Mechanic's conspiracy?
11-01-2001, 05:20 AM
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Mechanic's conspiracy?
I've been told by a number of mechanics, including 2 audi dealers, to change my timing belt (2.8L v6, '96 A4, 100K miles) or the engine will blow and cost me $3,000+.
Trouble is, my manual from Audi does NOT suggest changing the timing belt, period. The Audi dealer and the Audi Cust. Svc. 800# couldn't point me to any Audi written notice that suggested changing the timing belt.
If Audi built an engine that self-destructs at 100K miles unless I do a $400+ maintenance job on it every 90K miles, shouldn't they mention that in their maintenance manual? Or a TSB or something? Why tell me to change the oil if my engine is going to blow up anyway at 90K miles?
A web search confirms that Audi has no recommended change interval for the belt. One site (www.skillcenter.com) specifically says the Audi engines are free-running (non-interference).
If the engine is free-running, I risk an awkward breakdown when the belt goes, but not a $3,000 engine repair. My Audi 80 is over 200,000 miles without a timing belt change.
Am I missing something here? I'm worried that the whole world knows something I don't. Please write -- is the 2.8L actually an interference engine and Audi isn't telling? Thanks!!
Trouble is, my manual from Audi does NOT suggest changing the timing belt, period. The Audi dealer and the Audi Cust. Svc. 800# couldn't point me to any Audi written notice that suggested changing the timing belt.
If Audi built an engine that self-destructs at 100K miles unless I do a $400+ maintenance job on it every 90K miles, shouldn't they mention that in their maintenance manual? Or a TSB or something? Why tell me to change the oil if my engine is going to blow up anyway at 90K miles?
A web search confirms that Audi has no recommended change interval for the belt. One site (www.skillcenter.com) specifically says the Audi engines are free-running (non-interference).
If the engine is free-running, I risk an awkward breakdown when the belt goes, but not a $3,000 engine repair. My Audi 80 is over 200,000 miles without a timing belt change.
Am I missing something here? I'm worried that the whole world knows something I don't. Please write -- is the 2.8L actually an interference engine and Audi isn't telling? Thanks!!
11-01-2001, 05:28 AM
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my friend had a little over 100k on his acura when his timing belt went. definatly change it or its
bye bye engine. plus - 400 bucks to save your car for 90,000 more miles? lol, what r u complaining about??
11-01-2001, 05:31 AM
#4
The only Audi engines that are NON interfereance are some of the 5 cyl turbo engines.
Further, the belt may get you to 90k, but the waterpump likely won't, and if the waterpump goes, along with it goes the timing belt.
Get it changed. Most good shops change at 60k.
Get it changed. Most good shops change at 60k.
11-01-2001, 05:33 AM
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Yes they are all (1.8, 2.8 30, 2.8 12) interference designs,
And you are a very lucky guy so far.
The suggested timing belt change for the 30v and the 1.8 is 90,000 I think. I don't remember the 12v schedule.
Many timing belts for these cars fail between 60 and 90, so dealers have been suggesting getting it done at 60,000.
The suggested timing belt change for the 30v and the 1.8 is 90,000 I think. I don't remember the 12v schedule.
Many timing belts for these cars fail between 60 and 90, so dealers have been suggesting getting it done at 60,000.
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11-01-2001, 05:34 AM
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Yes if they break you can bend valves, I will change both my 1.8ts @ 60,000. I have always done this
..to cars I've owned that had timing belts. I can't say why this is not part of the maintenance schedule but I think you should do it or have it done. JIM