Engine Shuddering After Engine Bay Cleaning - Solutions? Potential Issues?

[BaByBoiGsxR]

Please tell me it's not that big of a deal.

I'm usually careful when it comes down to cleaning and degreasing the engine bay.
I bought some heavy duty degreaser from PepBoys. It worked really well. I've never used that specific product before.
The engine was in need of some cleaning due to all the residue from oil leaks from the previous owner.


In the past, I've always cleaned my engine bays at home. Wait till the engine is completely cool or do it in the morning before the car was even turned on.
This time around, due to not having space to do it, I drove the car a few miles to those self car-wash places.


With the engine still warm/hot, I started spraying the degreaser. Waited about 6 mins, then carefully sprayed soap (default pressure - unsqueezed handle) in certain areas while trying to avoid directly spraying the ignition coils. Began to wash the rest of the car (allowing the soap to do its thing) then came back to rinsing the engine bay.


As soon as I finished rinsing the entire car, I immediately turned on the engine to make sure that all was good and allow the water to dissolve quickly.


No shuddering, shaking, noises, etc. Drove it 46 miles after the car wash and didn't feel a thing.


This morning, the wife warmed up the car before work. No issues there.
As she was leaving work, the car started to shudder/shake pretty hard. Check engine light came on.
She was able to make it to a grocery store and let the car sit as she bought food.
As she was leaving, I was able to catch her at the grocery store parking lot (making my way home as well), the car was shaking even harder. She said that when she gave it some gas (around 35mph), the car would struggle and shake more. Following behind her, the left muffler was noticeably shaking.


Sorry for adding too much detail. I thought it'd be a good idea to fully understand the scenario in order to better analyze the situation.


Is it possible that there may be a little bit of water left around the spark plugs?
Should I loosen up the ignition coils and let it air out?


I'm going to attempt to drive the car to work tomorrow (54 mile commute). Mainly because my office is exactly 4 miles away from EuroCodeTuning. If problems persist, I'm hoping it'll be a quick fix.


Advice? Suggestions? Solutions?


(Positive sarcasm: Although the car shudders / shakes like crazy, man... the engine bay looks clean as hell.)

[yeoj112689]

Coil packs going out will do that. Could be the water got in there or it could be just a weird timing. Easy fix and if its not it its always good to have a few sitting around.

[allstock]

I was thinking about doing the same this spring. Keep us informed. Hope nothing is damaged.

[08 classic]

Last year I replaced my coil packs and when removing them I noticed condensation inside. The new coil packs I got from the dealer contain more rubber on the body of the coil shaft ensuring a tighter seal. Was thinking about the red coils but decided to get it from the dealer as you always get the recent updated parts. Just wanted to let you know...

[wildcat333]

this is why I don't spray my engine bay.
careful hand cleaning ftw.

[BaByBoiGsxR]

Update #1

I attempted to take the car to work this morning, a 54 mile drive. One stop-light before the freeway, the car chugged like crazy. It was on the verge of shutting off. I didn't even think twice and made an immediate u-turn to bring the car back home. Luckily, it started acting up BEFORE i hopped on the freeway. Or else who knows what would have happened.

Called AAA and had them tow it for free to a local Audi / VW shop here in Orange County, CA.

Just waiting on a call from them as my car is in line to be fully inspected before any work is going to take place.

Update # 2 will follow shortly.

[Luis_Heineken]

can you scan the car for codes?

[BaByBoiGsxR]

^
I didn't have a scanner.
I'm relatively good working on my own cars. I can perform work that doesn't involve an actual car lift or professional shop equipment.
The only reason I decided to take it in was because of the full inspection that the shop is going to do as part of the service they're performing. I don't know what other items need(s) attention / repair work.



Today was just an epic fail day.

[yeoj112689]

If it helps at all mine is sitting on stands in my garage.. $2500 worth of upgrades in a cardboard box next to it, and waiting on my next check to get $ for repairs to fix my oil pressure.

[BaByBoiGsxR]

^
Oh geez. Really sorry to hear bro. I honestly don't even wanna know how much that would cost to fix / repair.
Okay, maybe my situation isn't so bad.

[BaByBoiGsxR]

UPDATE #2 (aka... the results)


Boy, was I in for a surprise (as far as what else needed attention)

I didn't get a call from the shop yesterday as I was told I would. Whatever, I let it go only cause I didn't "need" the car today. If I did... that'd be a whole different story.

While the wife's car was at the shop, my assumptions were correct. The ignition coils were wet and were misfiring (cylinders #1 and #3).

Before any work was done, a full multi-point inspection was done (was charged and wasn't given a heads up about the cost).
The results came back with a list of needed repairs. That I was somewhat prepared for. I already knew that certain things needed attention.
With that said, I only budgeted for parts and labor for ignition coils and spark plugs (excluding the surprise inspection fee).

I've been to a lot of shops before. Mainly ones that specialize in specific brands. Ones that have excellent reviews and great reputations. I'm very picky about where I take my cars. Unless if it was my beater / daily driver of course. Then it wouldn't matter as much.

This morning, I receive an email from the shop showing the invoice below.
Though this was my very first time taking an Audi to an Audi specialist, I wasn't expecting the prices I saw. I was a bit shocked that some of the parts cost that much. I did quick searches online and even called Audi dealers. The prices of parts and labor at some dealers were very close with the prices shown on the invoice. I started to think twice... "should I have taken the car to one of the other shops I had in mind?" (...who are probably well-known on the forums since they are Audi performance shops).

Anyways... I paid a hefty price on parts and labor for ignition coils and spark plus. I could have done the work myself here at home. But because I never worked on an Audi (which is the car that my wife drives), I wanted to make sure that it was going to be professionally inspected too.

Is it just me, or are these prices a bit on the expensive side?

[dalmation53]

UPDATE #2 (aka... the results)


Boy, was I in for a surprise (as far as what else needed attention)

I didn't get a call from the shop yesterday as I was told I would. Whatever, I let it go only cause I didn't "need" the car today. If I did... that'd be a whole different story.

While the wife's car was at the shop, my assumptions were correct. The ignition coils were wet and were misfiring (cylinders #1 and #3).

Before any work was done, a full multi-point inspection was done (was charged and wasn't given a heads up about the cost).
The results came back with a list of needed repairs. That I was somewhat prepared for. I already knew that certain things needed attention.
With that said, I only budgeted for parts and labor for ignition coils and spark plugs (plus the surprise inspection fee).

I've been to a lot of shops before. Mainly ones that specialize in specific brands. Ones that have excellent reviews and great reputations. I'm very picky about where I take my cars. Unless if it was my beater / daily driver of course. Then it wouldn't matter as much.

This morning, I receive an email from the shop showing the invoice below.
Though this was my very first time taking an Audi to an Audi specialist, I wasn't expecting the prices I saw. I was a bit shocked that some of the parts cost that much. I did quick searches online and even called Audi dealers. The prices of parts and labor at some dealers were very close with the prices shown on the invoice. I started to think twice... "should I have taken the car to one of the other shops I had in mind?" (...who are probably well-known on the forums since they are Audi performance shops).

Anyways... I paid a hefty price on parts and labor for ignition coils and spark plus. I could have done the work myself here at home. But because I never worked on an Audi (which is the car that my wife drives), I wanted to make sure that it was going to be professionally inspected too.

Is it just me, or are these prices a bit on the expensive side?

Ok first things first. Rule #22 You need to show the wife first....

second your ignition coils got moisture and that will cause a misfire for sure.

third why the hell would they charge 3 grand? take it to an indy shop with good reviews and save 2 grand..

[Denio24]

$120 shop rate is quite high! and prices of the parts are marked up to MSRP. Parts can always be purchased online for 20-25% less than MSRP, even if you go with genuine VW/AUDI or you can save even more on OE brands which are basically the same as VW/AUDI. Just pay the shop for what inspections they have already done, and you will at least have a reference to what is wrong with the car to show other shops. Replace the coils and plugs yourself so the car is not shuddering anymore and look for another good indy shop.

FCP has great control arm kits and lifetime warranty, 034 makes great motor mounts, And europaparts has overall great prices on OEM parts.

[djhemmen]

I think all those prices are outrageous! I have done at least half of what is on that list myself recently and paid no where near those prices for my parts. I see you live in LA/OC...I am in Whittier. You buy the parts and I'll install everything for half the price they want to charge you!

[BaByBoiGsxR]

Ok first things first. Rule #22 You need to show the wife first....
second your ignition coils got moisture and that will cause a misfire for sure.
third why the hell would they charge 3 grand? take it to an indy shop with good reviews and save 2 grand..

LoL.
1 - I told her I'd help get the car in perfect working condition. (I told her about it via text. Her response was "What?!?!?". Then she didn't do anything. haha.)
2 - I was just worried, if I didn't get a professional opinion, it would lead to something major down the line. I've learned the hard way in the past with my previous car.
3 - Agreed. For the few hundreds I already spent, I feel robbed.

$120 shop rate is quite high! and prices of the parts are marked up to MSRP. Parts can always be purchased online for 20-25% less than MSRP, even if you go with genuine VW/AUDI or you can save even more on OE brands which are basically the same as VW/AUDI. Just pay the shop for what inspections they have already done, and you will at least have a reference to what is wrong with the car to show other shops. Replace the coils and plugs yourself so the car is not shuddering anymore and look for another good indy shop.

FCP has great control arm kits and lifetime warranty, 034 makes great motor mounts, And europaparts has overall great prices on OEM parts.

Thank you for the info. Definitely going to go through those sites.
I was at work when I saw the invoice. I was in so much disbelief that I checked the price of the same front shock that they list, and I found it for $132. They price for a single shock was $246! Insane.

I think all those prices are outrageous! I have done at least half of what is on that list myself recently and paid no where near those prices for my parts. I see you live in LA/OC...I am in Whittier. You buy the parts and I'll install everything for half the price they want to charge you!

They are outrageous.
Deal! I may low-ball you in a friendly manner (offer to pay you a little less than half but I'll bring some beers). LoL.
But really though, I may take you up on your offer. I could use an Audi acquaintance / buddy.

[Denio24]

LoL.
1 - I told her I'd help get the car in perfect working condition. (I told her about it via text. Her response was "What?!?!?". Then she didn't do anything. haha.)

Rule #22. you got it all wrong.

[dalmation53]

LoL.
1 - I told her I'd help get the car in perfect working condition. (I told her about it via text. Her response was "What?!?!?". Then she didn't do anything. haha.)
2 - I was just worried, if I didn't get a professional opinion, it would lead to something major down the line. I've learned the hard way in the past with my previous car.
3 - Agreed. For the few hundreds I already spent, I feel robbed.




Thank you for the info. Definitely going to go through those sites.
I was at work when I saw the invoice. I was in so much disbelief that I checked the price of the same front shock that they list, and I found it for $132. They price for a single shock was $246! Insane.




They are outrageous.
Deal! I may low-ball you in a friendly manner (offer to pay you a little less than half but I'll bring some beers). LoL.
But really though, I may take you up on your offer. I could use an Audi acquaintance / buddy.

Bro you have an Audi this car require maintenance like a bitch but once you do that it will perform like a dream. if you don't do the maintenance the car will fall apart.. then everything will add up and then will have another member saying audis are shit.. lol like most of the people that don't know will talk bad things about audi. i'll help you out a bit

change Diverter valve, Cam follower if you want a working engine,upper control arms, coolant flange ,N80 valve and you will be good until timing belt is due.

[BaByBoiGsxR]

Rule #22. you got it all wrong.

LoL. I know where this is going.
She's tight on budget as well. So I decided to man up and handle it.

Bro you have an Audi this car require maintenance like a bitch but once you do that it will perform like a dream. if you don't do the maintenance the car will fall apart.. then everything will add up and then will have another member saying audis are shit.. lol like most of the people that don't know will talk bad things about audi. i'll help you out a bit.
change Diverter valve, Cam follower if you want a working engine,upper control arms, coolant flange ,N80 valve and you will be good until timing belt is due.

Cool. Sounds like a plan.
I'll add those to my list.

[djhemmen]

They are outrageous.
Deal! I may low-ball you in a friendly manner (offer to pay you a little less than half but I'll bring some beers). LoL.
But really though, I may take you up on your offer. I could use an Audi acquaintance / buddy.

Cool...let me know. I have the Vag-Com software too so we can pull/clear codes.

[allstock]

Hard pressed to find a cheap German auto specialist in Socal. What's done is done, lesson learned. Good to hear it wasn't something worse. The parts prices aren't that much more than retail audi brand parts. They probably are making money off them since they get a discount. It's not necessarily the labor rate, but the amount of hours they're charging that will kill you looks like.

Line item, "has mixed matched tires"....haha. We've all done that before.

[Theiceman]

it was three grand go fix everything, and there was a lot of stuff in their.
its a classic problem, people scour online for best prices and expect shops to charge that who have shops to run employees to pay and insurance and other expenses to pay for.
i think 120 an hour is a little high but ill bet you its the going rate these days. so next time you do something yourself, pat yourself on the back for how much you saved.
i bet these are not chineese aftermarket parts, he cant afford to have you come back.

oh and one other thing. you said yourself it was next in line to be inspected so you new it was coming, id even suspect you asked for it, shame on you for not asking for a cost to do this. you basically asked for a " ppi" and thats good for an hour or two. so there is 120_240 right there.

bottom line is all cars are expensive to fix, and some of us who do all of our own work forget this time to time .

[BaByBoiGsxR]

^
True. I guess I wasn't "expecting" a charge for the inspection. My reason was because I'm just so used to taking it to shops (non Audi dealers) that end up doing the full inspection for free since work is being done there. It's partially my fault for having high expectations.

[Theiceman]

^
True. I guess I wasn't "expecting" a charge for the inspection. My reason was because I'm just so used to taking it to shops (non Audi dealers) that end up doing the full inspection for free since work is being done there. It's partially my fault for having high expectations.

lol too true .. don't underestimate any car shops ability to take your money ...

[Sanjman]

You can do all that by yourself start one by one... Some of it might be bullshit. Your brakes will throw a light if they are worn another trick is to check the brake fluid level to see if it's low or not which tells you your pads/rotors are also worn. Your shocks probably are worn.... Bit great time to get coilover for your car for 500 or less and get a shop to install for 2-300 bucks. You can replace engine mounts pretty easily.

[BaByBoiGsxR]

^
Yup. Agreed.
I'm relatively good working on cars. And plus... I have djhemmen up there who'll be helping me out sometime. Right bro? LoL.

On a more serious note, I do want to take everyone's advice and do some preventative / required maintenance work (diverter valve, cam follower, valve cover gasket, evap leak, etc.). The rest can wait. Not as crucial. I rather have a completely worn out engine mount over a blown engine or a costly issue with the engine.

It's interesting how fast I'm learning about these B7's. The best part is... I get to mod, work-on, and drive the wife's car.

[Denio24]

^
Yup. Agreed.
I'm relatively good working on cars. And plus... I have djhemmen up there who'll be helping me out sometime. Right bro? LoL.

On a more serious note, I do want to take everyone's advice and do some preventative / required maintenance work (diverter valve, cam follower, valve cover gasket, evap leak, etc.). The rest can wait. Not as crucial. I rather have a completely worn out engine mount over a blown engine or a costly issue with the engine.

It's interesting how fast I'm learning about these B7's. The best part is... I get to mod, work-on, and drive the wife's car.

Good thing is that most of these DIY's have already been completed so it will be much easier for you to complete these maintenance items. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

[pkny]

OK, I am really confused with your invoice. There is labor and parts for your control arm bushing and, why don't they just change the entire control arm while they are there. It is even recommended that the control arms be changed.
Not sure why they would want you to change all 4 shocks. Is it bouncy? Those are for non-sports shocks anyways, so i would go with aftermarket sport suspensions if i were you.

So for my biggest question. There is no list for ignition coils or spark plugs. Are they on a separate invoice?


Also, this isn't a lot of items. Its brakes, suspensions and motor mounts. Bulk of the price are from the suspensions.
The only thing that is reasonable is the alignment.

Heres a link to ignition coils and spark plugs
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o09_s00
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o07_s00

Both are extremely easy to do.

[BaByBoiGsxR]

OK, I am really confused with your invoice. There is labor and parts for your control arm bushing and, why don't they just change the entire control arm while they are there. It is even recommended that the control arms be changed.
Not sure why they would want you to change all 4 shocks. Is it bouncy? Those are for non-sports shocks anyways, so i would go with aftermarket sport suspensions if i were you.

So for my biggest question. There is no list for ignition coils or spark plugs. Are they on a separate invoice?


Also, this isn't a lot of items. Its brakes, suspensions and motor mounts. Bulk of the price are from the suspensions.
The only thing that is reasonable is the alignment.

Heres a link to ignition coils and spark plugs
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o09_s00
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o07_s00

Both are extremely easy to do.

I'm with you on that. I would think that it'd be worth the few extra dollars for an entire control arm and labor rather than just replacing a specific bushing.

Shocks... I was honestly a bit surprised when I read their list of recommended repairs. I personally think that the shocks are still in good / very good condition. Handling is firm and responsive. No "worn-out" bounce feeling to the car whatsoever.

In terms of spark plugs and ignition coils, it was on a separate paid invoice. Already done at a stupid cost of $332... such a waste of money. But you know what, lesson learned.

It's not that bad in terms of what needs to be done. The thing that makes it hard to swallow is the cost for all these parts. It'll add up quick.

[Theiceman]

you can always ask if you can bring your own parts. he wont warranty the work but i think if you bring your own parts thats the deal , if you are onfident you could consider it .

Did you at least get the red coils ? :) they look kinda sharp !!!

[BaByBoiGsxR]

Unfortunately not.
I found a good deal on them too.
I called the shop to see if they can wait until I drop off the red coils but the tech said that they had just finished installing the OEM black ones.