smell of burning and possibly white smoke...

[drexplode]

I've had my new to me B5 S4 for a few weeks now; purchased from 1997GTX (Adam). We are still waiting for the title to show up in the time the being the battery has been a little bia*** due to lack of attention and cold weather. Every few days I jump start her and take a few trips around the block and then IDLE for 10+ mins to recharge the battery (hopefully).

Afterwards I pop the hood and check for the green indicator light on the battery. Everytime I have done this I can smell something burning and white smoke moderately coming from the left side of the engine. I dont see any leaks and oil volume is ok.

Any thoughts, or is this normal for the 2.7TT?

Thanks guys.
-Greg

PS: i love the car, and hope to keep her for years to come. Before i get banned, here are a few pics pre-delivery:

[o3spec]

is it a sweet smell? sounds like a very small coolant leak

edit- its not uncommon

[drexplode]

is it a sweet smell? sounds like a very small coolant leak

edit- its not uncommon

hmm does smell kinda sweet. Once i get plates, she has to visit my audi doctor for a routine check up so i will have him take a look at it.

probably a coolant thing...

[s42k5b]

could be a vc gasket also

[o3spec]

could be a vc gasket also

wouldn't be white smoke, and most people know what oil smells like

[1997gtx]

It's leftover oil burning away from the Valve Cover job (left VC gasket) and oil change.

I don't think it would be coolant. Dealership did a replacement and relocation of the after-run pump. If for some reason it is that, check the coolant level and make sure it's okay. Worst case scenario is if there is a problem, dealership should replace since they did the job the first time -- warranty covers that as well.

Wait until you drive it for a good distance and check the burning then. It likely just needs the spillage / seal to be perfect on the VC. Car has been driven less than 20miles by me since both those jobs were done.

Text me ... I can tell you everything about the car =)
--Adam

[gointoscott]

its the turbos :) jk

[drexplode]

update: valve tensior seal was leaking slightly, in process of being fixed at my local audi doctor!

[s42k5b]

wouldn't be white smoke, and most people know what oil smells like

every bad vc gasket ive seen smelled like burning rubber...

[sCeRaXn]

wouldn't be white smoke, and most people know what oil smells like

Alot of modern synthetic oils burn white...including Mobil1 and Redline. There are many others that will burn an extremely light blue, but appear white when its really cold outside. Also, there are coolants out nowadays that burn more of a blueish-gray and smell nothing like youre average sweet smelling coolant. Those old school tricks are harder to apply to todays oils and coolants.

OP-Sorry for the thread jack, and good luck on getting it fixed. Also, i wish i has access to the previous owner of my car like you do. Thats an invaluable perk that comes with buying from another enthusiast!

[drexplode]

Alot of modern synthetic oils burn white...including Mobil1 and Redline. There are many others that will burn an extremely light blue, but appear white when its really cold outside. Also, there are coolants out nowadays that burn more of a blueish-gray and smell nothing like youre average sweet smelling coolant. Those old school tricks are harder to apply to todays oils and coolants.

OP-Sorry for the thread jack, and good luck on getting it fixed. Also, i wish i has access to the previous owner of my car like you do. Thats an invaluable perk that comes with buying from another enthusiast!

To be honest it was a few months ago that I posted this thread i cant remember what the smell is; however, my local mechanic (german motor werks) is makin her all better. Stefan is the man

Adam is a great guy, and took care of this car extremely well. You should see the list of things that have already been fixed, also there is a warranty left over for another 8k/1.2yrs. Actually, im thinkin about sellin to move on to something else...we'll see The turbos pull hard and make no noise!

FYI... here is the list of stuff that has been done (in case of future sale):


mods
stage 2clutch @ 53k miles
light weight fly wheel @ 53k miles
APR93 octane chip @ 53k miles (60% driven in stock / 40% driven in 93 mode)
Samco Throttle body boots @ 53k miles
Forge 007 diverter valves @ 53k miles
RS4 motor mounts @ 71k miles
APR snub mount @ 87k miles
Custom wired sirius satellite radio (currently no service)
Harmon Kardon IPOD adaptor
Nexus Boost gauge
H&R springs
M3 Lip Spoiler
custom front license plate

maintenance
oil change w/ 5W30 Mobil 1 every 4k miles
upper control arms @ 75k miles
lower control arms @ 92k miles
All O2 sensors : 1 @ 53k miles, 1 @ 71k miles
Coolant temp sensor @ 53k miles
EGT Sensors @ 53k miles
tranmission fluid flush @ 53k miles
brake fluid change @ 53k miles
Spark plugs @ 87k miles
Aux water pump (and relocation) @ 78kmiles
Valve chain tensioner @ 87k miles
timing belt @ 87k miles
water pump @ 87k miles
Valve cover gaskets @ 92k miles
Cam Tensioner Seal @ 93k miles
New battery @ 93k miles
Brand new 225/45-17 Kuhmo ecsta ASX ultra-high performance all-season tires
anti-seize applied to all 4 corners
new wheel bolts available just in-case