I was trying to test it this morning, but it was only -3.5C on the way to work. I'll post once I verify that the flake disappears at -10.0C (+22F). I think your theory is probably correct; that it "melts" to make room for the -10.0.<p>CraigB

Is it just me, or does the idea of running a twin-cam 30 valve variable timing system off of a cog belt that has a hydraulically actuated adjuster sound like a catastrophic engine failure waiting to happen?<p>I've had a good look at everyone else's variable valve timing systems, and by far VAGs is the cheesiest and most fragile.<br>

Seems to me that if there were a problem with the cog belt setup, Audi would have found it by now. Also, if there is one thing I've noticed over the years, Audi engines, if anything, tend to be overbuilt. Wouldn't break a sweat over it!<p>Charles<p>BTW, the 30V has been on the road for three years, and testing was being done for several years (I think) before that.

There were some reports when the 30V was new about some belts skipping a cog and causing much valve damage. The local dealer claimed he has never seen such a thing. Of course, there's not too many 30V's in my neck of the woods.

<br>The 30V motor employs a hydraulic tensioner on the CHAIN which connects the intake valve cam to the exhaust valve cam on each head. This tensioner, which is similar in design to the one used on the Porsche Boxster/996-911 flat six, allows a phase change to occur between the exhaust cam (which is driven by a toothed belt from the crankshaft) and the intake cam, thus allowing variable intake valve timing. Audi motors are alway well thought out and never "Cheezy"

Agreed. There is nothing fragile in design or execution here. <p>Audi tried an exhaust/intake toothed belt system instead of a chain in pre-production 30V's and found it unsatisfactory. From what I have read, this was a concern of Audi's early on and was rigorously tested.<p>E<br>96 A4QM<br>86 4000

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The 1.8T block is the same old 1.8 liter block Audi/VW has been using for years. Same number of main bearings, same everything. I suspect they used leftover Corrado G-60 parts. Same displacement, already designed for boost. Why redesign the wheel?

...would be like having four rods, but only connecting three pistons. That being said, all the old 4 cylinder VW blocks had 5 bearings. I think someone was thinking 4 cylinders and typed in the 4 for main bearings.

If it were four, I wonder which section would be without support? Weird!