Re: 4kcsq lifter probs and timing

[Aleksander Mierzwa <alex@matrix.pl>]

At 13:23 11.09.98 -0700, dannoelle wrote:

>Hello fellow Audi fanatics,
>    I'm currently having some problems that I hope
>(and would definately appreciate) some of you
>could shed some light on.  I have recently had my
>timing belt, lifters, water pump changed on my 86
>4kcsq by what I thought was a reputable shop.
[...]
>Took the car for a short test
>drive, and car would drop revs at lights, until it
>almost stalled.  Took car back to mechanics who
>proceeded to charge me again to check timing.
>Checked timing and was told that car was
>significantly advanced.  

Every time the timing belt is replaced the ignition timing changes. This is
beacuse the new belt is slightly shorter than the old, stretched belt. It
does not noticeable effect on valve timing, but it's enough to screw up
ignition timing. They should have adjusted the timing without asking and
without charging additional money, as a part of the timing belt job. The
fact that they did otherwise means they're not only incompetent, but also
deceptive.

>Changed timing to factory
>specs, and problem gets worse--still nearly stalls
>after letting off accelerator when revved, and now
>won't hit redline without struggle whereas car
>previously revved very easily.

Either they don't know how to adjust timing or the timing belt is one tooth
off. You can check both items yourself. Let us know if you need help.

>My fiance hates my car

Change the fiance ;-)

>Now, once again the
>lifters are making lots of noise, not only on
>start up, but even after the car has been driven
>and warmed up over many miles.  I thought that new
>lifters were supposed to help this problem for at
>least 100k miles or close to that figure. 

You should check the oil pressure. OTOH, not wanting to add oil to the
fire, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't change the lifters at all.

[...]
>Any ideas on what's causing
>stumbling and drop in rpm's?  

Most likely you are driving with ignition timing set incorrectly and/or
timing belt set up one or two teeth off. Check both items soon, as such
problems can prove fatal to the engine.

>Also, I know this is getting long, but there has
>been some mention recently about "on-car
>balancing" as it relates to alignment.  I have had
>this procedure used and it makes sense, but what
>happens when you do tire rotation?  Does that then
>throw the car out of balance and alignment?
>Thanks again.

Balancing does not affect aligment and vice versa. If you have had the
on-car balancing performed, then yes, you'll lose the balancing if you
rotate the wheels or even if you'll change the position of the wheel
relative to the hub.

Aleksander Mierzwa
Warsaw, Poland
mailto:alex@matrix.com.pl
87 Audi 5000CS turbo (mine)
88 Renault Medallion wagon (mom's)
91 mountain bike (just in case both cars broke at the same time :-)