Chevydyl

Hey guys I'm looking at buying this car, it makes a slapping noise when running. It sound more like a belt than a chain but looking for advice, what's it cost for the diyer to do this job. I'm experienced mech but not on audi. In your guys experience is it the belt tensioner or the chain tensioner? It might be a good deal on the car if the cost for parts and my time is crazy. 160k miles. Otherwise in good shape. What is the car worth having this problem? Thanks for the input.

silverd2

Impossible to say if or what any problem is from your description..........."slap"? Not a word I've ever heard associated with an Audi (or any) motor.

Nothing to do with a timing belt problem (that I've ever heard) produces a "slapping" noise. If the belt was actually loose enough to slap inside the covers, it is loose enough to jump time...for fear of bending valves, I would NOT run the engine until a cover was pulled to check the belt.

There are no chain tensioners in a '97 (32V motor)...those (actually "adjusters"..VVT) were added in 2000 (40V) and later models.

Record and post the noise, if you want any kind of a qualified opinion.

Cheers

Chevydyl

Totally understand, I haven't heard it myself, I opted not to have the guy start it YET, but he described it as the belt slapping inside the covers. He said they were driving and started to hear the noise and pulled over, put it on a flat bed and haven't driven it since, said it was started once to hear it himself and says it sounds like it's coming from under the belt covers. I Didn't want to start it for fear that it could be it's last time, before it bends valves and is totally worthless. It's cold outside here and figured the best way to inspect it would be to let it sit in the garage overnight, pull the covers and then maybe, start it.

Chevydyl

Forgot to ask, in the event that the belt is so loose it's slapping around in there could that be as simple as a new belt and a new tensioner possibly?

90SQ

If your lucky enough that it did'nt jump time your looking at a complete front end removal(takes about 15 to 30 min. when skilled audi tech, you can let the A\C rad hang on hoses while you work the belt). Takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending, and this:

Audi D2 A8 Quattro 4.2 Engine Timing Timing Belt Kit - 077198508 - ECS Tuning Timing Belt Kit - Ultimate Plus - ES#8785

Also: buy Bently shop manuel