udi
First real attempt to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW and join the German trio
Car on the basis of the Audi 200 – this V8 is the top spec model for that range but Audi made it appear like a complete different model
Successor of the V8 was the first generation Audi A8 that we still know to this day.
The first models years the v8 engine consistented of two VW Golf GTI engines that where glued together at the crankshaft. The result was 3.6 liter displacement and 250HP power output, for the time quite a high power output. Afterwards the 4.2 liter v8 that was engineering in house was put in the Audi V8. This engine had more power, 280HP. Close to 300 HP, quite a lot for the time. Also this car was the first quattro all wheel drive with a automatic.
When we focus on issues of the engine, in this case we will focus on the 4.2 liter v8. This engine is used in many audi’s and has the longest track record. Until recent Audi still used this engine, offcource over time many things have been changed and tweaked and there for power and torque figures have changed quite dramatic.
Most common issues;
- Timing Chain Failure
- Carbon Buildup
- VVT/Vanos Solenoid Failure
- Ignition Coil Failure
- Intake Manifold Linkage Arms
Timing Chain Failures
- Cylinder misfires
- P1340, 17748 engine codes
- Rattling from the engine
- Limp mode
Caron build up symptoms
- Cylinder misfires
- Rough idling
- Poor overall performance
- Sluggish acceleration
- Hard starts
- Worse gas mileage
Prevent carbon build up with these interventions
- Change your oil and filter every 5,000 miles
- Install an oil catch can
- Use ethanol fuel injector cleaner
- Use 93 octane fuel or higher only
- Drive on the highway at high rpm’s for 20-30 minutes from time to time
Variably Valve Timing Failure Symptons
- Rough idling
- Loss of low range power
- Frequent misfires
- Decreased gas mileage
- Cold start issues
- Engine goes into limp mode during acceleration
Ignition Coil failure symptons
- Cylinder misfires
- Check engine light
- Decreased power
- Hard starts
- Rough idling
- Lack of acceleration
Overall the V8 gets a bad reputation because of the timing chain issues, apart from this the engine is quite reliable.
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