2006 Audi A6 3.2 engine failure ..

[dhbpac]

Apparently I've had a sudden catastrophic failure of the timing chain (or thereabouts) at roughly 145k miles and need to make a decision.

It was a 3.2L BKH engine.

Since it's only about halfway through what I thought would be its expected life (and thus, the loan to pay for it ...), I'm trying to figure out which option I should pursue:

a) new / rebuilt engine
b) rebuild this engine
c) find a different engine (newer, more reliable, etc.)
d) sell it off for parts
e) tow it to the edge of a cliff and push it over.

Anyone have any experience on (a), (b) or (c)?

All input is appreciated!

 

[Jef]

If it were me.... and one of my cars, I'd rebuild the engine if the major parts in good condition.

If the engine isn't worth rebuilding, then my next option would be to get a good used engine and replace some critical parts.

Now if the car is a crap wagon, everything is falling apart, smells, paint all messed up.... then option D, followed by option E is the way to go.

 

[dhbpac]

If it were me.... and one of my cars, I'd rebuild the engine if the major parts in good condition.

If the engine isn't worth rebuilding, then my next option would be to get a good used engine and replace some critical parts.

Now if the car is a crap wagon, everything is falling apart, smells, paint all messed up.... then option D, followed by option E is the way to go.

Actually everything else is in pretty dern great shape. Would love to get it back on the road, and am trying to figure out how to do that - if the wife decides that's the way we're going ...

 

[ivagp]

what happend exactly. and what is the estimate u have recived

 

[dhbpac]

what happend exactly. and what is the estimate u have recived

Kind of like diagnosing Alzheimer's ... you have a certain set of occurrences that are consistent with a diagnoses, but you really don't know for sure until you do an autopsy.

That said, I'm reasonably certain it's the dreaded timing chain tensioner problem.

Taking it to the guys at NGP Racing (http://www.ngpracing.com/) tomorrow afternoon to have a look.

Current ballpark guesstimate for replacement engine with new chains & guides is about two weeks and $7500.

For a rebuild maybe 3-4 weeks with less cost, but that would obviously depend on what they find.

 

[Jef]

Then to me, it sounds like it is worth fixing the engine.

 

[ivagp]

dose the engine run? dose the engine make noises? can u drive the car? when u say catastrophic failure that usally means engine wont turn, dropped a valve or crank seized so on and so forth

 

[dhbpac]

dose the engine run? dose the engine make noises? can u drive the car? when u say catastrophic failure that usally means engine wont turn, dropped a valve or crank seized so on and so forth

Not quite as bad as a seized crank, but definite valve-on-piston crunchy sounds. Too much sound to even try to run.

 

[ivagp]

ur car is worth about 7500 in running condition. dont throw good money after bad money

 

[dhbpac]

ur car is worth about 7500 in running condition. dont throw good money after bad money

Early indication is that the timing chain may have slipped. Not ruling out subsequent damage / repair at the moment, but they think they can repair it (and replace chains, etc.) without removing the engine.

Time will tell ...

 

[dhbpac]

Early indication is that the timing chain may have slipped. Not ruling out subsequent damage / repair at the moment, but they think they can repair it (and replace chains, etc.) without removing the engine.

Time will tell ...

And ... of course it's never that simple. Cracked cam girdle, needs a new head. They can't seem to find a pax-side head that's not already on an engine, so they want to drop a "new" engine in it. Two options, 86k w/o replacing chains, or somewhere b/w 103-140k and replacing the chains (at an extra $1200).

Love the car to death, but maybe it's death-do-us-part.

 

[Uwe]

^ Cannot click LIKE. Maybe we need a "Condolences" button?

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but what I'm seeing cracked there is a cam bearing cap. Is there more damage that's less obvious?

-Uwe-

 

[Dana]

I clicked Like as you posted Uwe - but yeah....in a condolences way!

 

[dhbpac]

^ Cannot click LIKE. Maybe we need a "Condolences" button?

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but what I'm seeing cracked there is a cam bearing cap. Is there more damage that's less obvious?

-Uwe-

At least one of the lifters on the same side is hozed as well (but only being a rank amateur gearhead, I can't see it in the pic).

Those are the only two things specifically mentioned, aside - of course - from the timing chain, tensioner, and related stuff.

 

[DrPeter]

- The 3.2L BKH cylinder heads have a "Bearing bracket" or 'plate' that is bolted to the top of the cylinder head.

This cast part is not sold separately and is machined matched for the head/cams. The cylinder head cover/valve cover is bolted on top of that.

Much like the Chain drive 2.0L engine.



drpeter