Head gasket failure??

[james_jimbob]

Hi all, I've just completed the first few thousand miles in my first audi. I have an 1998 a4 1.8 20v non-turbo ut it is experiencing a slight occasional misfire. It has been well serviced previously but is currently due for one. Oil has started to appear in the header tank but no mayonaise in the oil when i looked in the filler cap, its not losing an unusual amount of oil or water either. It also has a strong smell of burning oil but i think this could be due to to the weeping cam cover gasket onto the exhaust. It currently has good days and bad days running fine sometimes but others slightly down on power as if something isn't right. I'm fearing that it could be the first signs of a blown head gasket but looking at the posts this doesn't seem to be a common isue with the non-turbo engines? The oil coolers however do seem to be more problematic. So I'm wondering whether it could be an oil cooler problem causing the water in oil (as i presume the oil is at a higher pressure?) and as the slight misfire isn't consistant maybe a service ith new plugs might sort it? (+new gasket for burning oil smell!). has anybody had experience with blown head gaskets on these engines? also can anybody recommend a specialist in the oxfordshire area that might be able to help with the diagnosis as I will most probably undertake the mechanical work myself. Opinions please!

[ronmcintosh]

Hi There,

I have an A4 1.8 with a similar problem. I think i have seen a thread on here somewhere about checking if the oil cooler is the culprit.

If memory serves me right in the thread it suggests taking off the engine plastic cover to give access and then removing the inlet and outlet for the cooler and jointing the pipe.

This should stop any mixing of the fluids at the cooler. Next thing drain the system down, flush well and refill.

Then wait to see if the oil reappears.

Sorry for my vague description, there is a decent thread about it somewhere on the site

Regards

Ron

[james_jimbob]

thanks ron I didn't think of that, at least it should narrow things down a bit!

jim