets with the replacement engine.

Shokan is absurdly expensive.

These dudes have a 54K mile engine assuming you need one from an Automatic

1999 Engine Volkswagen Passat -52,000 A 464035 $850 Johnston Auto Salvage USA-NC(Middlesex) Request_Quote 1-919-269-4743 1-800-795-9987

[desmo]

Thanks for the input Scotty. I'm inclined to go with the engine replacement. At the very least, the pistons will be nicked and the engine has 179k on it vs. getting a used engine with under 100k. I'll check with Johnston tomorrow. Thanks for that lead.

Anything else that comes to mind will be very appreciated, but this is already looking less grim than I was thinking 24hrs ago.

[mr.awesome]

Had that happen on my sisters car, passenger side head has some bent intake (iirc) valves. Went to a local used import dealership that also sells used parts, picked up a good used head for 150 bucks, spent 40 bucks on the head gasket for that side and rtv'd the valve cover gasket. the job itself wasn't really that bad I did way more work than I had to. Really all i had to do was get it on jackstands, loosen up the rear subframe bolts lower it doesnt a bit just to get the exhaust unbolted, unbolt the egr valve on there and the coolant flange.

[desmo]

Had that happen on my sisters car, passenger side head has some bent intake (iirc) valves. Went to a local used import dealership that also sells used parts, picked up a good used head for 150 bucks, spent 40 bucks on the head gasket for that side and rtv'd the valve cover gasket. the job itself wasn't really that bad I did way more work than I had to. Really all i had to do was get it on jackstands, loosen up the rear subframe bolts lower it doesnt a bit just to get the exhaust unbolted, unbolt the egr valve on there and the coolant flange.

Wish I had your skill sets and a garage, but I don't. I can and do do the minor things, but this is beyond me so my mechanic is going to have to dot it, (but not the mechanic I had that did the last TB kit). Anyway, that sounds like a great price for the head. Remember where you got it?

[mr.awesome]

I'm in Vermont, it was a local dealership, the imported car center. If you have any local junkyards you could call around and see if any of them have heads. In NJ I would imagine there would be a ton of junkyards full of audis. Luckily her's skipped at a red light so it hit just hard enough to slightly bend some valves on one head.

[desmo]

Thanks. Haven't pulled the heads yet, but I don't expect to be so lucky since I was sailing down I78 at about 65-70. That's why I'm thinking I'll probably end up replacing the engine. Too bad, it ran great - until it didn't.

[mr.awesome]

it's a c5 not a c4 by some crazy chance is it?

[desmo]

it's a c5 not a c4 by some crazy chance is it?

c5