Oil light on then engine stalled

**kaisersolsay** · 25-10-2010,09:40 PM

Model: 2000 A4 1.8T saloon

Problem: Oil light came on and engine stalled.

Car was recovered by the AA and returned to my house. My mate has my compression tester and is currently off-shore so I couldn't check the cylinder readings however when turning the engine the engine seemed to turn far too easily.....I turned it over with a spanner on the crank first in case it was seized but was ok. I checked each plug for a spark and all had a healthy spark but engine would not fire.

I have removed the engine and have it on a stand now for inspection. The head has been removed and the head gasket is sound and both camshafts are ok with no excessive wear of damage. The cylinder bores are smooth with no scoring.

I have removed the sump and the oil pick up is clogged but everything seems ok, with no signs of internal damage you'd expect from oil starvation.

Has anyone got any ideas why the car wouldn't start? I was fully prepared for an engine rebuild but I can't see any damage. Is there anything else I should be checking whilst the engine is on a stand?

I have ordered a new oil & water pump and thermostat for the rebuild.

HELP!!!

**yaman** · 26-10-2010,08:50 AM

When this happens, its usually the turbo
that takes the hit.

Was the oil gluppy?

When you get it started again, it would
be a good idea to run a flush through
the engine.

Regards
Jim

**Crasher** · 26-10-2010,08:58 AM

Reminds me of one I did where the cams seized, moved the valve timing and then the cams freed off again.

**kaisersolsay** · 26-10-2010,12:28 PM

The oil wasnt gluppy when drained, looked as per normal 10k+ oil. The cams are fine with no sign of any wear or stiffness. The turbo also seems ok with no plan on the shaft.

I had a look at the big ends last night and they have only very mild scoring so I will replace anyway.

Its just not making sense why the engine stalled all together and then refused to start. There was a strong spark and the fuel pump was priming. The valve timing was all spot on also. As I say, when the engine was turned over it sounded as if it was turning over a bit too freely which would suggest a gasket or rings. The gasket looked ok so I guess the only thing left to check is the rings. Is there anyway of checking the rings without removing? The cylinders are smooth with no scoring.

**yaman** · 26-10-2010,12:49 PM

Did you get any logged codes out of it?

Regards
Jim

**kaisersolsay** · 26-10-2010,12:58 PM

Sadly dont have VAGCOM.

I'm thinking it must be the rings.....I'll take them out tonight and inspect.

The breather system was extremely clogged when stripping it down so I'm thinking that perhaps the build up of crankcase gas blow a ring??? What do you think?

**Crasher** · 26-10-2010,01:13 PM

Originally Posted by kaisersolsay

Is there anyway of checking the rings without removing? The cylinders are smooth with no scoring.

Not really with the head off.

**yaman** · 26-10-2010,01:42 PM

The easy turn-over does indeed point to escaping compression,
and with the valves and gasket ok you might as well do the rings,
now that everything else is out of the way.

The initial damage must have been caused by a previous neglected oil change, that wee sump cuts it fine. Some people recommend 6k miles oil change on a 1.8T, but the term "long life" can be tempting.

Regards
Jim

**kaisersolsay** · 26-10-2010,01:51 PM

After thinking about it....is it possinle that the cam followers were starved of oil therefore didnt close correctly....thus lossing compression and the car cutting out and not restarting? Just a thought