To rebuild or to give up?

[walky_talky20]

My beloved A4 has reached perhaps a tipping point. I like to ramble on, so I'll try and keep this brief.

Lately car has been doing this on hot restarts. Not while driving, but after turning it off hot.



At first (during winter) it was just a hair past the middle. Now with summer heat it's more dramatic. Comes down after starting the engine, but obviously not normal. VCDS shows temps are indeed too high.

Also this:



I figured I had a bum thermostat that was just riding too high. Would be an easy fix. Then I discovered this the other day.



Yeah, so that happened. I floated some of that crap out of there and drove it to work today. I guess I disturbed it enough for the reservoir sensor to get covered in the slime. It's a little unnerving driving around and ignoring this on the dash:



So...Yeah.

I actually already fixed this mess about a year ago, or so I thought. Out of the blue, coolant bottle was full of nastiness. Having recently replaced the head gasket, I "knew" it had to the oil cooler. So I flushed out the system with soap and water, replaced the cooler and that was that. Pretty sure I checked the coolant once in a while. I did notice oil ran a little warmer than it used to after that. I figured it was due to the aftermarket oil cooler. Then noticed the coolant temp spiking a little on shutdown. Ok must be a wonky t-stat. It was winter, didn't really worry about it.

Fast forward to yesterday. So...pretty sure I have a faulty cylinder head. There is some chance it's a faulty head gasket, but it was a nice elring gasket and everything went together nice. I think it's just some failure of the head. Maybe happened when I bent the valves. Or maybe it just happened after 281 thousand miles. Don't know.

Anyway, I do have another cylinder head. Would need cleaned and probably decked. Probably transfer my new-ish exhaust valves and lifters to it. If I'm doing that, I should probably do piston rings - considering mileage. And if I'm doing rings, I better just upgrade the rods. And if I'm pulling the engine, I should put in my B7 RS4 clutch (need to procure a flywheel). And if I'm doing all that, I should probably replace the synchros and bearings in my tired transmission (already bought the rebuild kit). But seriously, OMG. Should I even fix this thing? Seems like a lot of work for an Audi with nearly 300k. Thoughts?

[MarcRogers]

My beloved A4 has reached perhaps a tipping point. I like to ramble on, so I'll try and keep this brief.

Lately car has been doing this on hot restarts. Not while driving, but after turning it off hot.



At first (during winter) it was just a hair past the middle. Now with summer heat it's more dramatic. Comes down after starting the engine, but obviously not normal. VCDS shows temps are indeed too high.

Also this:



I figured I had a bum thermostat that was just riding too high. Would be an easy fix. Then I discovered this the other day.



Yeah, so that happened. I floated some of that crap out of there and drove it to work today. I guess I disturbed it enough for the reservoir sensor to get covered in the slime. It's a little unnerving driving around and ignoring this on the dash:



So...Yeah.

I actually already fixed this mess about a year ago, or so I thought. Out of the blue, coolant bottle was full of nastiness. Having recently replaced the head gasket, I "knew" it had to the oil cooler. So I flushed out the system with soap and water, replaced the cooler and that was that. Pretty sure I checked the coolant once in a while. I did notice oil ran a little warmer than it used to after that. I figured it was due to the aftermarket oil cooler. Then noticed the coolant temp spiking a little on shutdown. Ok must be a wonky t-stat. It was winter, didn't really worry about it.

Fast forward to yesterday. So...pretty sure I have a faulty cylinder head. There is some chance it's a faulty head gasket, but it was a nice elring gasket and everything went together nice. I think it's just some failure of the head. Maybe happened when I bent the valves. Or maybe it just happened after 281 thousand miles. Don't know.

Anyway, I do have another cylinder head. Would need cleaned and probably decked. Probably transfer my new-ish exhaust valves and lifters to it. If I'm doing that, I should probably do piston rings - considering mileage. And if I'm doing rings, I better just upgrade the rods. And if I'm pulling the engine, I should put in my B7 RS4 clutch (need to procure a flywheel). And if I'm doing all that, I should probably replace the synchros and bearings in my tired transmission (already bought the rebuild kit). But seriously, OMG. Should I even fix this thing? Seems like a lot of work for an Audi with nearly 300k. Thoughts?

I say it's your call. IMO I think it would be fun to do a rebuild if the time and funds are there but if not there's always another motor or options.

[tar]

V8 and or built motor time??

[Seerlah]

Thoughts? B5 is a classic and that 300 is 0 all said and done (you keep the chassis in shape). Baby steps to the BT club. Come join the fun

[AudiA4001]

My beloved A4 has reached perhaps a tipping point. I like to ramble on, so I'll try and keep this brief.

Lately car has been doing this on hot restarts. Not while driving, but after turning it off hot.



At first (during winter) it was just a hair past the middle. Now with summer heat it's more dramatic. Comes down after starting the engine, but obviously not normal. VCDS shows temps are indeed too high.

Also this:



I figured I had a bum thermostat that was just riding too high. Would be an easy fix. Then I discovered this the other day.



Yeah, so that happened. I floated some of that crap out of there and drove it to work today. I guess I disturbed it enough for the reservoir sensor to get covered in the slime. It's a little unnerving driving around and ignoring this on the dash:



So...Yeah.

I actually already fixed this mess about a year ago, or so I thought. Out of the blue, coolant bottle was full of nastiness. Having recently replaced the head gasket, I "knew" it had to the oil cooler. So I flushed out the system with soap and water, replaced the cooler and that was that. Pretty sure I checked the coolant once in a while. I did notice oil ran a little warmer than it used to after that. I figured it was due to the aftermarket oil cooler. Then noticed the coolant temp spiking a little on shutdown. Ok must be a wonky t-stat. It was winter, didn't really worry about it.

Fast forward to yesterday. So...pretty sure I have a faulty cylinder head. There is some chance it's a faulty head gasket, but it was a nice elring gasket and everything went together nice. I think it's just some failure of the head. Maybe happened when I bent the valves. Or maybe it just happened after 281 thousand miles. Don't know.

Anyway, I do have another cylinder head. Would need cleaned and probably decked. Probably transfer my new-ish exhaust valves and lifters to it. If I'm doing that, I should probably do piston rings - considering mileage. And if I'm doing rings, I better just upgrade the rods. And if I'm pulling the engine, I should put in my B7 RS4 clutch (need to procure a flywheel). And if I'm doing all that, I should probably replace the synchros and bearings in my tired transmission (already bought the rebuild kit). But seriously, OMG. Should I even fix this thing? Seems like a lot of work for an Audi with nearly 300k. Thoughts?

When my oil cooler went I had a spike in coolant temp and oil and had some of that nastiness double double looking coolant... but the oil cooler pipe burst at the same time. flushed my system at least 50 times because it was still flowing some nasty bits. How is the coolant in the bottle looking? is it taking coolant? I would keep the b5 I love my car to bits and you gave so much good info on our cars! (P.S. thanks for the wiring diagram my radio is now working without the key n the run position)

[Seerlah]

$500 gets you $1500?!?! With the sound of selling in the air, you can build a short block for $500. I did it, so I know it can be done. Of course mine cost extra, because my car got extra (ie new TB kit, coolant flange, coolant tank, etc). But you got the parts supply hook up. Anyways, that $1500 is what you can sell the motor for if it has forged rods. Just saying!

If you choose to go this route, you can always borrow anything I have that would have cost you extra (ie ball hone tool for Goetze rings). My tools are yours. You helped me out too many times to count. I think you need an FT custom e85 tune with forged rods in your life. Did I mention guy in the B6 section hit just shy of 400whp with that combo

[DoesntCare]

I vote you put a junkyard head on the block in your car, and drive it as is while you build a second engine outside of the car.

[redline380]

I don't know what you will decide, but I am keeping my 240k avant on the road long as possible. However, the PO had a shiny brand new factory cylinder head put on it at 209k.

Realistically, it depends on the condition of the rest of the car. Maybe pick up another B5? FWIW, my sedan always shows about the same temp on hot startup as yours. I chalk it up to high underhood temps. It goes right back down within 30 seconds of idling.

Either way, it looks like that engine has just about had it. I am with mitch, do a rebuild.

[Radskull1]

ehem keep get a cheap donor car, :P

[MetalMan]

I think you need an FT custom e85 tune with forged rods in your life. Did I mention guy in the B6 section hit just shy of 400whp with that combo

You must be thinking of the prototype F25! That setup ended up going nowhere, most likely won't be sold. FrankenTurbo didn't think there's much of a market for them because of the powerband and engine-building requirement.

walky, that's a tough call. How's the condition of interior and exterior?

[walky_talky20]

Thanks for all the input, guys! I really appreciate it.

Last time I had major trouble (freak t-belt failure during a blizzard), I just quickly slapped it back together for daily purposes. I *could* do that this time, but the car really needs attention in a lot of key areas. Engine. Transmission. Suspension. Body. Seats. Doors. Radio. LOL. So I'm thinking I will continue to schlep around in my brother's 98 Civic Hatch while I figure out a backup/daily car for myself (perhaps fix my 5MT AWD Eagle Summit Wagon? Or buy a 2004-ish Volvo S40 T5 6MT AWD R-Line? They made those, right?). Once things have calmed down with the cars, and life, I'll commence the rebuild on this car. This kind of happened at terrible time. I'm in the middle of switching jobs (I'm literally typing this on my last day at this desk, and I start at the new place tomorrow), and looking for a house this summer (aka: looking for a nice garage with a house). So it may be a little bit before I can get things rolling.

Mitch, I agree about FrankenTurbo and rods. That's the plan. I'll put it together with stock turbo / APR tune to start. The car never ran properly in that configuration, so I never wanted to go further until I ironed out the issue (potentially faulty/over-sensitive knock sensors). This time I'll get it figured out and then go the distance. Will be easier when it's not the daily.

Thanks for all of your support! I'm definitely B5-For-Life, so if it's not this car - I'll be getting another one just like it.

[Dan[FN]6262]

Rebuild.

I love driving my B5 as much as my E30. IMO a B5 is one of the "have to own at least one to understand" Audi cars. Much like a E30 is to BMW.

[Avant Nate]

For as long as you've been around, it's time to join the BT club.

[walky_talky20]

I like quick spool and the car has short gears (coupe quattro ASZ trans with 4.11 final). I think a FrankenTurbo of some sort is where I'm at. I was also considering an 18G, but I kind of like the simple, no questions CHRA exchange thing that Doug does.

[redline380]

Not that I think FT's are bad, but you can do better than that. Get something with decent sized wheels.

[FCPEuro]

+1 for the rebuild vote, If money, time, and effort permit of course. Not to bad from what it sounds you want to do for the motor/trans/suspension, but I also try to never count dollars when I work on a project because the money aspect gets in the way of the what the car means to me personally and the joy I get from driving it. If it has served you well, and you still enjoyed driving it, show it some love and tear her apart and put her back together.

[SN95Audi87]

This is interesting thread, wow 281k miles that is awesome to say the least. Atleast tear down the cylinder head and see what exactly happen? I vote rebuild or find a pristine low mileage one and turn it into something your proud of.

[melomandn]

If you leave, then its time to shut down the B5 A4 forum.


Seriously though, if your car truly does need that much work it may be better to keep your eyes out for a new B5. You'll have to be patient, but I've seen some clean B5's pop up in our area (your close-ish) for cheap.

[redline380]

If you leave, then its time to shut down the B5 A4 forum.


Seriously though, if your car truly does need that much work it may be better to keep your eyes out for a new B5. You'll have to be patient, but I've seen some clean B5's pop up in our area (your close-ish) for cheap.

[walky_talky20]

lol. Thanks for the kind words, guys. I'm flattered.

I went casual car shopping at some local places today. I went to a Volvo dealer looking for 2004-2010'ish S40 sedans or V50 wagons to test drive. The closest they had was a 2013 C70 FWD convertible that they wanted what seemed like original MSRP for, and a *beat* 2002 V70 Cross Country for 4 grand. Umm...no thanks. They did have a really slick looking Black B7 A4 2.0T quattro tiptronic S-Line in the showroom. But I'm not about those FSI problems.

I would like to find a fresher B5. Preferably Pelican. Preferably Nollywood's car. ;)

[redline380]

I went to a Volvo dealer looking for 2004-2010'ish S60r sedans or V70r wagons to test drive.

Walky, you are a smart guy. But not smart enough to know which volvo to buy, which is why I fixed the above

[Turbo_B5]

Nollywood's car. ;)

I called dibs on that way back.

Also rebuild it!

[melomandn]

Damnit

[tar]

Theirs a 99.5 laser 1.8t Quattro manual sport cloths ect for 3500 out here looks mint. Might be worth shipping that way since no rust or weather state. I can send u link if you want. Has 120k miles if I remember right.

[NeedingAnAudi]

If it helps I did a V8 swap on a b5 chassis with 240k and needs a lot of body work/new quarter panel. Don't plan on getting rid of my money pit any time soon.

[andyrew]

[Radskull1]

Good luck finding a good replacement :P

[B5nDisciple]

Rebuild it! Slow and steady!

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

[ElSabio182]

^^Came here for this. Leaving satisfied.

Walky, you're in an enviable position of knowing "how"...it just comes down to "want." If you've still got the itch, do it. No shame in spending more time on "real life" instead of "Audi life" if you've got bidness that needs 'tending to. You're in the hall of fame either way.

Glad to see you're "B5 for life." The other day, I realized that I've driven nothing but B5s for more than a decade! (the 3 I totaled weren't my fault I swear!). The prospect of getting into something new is...unsettling. It'll be funny to be blown away by things like "woah, MP3 and Bluetooth come stock?!"

[walky_talky20]

Thanks to everyone for the amazing support and nice comments. I literally lol'd at "hall of fame either way". And a V8 swap is not off the table. But I'd like to find a V6 5MT car to do that.

Sorry I was scarce for a couple days. I was busy working on Stage 1 of the Rebuild: buying a new daily. I scoured (scowered? hmph) Craigslist, the ebays, and the internets in general for something that would "check all the boxes". To that end, I drug this thing home from New Hampshire today (and a little bit yesterday, too).



Boxes:
Less than $5k: check
Is Imported: check
Is basically sorted: check
Has "the look": check
All Wheel Drive: check
Turbocharged: check
Manual Trans: check
Wagon: check

So, basically a unicorn. I also included "Not an Audi". For reasons that all of us here are aware of, a B5 or B6 Avant would be the obvious best choice to meet all those requirements. But I also wanted to use this as an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of a different manufacturer.

I bought an '06 Volvo V50 T5 AWD 6MT. Passion Red on Anthracite Leather interior. 140k miles.

I'm pretty sure this Volvo is fairly rare. I only found 4 of the 6MT Turbo AWD V50's. This was the only one that had the sport package (OEM ground effects) and wasn't listed at 15 grand. It does need some love, but nothing major. One wheel bearing, front valence, a washer nozzle, and both power front seats are inop.

*Redline, you're probably noticing this is not a V70R. While that is a neat car, there is something about the exterior styling I just don't like. Also, it's a little bigger of a car than I like, and much more expensive. I really like the looks of the pre-facelift V50. Factory joey-modded headlights and such. I don't know, I just like it. The proportions or something. I realize that I should like the V70R/S60R, but it just doesn't suit me yet. I'm sorry. I hope we can move past this (ie: my failures and weirdness) and still be friends. ;)

[walky_talky20]

So, this probably isn't the *best* thing to find in the glove box of your newly acquired Euro Sled:



Looks recently purchased. Let's take inventory.



5A: 19 + 1 good factory fuse
10A: 19
15A: 18
20A: 18
25A: 18 + 2 good factory fuses
30A: 19

Could be better, lol. First item to fix on the car is the power seats. Both front seats do not move at all. I thought fuse first, but the PO beat me to the punch. All fuses having to do with the seats have already been changed (even if they were fine, as evidenced by the above counts). Off to the internets for a diagram or direction on this issue. Internet says low power key trigger wire is often to blame - failing at splice under the drivers seat due to corrosion.

As usual, internets are totally right. These need hooked together.



Seats work. Yay, I can now reach the pedals. Hopefully that ends the mystery of the fuses. I do need to take care of the moisture under the carpet that caused this problem. Most likely a clogged drain somewhere. I also need to join a Volvo club or 2 because you guys could care less about my silly Volvo repairs, lol. Probably SwedeSpeed and MatthewsVolvoSite. But don't worry, I'll still be active here on AZ. You know...for Audi things. ;)

[Avant Nate]

Check that pcv system. I recently repaired my MiL's Volvo, and it's a known issue in Volvos.

[nautica tuner]

That's a nice find, walky. You're into red, right? New rig, new learning.

[walky_talky20]

I did look at the PCV before I bought it. The breather box looked nice and dry. I've done PCV overhaul on an 850 once. It was nasty and pretty involved.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[redline380]

*Redline, you're probably noticing this is not a V70R. While that is a neat car, there is something about the exterior styling I just don't like. Also, it's a little bigger of a car than I like, and much more expensive. I really like the looks of the pre-facelift V50. Factory joey-modded headlights and such. I don't know, I just like it. The proportions or something. I realize that I should like the V70R/S60R, but it just doesn't suit me yet. I'm sorry. I hope we can move past this (ie: my failures and weirdness) and still be friends. ;)

I'm going to let it pass this time because you at least got a pretty neat car.


Now lower it.

[GOODBYNAAIR]

Nice walky on the V50 pick up! another member here picked one of them up for a DD T5 AWD 6MT he still has his B5 working the bugs out of the franken turbo stuff he installed (W4xM4n)

i'm friends with him and have driven the V50 they are nice cars, as far as I know he has had his over a year with no problems I think hes at like 90k ish

[xdewaynex]

Great looking car. Ive always been a fan of Volvo and wouldnt mind to own one myself.

[walky_talky20]

Thanks, all.

I'm going to let it pass this time because you at least got a pretty neat car.

Now lower it.

Thanks, man. It is a bit high, eh? I will carefully consider my ride height options. I do want to keep it comfortable for daily usage, though.

[Alex-A4-Avant]

Air ride it

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

[walky_talky20]

OK, guys. It's been a while, and I have some updates. Firstly, I'm not dead (but there was a close call).

Things were going well with the Volvo, I even took it on a little cruise or two in the Fall.



And I even had some nifty stickers made to tout it's fancy electronic AWD system.



Bought some lowering springs, etc. And everything was really great. That is until I wrecked it into a stupid deer some weeks back. That deer literally failed the 3rd grade. Twice.





Holy crap do air bags smell bad. Anyway, car was just shy of totaled so I got a nice check and a clean title. But like, OMG, what am I going to drive to work now? The Audi is still all kinds of broken. Gah. This was not part of the plan.

So I decided that Project "be disgusted with stupid Audi and let it sit there while I learn Volvo things" had run its course. It would be quicker to fix the Audi than the Volvo at this point, so that is what I've done. Car is finally back in the shop.



I obtained another cylinder head and got it stripped down and ready for machine work and such. Then started taking apart the Laser. Perhaps should have done that in a different order because I did not find a crack in my cylinder head. What I did find was 10 head bolts that didn't seem tight enough. I see two distinct possibilities:

1 - Walky (who, mind you, is not even a mechanic) failed to properly torque his head bolts after that one time when he had the head off before. Good times, BTW.
2 - Walky (who, again, usually needs to say the "righty, tighty" thing out loud just to be sure) decided that using the free replacement head bolts that were provided to him would be a good idea. Even if said bolts were listed wholesale at, like, 75 cents each and probably came in a used paper lunch bag with a part number scribbled on the side in Forest Green crayon.

So it's basically my fault, or...my fault.





Yuck. Let this be a lesson to you, kids. Don't do...whatever it is that I did. Just...yeah.

Here I did a quick test of the piston rings with some gasoline. One cylinder held pretty well, the other 3 were kind of, meh.



As an added bonus, my valve spring compressor fell apart and I pegged myself in the nose with a valve spring retainer. Have I mentioned how awesome I am?



So the car is currently back together and moves under it's own power. I still have to flush the *actual* poop (ok, not actual poop - that's gross) out of my cooling system and then I can start driving the thing again.

And as if I didn't have enough broken cars, I bought this thingy the other day. It has a broken timing belt and was beaten with an ugly stick. Might be a winter beater:



TLDR: I suck and thought you should know. ;)