1998 A6 timing belt and oil leak

[Patrick Opsahl]

I completed the timing belt replacement this weekend.  My original inquirey
was from several months ago and those that responded assured me that I could
do it.  The mileage on the car reached 93,000.  Bentleypublishing says it
should be changed at 90,000.  I went with the timing belt kit from Blau.
This included timing belt, pulley, tensioner, water pump and antifreeze.
Also did the serpentine belt kit and valve cover gaskets.  They rented me
the special tools.  The Bentley manual proved to be the most needed item,
although at times I found myself rewriting parts along the way.  Technical
writing is a fine art.  I did not notice any cracks in the removed timing
belt but the serpentine was cracked in several places.  Total time to
complete was 10 hours.  Money saved from having the dealer do it was $1000.
Extra thanks to Aalok Kacha, Andrew Lundy, Chris Miller and John Larson.
Also the people and service at Blau impressed me enough to use them again.

>----- Original Message -----
>Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2002 3:38 PM
>Subject: 1998 A6 timing belt and oil leak
>From: "Patrick Opsahl" <patrick_opsahl at hotmail.com>
>
>I have a 1998 A6, 2.8L V6 and triptonic auto with 89,000 miles.  Is >the
>timing belt replacement due at 75,000 miles?
>If so, I will try to replace it myself, difficult job, special tools?
>Should I get the bentley service manual first?
>I am also experiencing a slow oil drip from some where off the front >of
>the engine.  Anybody have similar experience?  Valve cover >gaskets?  When
>I do the timing belt I would like to have all the >gaskets and seals ready
>to replace at the same time.
>Any suggestions on what seals and gaskets to buy before I start?
>Also where can I purchase these parts, timing belt and tools at a
reasonable cost?
>
>Patrick
>Modesto, CA






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