2003 A4: Rebuild Engine or Replace?

[Sticknrudder]

I recently aquired an Audi from a friend who ran it with a coolant leak and got hot. She gave it to me, so now I am trying to get it back on the road. The mechanic said it has no compression and I believe a cracked head. The car will start, but runs very rough with no compression. Should I attempt to rebuild this engine or install another used engine? Low cost is a prime objective for me right now.

[PZ.]

If it had no compression, it would not start at all. Start with finding out what condition the motor really is in. How many miles, the real compression readings, oil pressure and see if there is coolant in the oil. It could simply need a new head or there might be coolant in the oil and the bearings are toast.

[Sticknrudder]

Ah good thoughts! Thank you! I will go check those things. The car has 156,000 miles.

[JB5]

that's a very good friend you have.

[Furly]

You can buy a used motor for fairly cheap these days. I'd just find a good used motor and throw it in. A rebuild always costs more, and if you're like me, you'll replace everything you see because OCD. And next thing you know you're building a race car and spent $20k on parts

[GTA]

A rebuild always costs more, and if you're like me, you'll replace everything you see because OCD. And next thing you know you're building a race car and spent $20k on parts

LOL!!! How True.

[vwztips]

I would suggest pulling the head first. I recently bought one which had overheated. Low compression on 1 and 4 and no compression on 2 and 3. Head just needed to be shaved slightly. Had valve stem seals and guides replaced while out. To me this was cheaper than buying used which is unknown. Now I know what I have mechanically speaking.

Without pulling the head, not sure how you could tell it was cracked. Most likely warped a little. Pulling the head you have lost nothing other than a few hours of time.

[BARRY]

if you were in northern california i would sell you my low mileage replacement motor that i never used. an overheated engine to the highest extreme could have cylinder scoring or bellmouthing. in stating that, the 1.8t engine is very stout (mechanically) and i wouldn't shy away from reusing it if all things check out.

if no cylinders have compression i'd first look to see if the timing belt or tensioner is intact.