pauly b

All i know is that shuddering is your coils. Spark ain't keeping up with the fuel.

audi231

my exhaust tips are always going black and impossible to clean, is this a sympton?

sonbi999

Is there a DIY page for beginner but not totally mechanically inclined?

Chazaki

I'm having the same thing as well. I believe this is a symptom of burning oil, as my car burns about a quart every 1k miles. Does yours burn a lot as well?

ArthurPE

the soot on the exhaust pipes is a consequence of having to run a DI engine rich until it warms up a bit...afaik, they all do it

NYRS4

The OP still has not answered how long this DIY took him and how hard it is for a backyard mechanic? I would be intrested to know this as well.

ELEVENS

You talking to me? You talking to ME!

It's a big, dirty, tedious job, most report around 11-18 hours, averaging around 13 total. There are plenty of "secrets" to getting the job done easier/faster. I do not recommend it at all to the casual "wrench". For example, more than one person has reported breaking off the plastic control arms for the tumble flaps which cannot be purchased separately and reportedly cannot be repaired. In that case, a new intake manifold is needed at around $1800.

There's a shop somewhere in the New York area that has already carbon-cleaned several RS4s at under $600 including oil change and all parts. Not a bad way to go IMO.

badhbtz

Hey all.. I am thinking about doing this DIY.. Just had a couple questions.
1. Has anyone assembled a DIY identifying tools and cleaner product or cleaner tools required? (I have heard that using 44R prior to cleaning can soften the carbon)
2. If so what Audi repair book are you guys using as reference?
3. I dont care about the time sink but morever the details relating to any specifics that need special care.


Thanks all!

Chip

btroit

Hi Guys:
Audi Canada is aware of the problem and is experimenting with additives to the oil. I'm sure this goes beyond the RS4 and Audi as I believe BMW is experiencing similar problems. The issue is direct injection and oil seepage around the valve seats. On a port injection engine, this gets washed away with the fuel. On direct injection, it doesn't.

ArthurPE

I've always thought it was valve seal seepage...at least that's what it looks like and is the only mechanism that could cause it...blow-by, from logic, and tests folks have done can't be the cause...

did you hear this from someone at Audi directly or from a 'friend of a friend'?