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

[Tom Nas <tnas@euronet.nl>]

>The unofficial info I have from Audi has nothing to due with spirited
>driving or not.  Apparently The nozzle size for the oil sprayers for piston
>cooling is too large.  Thus the pistons don't run "hot" enough and carbon
>buildup occurs.  There is an update to change the thermostat to a 92deg C
>to raise operating temps, no experience on a repeat after the update.  Only
>time will tell.
>
Well, it seems that carbon buildup was at least partially the cause of this
problem. They drained some oil (it was overfilled) and it wouldn't start.
On one cylinder, the valves didn't close properly. They opened it up and
cleaned it- large chunks of carbon came out. Started first time after
reassembly and ran roughly- and after another 'spirited drive' it ran like
it should.

Thanks all, for your suggestions- both the dealership and the importer have
learnt something from the quattro list today! ;-)

Tom

PS A second car came in today with symptoms of rough/non-running engine.
This time around they immediately took the heads off and cleaned the valves.