Engine Sludge
 

I recently took my 1999 A4 1.8t (automatic 2wd, 90,000 miles) into a local shop to get a knocking sound checked out. They thought that either a lifter was sticking or that the timing chain was a little loose. They also indicated that there appears to be a sludge problem with the engine. Is there any way to deal with engine sludge once it has accumulated? What is a ball park figure for a new 1.8t engine?

Re: Engine Sludge
 

hey bud...yes canadian hey!! what type of oil are you using synthetic or fossil. synthetic is more expensive but better... specially when comes to sludge, also better non-fricton...and i don't think your car comes with a timing chain but a timing belt with a tensioner which if not updated might fail and cause major engine damage... check if your car has the updated tensioner if not AOA did a recall and will do it for you. as for the sludge build up in your engine you might want to try an engine oil cleaner before your next oil change... but no garantee. but i think AOA also did a recall on engine sludge build up, so go to your dealer and get info... good luck ----- new 1.8t engine cost you don't want to know ... used craps game... rebuild expensive ... it all depends how deep your pockets are???

Re: Engine Sludge
 

forget where I saw it online yesterday but 1.8t new crate engine was $3950 USD. Saw it while researching sludge solution on www.auto-rx.com

Do it yourself for another $500 probably in gaskets and fluids and bolts, or another $5,000 for dealer to do it.

I bought the Autorx for $65 for three tiny bottles, I hope it is the real deal.

If you cn document religious maintenance VW might come through but you have hi miles good luck

another thing
 

can you make the sound for us?

Knocking is rods getting ready to split or bend or just poke out side of block. Once you have knock you are in trouble.

Tapping is less fatal but no fun.

If it goes away when temp/oil pressure comes up, stop, tow it, and lock the key away until its fixed, you might get away with pump/pickup repair. and be OK.


Or call click and clack the MIT tappet brothers. HAHA wheeze.

Re: Engine Sludge
 

I have had the timing belt and tensioner updated. The timing chain they are refering to is the chain that links up the cams together. I am going to take it to another shop for a second opinion.

Try Seafoam. Search

Re: Engine Sludge
 

yeah this same thing happend to my 1998 a4 1.8t AWD. the sludge is from the oil, use only synthetic and that should help. you can clean it out yourself no big deal. and for the clicking you might want to check the plugs, around 90,000 or so the boots and stems that connect to the plugs seem to go bad and need replacing.

take it to the dealer...
 

despite the fact that you are out of warranty, there are some cases in which audi will cover the repair. you would have to prove that you did all the recommended services while under warranty at a dealer and also show reciepts of all oil changes/services performed after warranty.**note** all services have to fall within the 10k miles or 1 year intervals.

Engine Sludge - Do the Auto RX I did with my 1.8T 2000 A4
 

Id look at Auto rx, its gentle wont dissolve seals and will slowly dissolve the sludge into the oil filter
It works like this
buy a few bottles
Buy a BIG oil filter for your Audi/VW
Put on the filter (as long as there is enough miles left for the oil)
Dump a bottles worth into your oil
Drive (3000 miles)
Dump the oil and filter and add a oil like Rotella T and another big filter (germanfilters.com cheap as all s#%t)
Drive more miles
Dump the oil and filter replace with Mobil 1 or if it still looks crappy inside do the above again like I did.
Drive some more miles, if it looks clean change to Mobil 1 (0-40)
Sludge gone, drop the recommended dose of maintenace Auto RX in and keeps your engine clean
Saves a new engine, you heaps of bucks and you are a happy camper
Dump the oil and replace with

Cost of replacing a lifter
 

Im also having this same knocking problem and my mechanic said its most likley a collapsed lifter.
I was wondering if anyone knows the ballpark figure for replacing a lifter?