nearly scattered the engine

Or so the mechanic says. Ok...its another belt thread but this time not on a Ferrari. Since belt threads are so popular here in this section, I thought you'd appreciate this.

Its my 2006 Audi A3 2.0T. I've changed the engine oil regularly and thought I'd deal with any issues as they came up. Figured the cambelt would be replaced when it failed. Got a check engine light at 165,000 miles. Code said Misfire cylinder 1.

Figured that was about enough miles on the original factory installed spark plugs so I swapped them out with NGK Iridium. Few weeks later check engine again, misfire cylinder 1, well maybe its the coil. Rotated coils to source cylinder plus one. Few weeks later, check engine again, misfire cylinder 1. OK...its not the plugs, its not the coil, maybe a clogged injector. 1 bottle of Lucas injector cleaner. This time the light went out on its own. Figured I got it.

Few weeks later, no check engine but a slight bucking feeling under heavy acceleration. Actually felt like a slipping clutch. Figured 171,000 miles on a DSG gearbox. Maybe I'll just get it inspected. Took it to Audi.

The mechanic hurt his chin when it hit the floor upon reading the odometer. I learned that the engine is in fact Interference just like the Ferrari (valves must evacuate the space before pistons arrive or else). Had I known this I certainly would have done the belt a long time ago. For clarification...171,000 miles on the original factory instaled Cam belt. Clutch was fine but gearbox oil and filters were necessary (the bucking). Also...Audi mechanics not much cheaper than Ferrari mechanics. $2500 for a cam belt and tranny oil change.

Anyway...New cambelt, tranny oil and filters, and the cars is like new except for that sandblasted paint.

 

Pretty close actually. Long daily commute and my son plays AAA Hockey. He's in High school now so that half of my problem disappeared. Lost the long distance client so that half also disappeared. been 5000 miles since May. Geeez, I'm bored.