Audi A4 1.8T Oil Sludge problem ?

dodzy · 12-05-2009 7:48am #1

Hi folks,

Driving yesterday ( 2002 1.8T - 90K ). Oil warning light comes on quickly followed by the dreaded knocking from under the cover. Opened the oil filler cap - strange. It was difficult to get off - suction. Noticed that the top end of the engine was dry as a bone. I'm guessing that the problem is most likely a blocked strainer in the sump. I have read that it is a PITA to reomve the sump ( lowering the subframe etc ) so I was wondering are there any other reccomended option ? Maybe a flush which might free up the gauze on the end of the strainer ? I'm assuming it would be best to get to the sump but the stealership is quoting BIG bucks for this as expected. Ant info appreciated.

mickdw · 12-05-2009 9:36am

It is a common problem on those engines. Regular oil changes with correct (Top quality)oil is the secret.
At this stage, I would be worried about the engine in your car not just about cleaning the oil strainer. If it was knocking and running dry of oil, You are surely in trouble.

Anan1 · 12-05-2009 9:38am

Might it be the oil pump either? In any case, i'd be looking for a good independent rather than a main dealer. I'm no mechanic, but wouldn't a flush involve further running the engine with no lubrication?

dodzy · 12-05-2009 8:53pm

mickdw wrote: »

It is a common problem on those engines. Regular oil changes with correct (Top quality)oil is the secret.
At this stage, I would be worried about the engine in your car not just about cleaning the oil strainer. If it was knocking and running dry of oil, You are surely in trouble.

Jesus I hope not. Fingers crossed on the "trouble" thing

It's gone to an Indy. I'll feedback the results. For what its worth, I've change the oil at 4K intervals since 69K. Now just short of 100K. Always used a good quality fully Synt.

Please say a prayer for my wallet.

Muckie · 12-05-2009 9:04pm

Jesus, frightening stuff. Sounds like you did everything right yet engine

still acted up. I'd guess its oil starvation alrite(even for a fuel seconds).

Hope all is not lost and your mechanic has some good news!

Johnboy Mac · 12-05-2009 9:44pm

Odds on and with a bit of luck the oil strainer is blocked, known problem as it's small'ish and has very fine gauze. Worth removing the sump first and inspect.

dodzy · 13-05-2009 1:49pm

Odds on and with a bit of luck the oil strainer is blocked, known problem as it's small'ish and has very fine gauze.

Johnboy Mac wrote: »

.....Worth removing the sump first and inspect.

Easier said than done;)

Johnboy Mac · 13-05-2009 4:57pm

dodzy wrote: »

Easier said than done;)

It is but not as bad as some woud have you believe, but what choice is there? Better than requiring a new engine. Bar filling the sump with 50/50 eng.oil & diesel and starting it up with hope the diesel starts unblocking the oil pump pick up...................or spray in diesel with an airline via sump plug hole and hope it dislodges a little bit of the crap at the pick up..........................and then carry out a engine flush.

dodzy · 13-05-2009 11:00pm

Johnboy Mac wrote: »

It is but not as bad as some woud have you believe, but what choice is there? Better than requiring a new engine. Bar filling the sump with 50/50 eng.oil & diesel and starting it up with hope the diesel starts unblocking the oil pump pick up...................or spray in diesel with an airline via sump plug hole and hope it dislodges a little bit of the crap at the pick up..........................and then carry out a engine flush.

Yep Johnboy, I was reluctant to go down the diesel road. Not exactly condusive with reccomended lubrication of fast moving metal parts I reckon

Anyway, I was very tempted to give it a go but dropping the subframe looked tough enough. I'm sure after a successful drop, like everything else, you would do it with your eyes closed.

Anyway, gave it to a Indy who originally dont the TB for me at 65K. He lifted the engine and get clearance to remove the sump. Sure enough...a poxy blocked strainer ! Happy(ish) days

Now to get to the bottom of the P0171 fault code.

mickdw · 13-05-2009 11:27pm

you could have bet on the blocked strainer but are you any the wiser as to whether your engine is ok? Ive seen a few of these and if they get ANY oil starvation towards the head, it can be serious. You didnt drive much with yours when the light came on but often when the light comes on the damage is done and you did say it was running dry of oil.

bushy... · 13-05-2009 11:38pm

Since it seems to be a problem with them , while you have the sump off look into fitting a larger pickup - needs a bit of care though.

dodzy · 14-05-2009 2:34pm

mickdw wrote: »

you could have bet on the blocked strainer but are you any the wiser as to whether your engine is ok? Ive seen a few of these and if they get ANY oil starvation towards the head, it can be serious. You didnt drive much with yours when the light came on but often when the light comes on the damage is done and you did say it was running dry of oil.

Ah come on Mick, forever the pessimist:D

I'll be picking it up tomorrow so fingers crossed. There is a chance that damage in the upper tier was caused but there is also a chance that all is well. It's my 40th tomorrow so I'm hoping for a break;)

A flushing agent will be in thrown when I get it back, I'll run it for a week and then change out the oil again and replace the std filter with a larger option.

Johnboy Mac · 14-05-2009 3:34pm

dodzy wrote: »

Ah come on Mick, forever the pessimist:D

I'll be picking it up tomorrow so fingers crossed. There is a chance that damage in the upper tier was caused but there is also a chance that all is well. It's my 40th tomorrow so I'm hoping for a break;)

Well, Happy Birthday

. Good reason to buy a new motor? Might be wise to get rid of now

.

dodzy · 14-05-2009 5:27pm

Johnboy Mac wrote: »

Well, Happy Birthday . Good reason to buy a new motor? Might be wise to get rid of now .

I hear ya lad.... I've been drooling at this ( the one for 8K ) all day but no funding at this point. Really love these cars. You'd land it for less that €14K all in

Johnboy Mac · 14-05-2009 7:48pm

dodzy wrote: »

I hear ya lad.... I've been drooling at this ( the one for 8K ) all day but no funding at this point. Really love these cars. You'd land it for less that €14K all in

So much for cash birthday presents then!

Well I'm not an Audi fan but I must say those A6's are really a handsome looking motor.

mickdw · 14-05-2009 8:21pm

dodzy wrote: »

Ah come on Mick, forever the pessimist:D

I'll be picking it up tomorrow so fingers crossed. There is a chance that damage in the upper tier was caused but there is also a chance that all is well. It's my 40th tomorrow so I'm hoping for a break;)

A flushing agent will be in thrown when I get it back, I'll run it for a week and then change out the oil again and replace the std filter with a larger option.

I hope it runs perfectly but just giving you the possibility of it having suffered damage as you seemed to only be concerned about the work involved in sump removal.

dodzy · 15-05-2009 8:26am

mickdw wrote: »

I hope it runs perfectly but just giving you the possibility of it having suffered damage as you seemed to only be concerned about the work involved in sump removal.

Oh god, I'm well aware Mick. Believe me. Just hopeful I guess. I'll have it in a couple of hours so will let you know;)

dodzy · 15-05-2009 3:49pm

UPDATE:

Alls well. Driving sound. Not a rattle. Looks like I got away with it .Yeeeeeehaaaaa !:D

unkel · 15-05-2009 4:19pm

dodzy wrote: »

UPDATE:

Alls well. Driving sound. Not a rattle. Looks like I got away with it .Yeeeeeehaaaaa !:D

Nice one. Happy birthday

beachlife · 15-05-2009 9:16pm

i'd hold off on that flush, it'll only loosen the gunk under the rocker cover etc, and wash it down to the sump where it'll be sucked up by...............the strainer you just paid to get cleaned!!!!! leave the dirt where it is !!!

dodzy · 16-05-2009 10:54am

beachlife wrote: »

i'd hold off on that flush, it'll only loosen the gunk under the rocker cover etc, and wash it down to the sump where it'll be sucked up by...............the strainer you just paid to get cleaned!!!!! leave the dirt where it is !!!

Fair point BL

Johnboy Mac · 16-05-2009 11:36am

If really want to flush it use ATF, drain old oil when red hot. Refill with ATF, let idle for 20mins with odd rev to 2000rpm, drain again hot and refill fresh oil & change filter.

P.s I'd never use a specifically designed eng. flush.

dodzy · 16-05-2009 7:26pm

Johnboy Mac wrote: »

If really want to flush it use ATF, drain old oil when red hot. Refill with ATF, let idle for 20mins with odd rev to 2000rpm, drain again hot and refill fresh oil & change filter.

P.s I'd never use a specifically designed eng. flush.

Call me stupid JB but ATF is ............ Auto trans fluid or not? And if so, what are the benefits compared to the usual wynn's stuff or similar ?

Johnboy Mac · 17-05-2009 4:03pm

dodzy wrote: »

Call me stupid JB but ATF is ............ Auto trans fluid or not? And if so, what are the benefits compared to the usual wynn's stuff or similar ?

Spot on, auto transmission fluid it is.

OK, the benefits of using ATF are threefold.

1. It's of low viscosity (thin) thus will act better as a cleaning agent.

2. It's a gear oil thus safe to use for lubrication and as a cleanser in an engine provided the rev's are kept LOW and only used for a SHORT period.

3. Also it's not a harsh cleanser as it's designed to lubricate in conjuction with seals & gaskets in normal very day duties of a transmission unit or power steering system.

Well that's my theory and take on using ATF as an engine flush.

DivX · 20-05-2009 4:10pm

Used the engine flush stuff on a sludged up eninge a few years ago, worked a treat.

Basically followed the instructions on the engine flush container, warm up car to normal working temperature, stop engine, add engine flush to engine.

Start engine again and leave it running for five minutes without revving the car and stop engine again.

Immediately drain the hot oil to prevent anything re sticking or depositing back on to the engine internals.

Fill with fresh oil and new filter.

Alternatively to go a step further, before putting in the fresh expensive engine oil back in the engine, flush car with cheap oil after draining the treated engine oil, ie filling up with the cheap brand oil and running the engine for a few minutes to pick up all all remaining sludge which was dislodged by the detergent additive.

Then refill with the recommended grade oil and new filter.

As part of the future service schedule of the engine, it might be worth considering doing an engine flush every second or third oil change. :pac:

Was talking with a mechanic who used to work with Rolls Rice in the UK back in the '90s and he said they used to use paraffin/kerosin oil to flush the engine after draining out the old engine oil. Only running the engine for about a minute before draining, now I'd never go to that extreme, but someone must of considered it beneficial to the engine.

Audi A4 1.8T Oil Sludge problem ?

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