dan4g63

OK long story short a couple weeks ago I bought a 1996 Audi A4 2.8L Auto. It needed a little work (ok a lot) so I got it for a good price but this is never ending.
Some of the issues it had/has slipping tranny, oil leaks, ps fluid leaks, sputtering, bad idle, CEL on, torn CV boots, broken sunroof, missing misc trim, etc. So here is what I did so far:

1 - Tranny was slipping and before replacing it I decided to flush the fluid/change the filter/gasket/clean pan. Well it turns out it was almost 3qt low on tranny fluid. Put new fluid in and it seems to work better for now, we shall see how long it lasts.
2 - Fixed the torn CV boots
3 - Replaced the sunroof and misc trim
4 - To fix the bad idle I cleaned the ICV, tested it too it came out good, cleaned the TB, did the phone cord trick to the TB rubber seal, replaced all the vacuum lines, nothing still has a bad idle its not too bad but annoying going from 500-800 rpm
5 - Seafoamed it, changed the oil, the oil filter, air filter, cabin filter, new spark plugs, new spark plug wires, new coolant sensor, new oil pan gasket, cleaned the pick up, new valve cover gaskets, new battery. Result ... nothing still has no power and idles like crap.
Now today it really went bad it started to sputtering at idle and when I take off.
What could be wrong with it?

Oh I did a compression check to make sure no blown headgasket or bent vales, it came back 165-170psi on all 6 so engine seems to be in good shape. And the CEL keeps coming back as misfire on cylinders 3&5.

I'm thinking to tackle the fuel system next, like fuel filter, injectors and fuel pump but I'm getting tired of working on it and spending all this time and money. Any suggestions? Thank you.

DaveInSaltLake

it's an electrical misfire on 2 cylinders?

Double check that all the plug wires are firmly seated. If that doesn't do it then swap in a couple good coil packs and let her rip!

Here's a match made in heaven if you two are anywhere near each other....<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/2825799.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/2825799.phtml</a</li></ul>

dan4g63

I was under the impression a misfire is caused by either bad spark, poor fuel or low compression. I have good compression and new spark plugs and wires so the only thing left is the fuel right? Ive re-seated the plugs and wires numerous times, even replaced them with no luck. What coils are you referring to?

DaveInSaltLake

<center><img src="http://www.autohausaz.com/secure/PartImages/078905101C.jpg"></center><p>look at them in a dark garage with the engine running. often you can see arcs where they don't belong.

dan4g63

Is there any other way I can test them maybe with a multimeter? That is a good idea.

DaveInSaltLake

swap out the individual coils and see if the misfire follows the coil.

dan4g63

I will but the CEL takes 7-8 days to come back

DaveInSaltLake

but, if it's taking a week to turn on the CEL you probably have additional issues.

In addition to what you've done, I'd clean the MAF sensor. I'd pull the injectors to make sure they're spraying...replacing the seals at the same time.

pull the timing belt covers, set the crank at #3 TDC, and confirm the cams are aligned properly.

check the exhaust for restrictions. catalytic converters can clog up or break apart and clog other parts of the exhaust system. bang on the cat and see if it rattles. if you're really ambitious, pull the exhaust off and see if it eliminates your symptoms. 3 nuts on each of the downpipes from below is all it takes. soak em in PB Blaster for a day or so and hit them with an impact wrench.

dan4g63

I really think the ignition coil is the problem, i don't know why i didn't think of that. 3&amp;5 are on the same coilpack so it would make sense both would misfire. i also have the cheap autozone tool so i cant check realtime. i will also start it tonight when its dark outside to see if i see any arching.