New owner: 2004 A6 Avant 3.0 Need Help
10-27-2013, 05:14 PM
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New owner: 2004 A6 Avant 3.0 Need Help
Just bought this 2004 A6 Avant with the 3.0 V6 and need some help...
Picked it up for 4,500 and thought it was a good deal. The Hungarian guy I bought it from assured me everything was working great and had no leaks. I was pretty happy the first couple days until I started looking into this model/engine and started discovering some things I didn't like...
First of all the lcd screen in the cluster needs replaced: found module master and will need to send that in as soon as I can... couple hundred whatever....
Then, after he said the radiator leaked and then they tried putting in stop leak, then decided to replace, I am getting a very slow leak on the passenger side of the radiator right where that radiator bushing is under im assuming the oil cooler lines.
After reading over the 3.0 and hearing about how bad an engine it is and listening to it tick in my driveway I am just having a hard time feeling good about this purchase. I sold 2 vehicles just to get my wife into something a bit nicer for her and am overwhelmed with the work this vehicle will need to stay on the road.
I should have researched audis more and not bought it so rash but I literally sold 2 vehicles in two days and my wife needed one so I bought it for 1000 less than his asking price at 5500. It did get into a fender bender and the front bumper is a bit scraped up but nothing crazy....
So, I love how it drives and handles and want to keep this vehicle for a while, just need to fix it up yeah.
I am putting my attention to the radiator first. I am more than likely needing to buy a new radiator because the previous owner hasn't been helpful with getting it replaced under a possible warranty (he says he cant find the warranty info). Anyway whats weird is in my coolant tank I see a pink coolant but the slow leak is clear or light green? So I bought today some pentofrost sf and mobil 1 0w-40 to get some new fluid in there when I go to install the new radiator.
My first question(s) is: how much oil will come out of the oil cooler lines? They are engine oil lines on the passenger side of the rad? Or are they ATF lines? Do you simply turn the bolt and they disconnect?
The coolant lines have they clips and I unclipped the bottom passenger one and drained the coolant yesterday and was going to pull the rad, but unclipped the other coolant lines and they wouldn't budge and I didn't want to break them. I read to get a flat tip in there and push to break the seal. Any advice on that?
I would say a I am mechanically inclined as long as I have good directions... Coming from a jeep background I have always been a DIY kind of guy so I plan on doing everything I can to keep this vehicle maintained...Sorry for the novel but I look forward to being in the Audi community.
I am going to purchase a Bentley book but for now please give me some advice about the radiator swap to get me started. Thanks
Picked it up for 4,500 and thought it was a good deal. The Hungarian guy I bought it from assured me everything was working great and had no leaks. I was pretty happy the first couple days until I started looking into this model/engine and started discovering some things I didn't like...
First of all the lcd screen in the cluster needs replaced: found module master and will need to send that in as soon as I can... couple hundred whatever....
Then, after he said the radiator leaked and then they tried putting in stop leak, then decided to replace, I am getting a very slow leak on the passenger side of the radiator right where that radiator bushing is under im assuming the oil cooler lines.
After reading over the 3.0 and hearing about how bad an engine it is and listening to it tick in my driveway I am just having a hard time feeling good about this purchase. I sold 2 vehicles just to get my wife into something a bit nicer for her and am overwhelmed with the work this vehicle will need to stay on the road.
I should have researched audis more and not bought it so rash but I literally sold 2 vehicles in two days and my wife needed one so I bought it for 1000 less than his asking price at 5500. It did get into a fender bender and the front bumper is a bit scraped up but nothing crazy....
So, I love how it drives and handles and want to keep this vehicle for a while, just need to fix it up yeah.
I am putting my attention to the radiator first. I am more than likely needing to buy a new radiator because the previous owner hasn't been helpful with getting it replaced under a possible warranty (he says he cant find the warranty info). Anyway whats weird is in my coolant tank I see a pink coolant but the slow leak is clear or light green? So I bought today some pentofrost sf and mobil 1 0w-40 to get some new fluid in there when I go to install the new radiator.
My first question(s) is: how much oil will come out of the oil cooler lines? They are engine oil lines on the passenger side of the rad? Or are they ATF lines? Do you simply turn the bolt and they disconnect?
The coolant lines have they clips and I unclipped the bottom passenger one and drained the coolant yesterday and was going to pull the rad, but unclipped the other coolant lines and they wouldn't budge and I didn't want to break them. I read to get a flat tip in there and push to break the seal. Any advice on that?
I would say a I am mechanically inclined as long as I have good directions... Coming from a jeep background I have always been a DIY kind of guy so I plan on doing everything I can to keep this vehicle maintained...Sorry for the novel but I look forward to being in the Audi community.
I am going to purchase a Bentley book but for now please give me some advice about the radiator swap to get me started. Thanks
10-27-2013, 06:04 PM
#2
Welcome to the forum. First thing you'd need is a manual. Bentley publishers (http://www.bentleypublishers.com/aud...ir-manual.html) also available in CDROM/DVD version.
Secondly, green coolant inside the radiator? I am sorry but someone is pulling a fast one here. Audi's coolant G12 is pink/lilac color. If you have something else in there, flush the whole system completely, take care of leaks and refill with proper coolant. I'd think there may not be much of a damage but, can't be sure as I never used other stuff. Search on the forum to find the drain/refill procedures.
Radiators can be pretty cheap if you can find one. Aftermarket ones are also not that bad. Try different places. Also, I'd suggest you replace it instead of tweaking around with jbweld and other silly time wasting errands.
Perhaps, some can chime in for the ATF or Oil lines on your model... on 4.2, they are ATF (driver side).
By the way, did you get the car inspected by an independent party before buying? Keep a close eye on all fluid levels and track any leaks (park over a flat card board) and identify where and what is leaking.
http://genuineaudiparts.com/
www.autohausaz.com/
http://www.blauparts.com/
http://www.ecstuning.com/
..some stores to get you started.
Finally, these cars are great to drive but when they require maintenance, shortcuts are going to cost you more in the long run. At the same time, see if it is worth it also. Good luck!
Secondly, green coolant inside the radiator? I am sorry but someone is pulling a fast one here. Audi's coolant G12 is pink/lilac color. If you have something else in there, flush the whole system completely, take care of leaks and refill with proper coolant. I'd think there may not be much of a damage but, can't be sure as I never used other stuff. Search on the forum to find the drain/refill procedures.
Radiators can be pretty cheap if you can find one. Aftermarket ones are also not that bad. Try different places. Also, I'd suggest you replace it instead of tweaking around with jbweld and other silly time wasting errands.
Perhaps, some can chime in for the ATF or Oil lines on your model... on 4.2, they are ATF (driver side).
By the way, did you get the car inspected by an independent party before buying? Keep a close eye on all fluid levels and track any leaks (park over a flat card board) and identify where and what is leaking.
http://genuineaudiparts.com/
www.autohausaz.com/
http://www.blauparts.com/
http://www.ecstuning.com/
..some stores to get you started.
Finally, these cars are great to drive but when they require maintenance, shortcuts are going to cost you more in the long run. At the same time, see if it is worth it also. Good luck!
Last edited by tester123; 10-27-2013 at 06:07 PM.
10-27-2013, 06:20 PM
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Welcome to the forum. First thing you'd need is a manual. Bentley publishers (http://www.bentleypublishers.com/aud...ir-manual.html) also available in CDROM/DVD version.
Secondly, green coolant inside the radiator? I am sorry but someone is pulling a fast one here. Audi's coolant G12 is pink/lilac color. If you have something else in there, flush the whole system completely, take care of leaks and refill with proper coolant. I'd think there may not be much of a damage but, can't be sure as I never used other stuff. Search on the forum to find the drain/refill procedures.
Radiators can be pretty cheap if you can find one. Aftermarket ones are also not that bad. Try different places. Also, I'd suggest you replace it instead of tweaking around with jbweld and other silly time wasting errands.
Perhaps, some can chime in for the ATF or Oil lines on your model... on 4.2, they are ATF (driver side).
By the way, did you get the car inspected by an independent party before buying? Keep a close eye on all fluid levels and track any leaks (park over a flat card board) and identify where and what is leaking.
http://genuineaudiparts.com/
www.autohausaz.com/
http://www.blauparts.com/
http://www.ecstuning.com/
..some stores to get you started.
Finally, these cars are great to drive but when they require maintenance, shortcuts are going to cost you more in the long run. At the same time, see if it is worth it also. Good luck!
Secondly, green coolant inside the radiator? I am sorry but someone is pulling a fast one here. Audi's coolant G12 is pink/lilac color. If you have something else in there, flush the whole system completely, take care of leaks and refill with proper coolant. I'd think there may not be much of a damage but, can't be sure as I never used other stuff. Search on the forum to find the drain/refill procedures.
Radiators can be pretty cheap if you can find one. Aftermarket ones are also not that bad. Try different places. Also, I'd suggest you replace it instead of tweaking around with jbweld and other silly time wasting errands.
Perhaps, some can chime in for the ATF or Oil lines on your model... on 4.2, they are ATF (driver side).
By the way, did you get the car inspected by an independent party before buying? Keep a close eye on all fluid levels and track any leaks (park over a flat card board) and identify where and what is leaking.
http://genuineaudiparts.com/
www.autohausaz.com/
http://www.blauparts.com/
http://www.ecstuning.com/
..some stores to get you started.
Finally, these cars are great to drive but when they require maintenance, shortcuts are going to cost you more in the long run. At the same time, see if it is worth it also. Good luck!
10-28-2013, 09:27 AM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Also, get VCDS from Ross-Tech. You'll need it in diagnosing anything and everything. It's pricey, but indispensable.
If you're tight on funds, get a cheap $10-$15 USB to ODB-II cable on eBay, get the free/shareware version of VCDS. You can upgrade it to full version for $129.
You can also get the real deal from Ross-Tech for $250 or $350, depending on the cable interface. You don't need the HEX cable for C5 Audi, but if in the future you do get a newer Audi/VW, you'll benefit from the HEX cable.
If you're tight on funds, get a cheap $10-$15 USB to ODB-II cable on eBay, get the free/shareware version of VCDS. You can upgrade it to full version for $129.
You can also get the real deal from Ross-Tech for $250 or $350, depending on the cable interface. You don't need the HEX cable for C5 Audi, but if in the future you do get a newer Audi/VW, you'll benefit from the HEX cable.
10-28-2013, 11:33 AM
#5
AudiWorld Member
The driver side should be for the PS cooling coil which goes in front of the radiator, black color I believe.
As for the "engine oil cooler", it's the lower drain point for the left bank and should be disconnected to drain that side of the coolant. It's where the oil filter is.
10-28-2013, 05:15 PM
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here is a link to a radiator with good pics...
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-C5_A6-...ling/ES436192/
the 2 metal outlets are for atf? I need specific o rings then and am not sure what those outlets are called to find the o rings...
I know that coolant runs through the other plastic outlets...
I want to get the real deal diagnostic tool as I only have the elm Bluetooth ecu diagnostic tool running on my android with torque but of course cant get into the other modules to pull codes
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-C5_A6-...ling/ES436192/
the 2 metal outlets are for atf? I need specific o rings then and am not sure what those outlets are called to find the o rings...
I know that coolant runs through the other plastic outlets...
I want to get the real deal diagnostic tool as I only have the elm Bluetooth ecu diagnostic tool running on my android with torque but of course cant get into the other modules to pull codes
10-28-2013, 05:42 PM
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from looking here...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-2003-AUDI-A6-C5-3-0-TRANSMISSION-OIL-COOLER-PIPE-LINE-SET-/130823211015?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e75abc807&vxp=mtr
I found this site from the above part number...
http://www.partsbase.org/audi/audi-a...matic-gearbox/
so it looks like I need at least two: 11, 5x3 o rings for when is break open those lines for a new rad. I am assuming dealer would be best bet if they have in stock
http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-2003-AUDI-A6-C5-3-0-TRANSMISSION-OIL-COOLER-PIPE-LINE-SET-/130823211015?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e75abc807&vxp=mtr
I found this site from the above part number...
http://www.partsbase.org/audi/audi-a...matic-gearbox/
so it looks like I need at least two: 11, 5x3 o rings for when is break open those lines for a new rad. I am assuming dealer would be best bet if they have in stock
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10-28-2013, 05:57 PM
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I found this site from the above part number...
http://www.partsbase.org/audi/audi-a...matic-gearbox/
so it looks like I need at least two: 11, 5x3 o rings for when is break open those lines for a new rad. I am assuming dealer would be best bet if they have in stock
http://www.partsbase.org/audi/audi-a...matic-gearbox/
10-28-2013, 06:10 PM
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10-28-2013, 06:30 PM
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Pink(G12) coolant in the overflow tank, but it's leaking clear or light green fluid?
Do you have a photo of the area it's leaking from by any chance?
Does the color of the fluid leaking match the color of the fluid in the washer fluid reservoir, Or the power steering fluid reservoir?
The OEM power steering fluid is light green and the metal cooler lines for the power steering are located right in front of the radiator (well I'm referencing off of my 2.8, I assume that much is the same throughout the platform).
Regular washer fluid is blue in color and sometimes the headlight washers that are located to the left and right of the radiator can leak.
Make sure it's definitely the radiator that's leaking.
Do you have a photo of the area it's leaking from by any chance?
Does the color of the fluid leaking match the color of the fluid in the washer fluid reservoir, Or the power steering fluid reservoir?
The OEM power steering fluid is light green and the metal cooler lines for the power steering are located right in front of the radiator (well I'm referencing off of my 2.8, I assume that much is the same throughout the platform).
Regular washer fluid is blue in color and sometimes the headlight washers that are located to the left and right of the radiator can leak.
Make sure it's definitely the radiator that's leaking.
Last edited by OGBULLYLOCDAWG; 10-28-2013 at 06:33 PM.