Re: '98 A6 2.8 won't start- mechanics are at a loss...

["Bernard Littau" <bernardl@acumenassociates.com>]

>Car stopped running a couple of weeks ago, just died on the highway. It's
>been in the 'shop since.
>
>All systems check out, no fault codes. Fuel and spark verified, timing belt
>OK and not jumped a tooth. When you start it, it turns very quickly as if
>there's no compression (which is OK when tested, BTW). Not even an attempt
>to start, nothing.
>
>My first impression: plugged exhaust/cat. Any other suggestions?

I hope there is more to the story than what you wrote so far.

(Warning, Bernard the amateur home mechanic shooting off his mouth, but here
goes...)

Has a compression test been run?  What are the results?

Very weak spark could become no spark on compression, but still spark a plug
when a plug is energized outside of the engine.  Have you tried an inductive
timing light?

How is the air intake path?  Throttle body shut?  Obstruction?

The ECU make be bad, too.  No codes may be due to broken ECU.  Can you swap
ECU?

Cat plugged might do this, but I've never seem one be so plugged the car
won't start -- they usually go slowly.  Doesn't the 2.8 have multiple cats?

No fuel also a possibility, how was this verified?  Put some gas into the
intake manifold and try and start it.

Interesting problem.

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5kcstq