Re: 1992 Audi 100S Engine type?

[Elliott Potter <epotter@abraxis.com>]

Johnson.Walker wrote:
> 
> My Audi's main external belt broke when my son was returning from
> Wilmington, NC to take it to fix the transmission problem I reported on the
> list 2 weeks ago. 

The engine has 2 belts, the timing belt and the serpentine belt--since
the timing belt is between the serpentine belt and the engine, I'll
guess that the serpentine belt (drives the power steering pump,
alternator, and A/C compressor) is the one that broke?

> It was running in "limp" mode and shows 64,000 miles on
> the odometer. 

Limping how?  Was it running at all?  Severe loss of power?

> My son said it shut down immediately and he had it towed to
> the Audi Dealership/Service department in Raleigh, NC. They have called me
> with the report that the internal timing belt is broken, as well, and there
> could be major internal problems. 

If the timing belt did break, then yes, you probably have major internal
problems.  But then if the timing belt broke I think the car would be
doing less than "limping."  Having said that, 6 years and 64K miles is
old enough for the timing belt to break if it hasn't been replaced.

> This is my first experience with an Audi,
> can anyone verify that this model's engine is an interference style engine,
> it's hard for me to believe? Also, is it possible that the transmission
> being in limp mode could contribute to/cause this problem? Thanks, Walker

The engine is an interference engine, so if the timing belt did break
then you're probably out of luck.  Was this the original timing belt? 
Had you performed the 60K mile service yet?  If the transmission was in
limp mode, that might put a little more stress on the engine which could
make the belt more prone to break.

Anyway, good luck!
-- 
Elliott

"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines."
	-- Unknown