A4 1.8T wont start!!!

[antix1.8t]

Was driving my car at low revs close to my home last week and my car cut out, my initial reaction was that it had popped out of gear. the engine actually cut out and would not restart. After getting the car home i have discovered that i am getting fuel to the engine, it is also sparking and the ecu is fine. I am starting to get baffled as i have checked the timing belt which has been done in the past 6 months and it is tight, is it possible that it would slip???? the only other thing i can think of is the exhaust has got blocked but why would it cut out with no pryer warning?????? have not noticed a lack in performance or heard any dodgy noises. Can anyone help?????

[Crasher]

A fault code read before you waste any more time chasing around in circles.

[antix1.8t]

Have already diagnosed, only one fault code - turbo pressure limiting solenoid - apparently is only an intemittent problem, would this create a build up of crap in my exhaust and choke it up? have also checked the crank sensor which is good.

[Crasher]

So you have fuel, spark and no appropriate codes and I would be surprised to say the least if the exhaust blocked to that extent instantly. I have seen a cat fail like that once in twenty five years and it would still idle even then. I think you now need to actually check the valve timing itself and then, if that is OK, check the fuel pressure. You may have fuel delivery, but the pressure may be too low.

[antix1.8t]

Thanks crasher, have now dicovered that one of the valves is inbedded in one of the pistons. Mega ouch, still dont know why it has happened though. now i have the decision do i rebuild,replace or start a fresh.

[Crasher]

The 20v has a nasty habit of doping that. I have just fitted a new unit in my Octavia 20vT and I fitted a full VAG exchange unit. Two year warranty. I am a VAG specialist and I have built hundreds of engines but the price for the unit was unbeatable, I couldn’t have built it myself for less. The head will probably be a write off as well.

[antix1.8t]

have had a couple people look at it and they have suggested a new unit, not too sure if i want to go down that route... to be honest dont have the time to get it all done. have been offered £500 for the car but want 750 realistically. Have never been in this position trying to flog a non runner, do you think that i have a realistic price in my head for the vehicle? The car is in good nick all round, interior is clean and bodywork is sound, no dents rust scratches etc. What do you think?

[Crasher]

I paid £1k for my 03 Octavia VRS with half leather, colour factory nav and in immaculate condition, apart from the dead engine/turbo!