Cylinder Head Required for Y Reg 1.8T... Advice Please

[PeterPolska]

Hi guys,

Been using this forum since I bought my Y Reg 1.8T A4 2 years ago and havnt needed to post anything... until now! Be really greatful if someone can help me.

The engine developed a loud rattling noise, after the red oil light was on and off intermittently for a week or so. I (maybe stupidly) put this down to dodgy wiring, as I have experienced the brake pads warning light coming on and off randomly over the past 2 years, and checked the oil levels and it was up near the max line. But as soon as I heard the noise, took the car to my mechanic.

He pinpointed the noise to the tensioner... which I was surprised to hear him say, as I had the tensioner, cam chain, and cambelt kit replaced in May 09 (problems with the tensioner back then!)

The engine then cut out on him when idle and couldnt get it started again. After some investigating he diagnosed the following:


"What you want to try and get is a ready to go cylinder head for
engine code AVJ this should include all the valves, tappets, camshafts, chain, chain tensioner,
The oil has struggled to reach the top of the engine, and as a result has been unable to reach the parts that require lubrication under pressure. this may be caused by a partially blocked oil pick up filter/scavenger pipe.
The result of this oil starvation has lead to the exhaust cam eating into the alloy journal of the cylinder head and the hardened layer being worn off the cam. (this is why a new cylinder head is required, preferably "ready to go" so all cams etc come complete,as described above)
If you decide to go ahead and get a cylinder head for it i will remove the sump pan so i can inspect/clean the sump, scavenger pipe/filters and inspect oil pump pick up (this will hopefully indicate the reason/s for the original failure)"


My mechanic is not an audi specialist, however I have been going to him for a number of years and have never been disappointed. He has quoted around £400 for labour (including the sump work) once I can find a "ready to go" cylinder head. Can a new tensioner need replacing after 10 months of use??

Any advice on where to find a reliable cylinder head, as described above would be much appreciated. And what kind of price should I be looking to pay?

Sorry for the essay but Im at my wits end and want to get this sorted as best I can to prevent similar happening in the future.

Cheers

Pete

[Turbokiisseli]

Looks like you missed your mechanic's point. The chain tensioner is not the cause but rather the effect from having your oil pump pick-up screen get blocked by sludge and debris. This is caused by either using the wrong oil or changing it at too long intervals.

You can do a search on google for "1.8t oil screen" or "1.8t oil sludge" and it'll turn up a number of results. The pick-up screen getting blocked is a common problem with the VAG 1.8t, especially if the car has been on the long-life service program.

[PeterPolska]

Many thanks for the reply Turbokiisseli.

I realise that the faulty tensioner, and indeed the damage to the cylinder head are as a result of an oil problem, and I appreciate your advice regarding the pick up screen. I will make sure this is all addressed.

Can anyone give me any advice regarding finding a cylinder head? I cant seem to find one specific to engine code AVJ.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[Pete@ECSTuning]

AVJ was the head used in production cars from 2001 to 2003 in Europe. Likely, not to dissimilar to an AWM head in the U.S. I don't know if any other heads can be used, but maybe that year range can help you find one at a wrecker.

http://www.autoshoppingcenter.com/Vo...ginescode.html

[PeterPolska]

Thanks for your reply Chris.

Spent all day yesterday ringing breaker after breaker trying to track down a 2nd hand AVJ cylinder head / engine. But no joy.

I did find one at an audi breakers though... its done 40,000 miles and they want £1,100 for it. This is my only feasible option so far. But I was hoping to find something for less £££ if possible?

Does reconditioning sound like an option based on the info in my original post? And if so how much should I be looking to pay?

[Pete@ECSTuning]

I know state-side you can get a new head for about 500 USD or rebuild your own for about 300 USD. Now if you are going to have a mechanic rebuild it, I can see it getting pricey. However, if you DIY the head your self we have valves, stems and guides for about 30/per bad valve. Really a rebuild is not pricey if you feel adventuress.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...Cylinder_Head/