Milwaukee

I have never owned an audi before and was forced into a decision quickly (93 525i touring w/332k died) to purchase a 97 A6 2.8 quattro avant. (avant is audi for wagon right?). 200k but clean with service history and some needs. Timing belt due,some interior issues....So day seven and I think I have a dud. It burns some oil that I can smell and takes a quart every 800 miles at this rate. It started to boil over and THEN the temp gauge went up. The oil temp goes from ~80 to 140 with the ac on. And when I turn I get a binding feel like the dif is on the way out (it can't be normal, can it?) What can I do?? If anyone has a suggestion as to these problems please talk me off the ledge. Yes I know the head is most likely blown, but the coolant is not cloudy, though there is vapor at the oil cap. What did I do and what will it cost to even get it running ok again.(good audi specialist in town, car goes there tomorrow). I love the car, it is tornado red, perfect sized and quattro.Do/should/can I keep it??!?
Thanks all!

tela

Head gasket failure is not that common with these cars. If you do some searching you will see that there are several other things you can do to check the operation of your cooling system. Thermostat, reservoir, cap, thermo sensor, etc.

Binding feeling at full lock is not a sign of the diff going out. Some have found that replacing the CV axles has helped but it's just an annoyance for most of us.

When you do the timing belt, it would be a good time to do the water pump, thermostat, and anything else at the same time, such as oil seals that might be leaking.

These cars do burn oil. It's even written in the owner's manual to expect that. And cooling systems need maintenance and it sounds like yours has been neglected.

So in other words, this stuff is most likely nothing to worry about. Address it, resolve it, and you'll be a happy camper.

Milwaukee

Thank you for talking me down. I have been reading quite a few things about the car over the last few days. I know that the TB (waterpump and extras too)and head need to be done and maybe that will solve my problems. Is that why these cars burn out their cats? I do love the look and style of the car and can't wait to use it through a Wisconsin winter. Thanks to all for all the good feedback on the various threads!

Ben2

Welcome to the forums. If you haven't read it already, I recommend going over and bookmarking the QW FAQ:

http://forums.quattroworld.com/a6100/msgs/3.phtml

Milwaukee

Thanks I will check it out now. As it happens, it looks like a wire issue with the two fans on the radiator. The specialist said he remembered jumping something to get one to work. I get the estimate for TB/waterpump next thurs. What do you guys (and gals) think that should come to? (private audi specialist with his own garage!)

r1de23

how much did you pay for this car? i know a TB and water belp kit will cost ~$300 atleast. If you don't do this on your own it will cost ~ $1000 in labor. I know your car isnt even worth that. I would save your $$$.

Milwaukee

Well 1400 I hate to admit but,I put miles on fast and hope to get another 15-20k or through the winter. I will talk to the mechanic and see what he says. There currently is a used w/p on the car. I will keep you posted as to the quote and if it is that much I will just drive until the wheels fall off or a mechanic wants to buy it. I figured on 800 so maybe???

tela

What has your mechanic done to verify that the head gasket is bad? I'll respectfully disagree with ride23. If any mechanic is charging you anything close to $1000 for labor it's time to find a new mechanic.

If saving money is your big concern then skip the TB/water pump and find out the minimum that needs to be done to keep it from overheating.

Milwaukee

My goal with any car is to run it at $.10 a mile (price and maint). So with 1400 in I would need to get 14k out to feel good. This is not easy and I drive 35k a year. Last car (93 525iT 311k) purchased 800.00+repairs 700=1500, sold for 650 @ 334k, so .04 a mile. That was a record for me. So I have some money to play with on this one. If I need to spend 1000 I am in 2400 and if most everything else checks out on the car I think it should go 24k, or so. I have read all the notes on proper maint. and some of the weak points. Motor is strong and power is good,trans shifts great. Servo steering is weird and sometimes seems like it is not getting full power. Are these the major things you feel could go wrong? With the cars I normally own, I am use to things not working and to "make things work" in a "just rig it" sort of way. I really like this car and would like to keep it through the winter, but I don' want to be blinded by that and end up sinking money into a bright red all wheel drive 2.8L paper weight.
Much thanks as always!

r1de23

THat is a alot of driving for a car that may or may not be reliable..

I bought my beater 95 Audi for a 2 mile communte on days where the weather isn't good enough for my Porsche.