2.8 Overheating, P0117 code
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2.8 Overheating, P0117 code
Hi guys,
I picked up a 2000 2.8 Quattro Avant today, it was cheap and I knew it had problems but it developed some more and I'm not sure what it is. It is leaking oil from the valve cover gaskets onto the manifolds causing smoking, I don't think that's relevant to this issue but you never know. It also has a small vacuum leak. I drove it home about an hour, it was absolutely fine, temp gauge bang in the middle. When I got home and popped the hood the coolant overflow tank was pressurized and the cap popped itself off, but still the temp gauge was at the center. I took it out for a little drive later to see what was happening and the temp gauge shot up, I shut it off and limped it home, stopping to let it cool down as I was only two minutes away. It threw a check engine light with the code P0117. I'm thinking it sounds like the thermostat, but I wanted to be sure. Could it be the heater core? Apologies if this is a simple question, it's my first project car and I'm not too experienced but I'm trying to learn. Thank you!
I picked up a 2000 2.8 Quattro Avant today, it was cheap and I knew it had problems but it developed some more and I'm not sure what it is. It is leaking oil from the valve cover gaskets onto the manifolds causing smoking, I don't think that's relevant to this issue but you never know. It also has a small vacuum leak. I drove it home about an hour, it was absolutely fine, temp gauge bang in the middle. When I got home and popped the hood the coolant overflow tank was pressurized and the cap popped itself off, but still the temp gauge was at the center. I took it out for a little drive later to see what was happening and the temp gauge shot up, I shut it off and limped it home, stopping to let it cool down as I was only two minutes away. It threw a check engine light with the code P0117. I'm thinking it sounds like the thermostat, but I wanted to be sure. Could it be the heater core? Apologies if this is a simple question, it's my first project car and I'm not too experienced but I'm trying to learn. Thank you!
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
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It's not the heater core.
I'd start by replacing the coolant temp sensor, a common failure. After that you can start monitoring temp.
When was the last timing belt done? If you don't know, maybe now is the time, and you can do the t stat with the belt.
Your leak is probably cam chain adjusters/tensioners. Don't bother with the valve cover gaskets if you aren't going to address these leaks at the same time (another thing to do at the same time as a timing belt)
I'd start by replacing the coolant temp sensor, a common failure. After that you can start monitoring temp.
When was the last timing belt done? If you don't know, maybe now is the time, and you can do the t stat with the belt.
Your leak is probably cam chain adjusters/tensioners. Don't bother with the valve cover gaskets if you aren't going to address these leaks at the same time (another thing to do at the same time as a timing belt)
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AudiWorld Junior Member
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Thanks, I'll try the coolant temp sensor first. It's the one at the top of the intake manifold, under the intake pipe right? I'm not sure if there's another one. Also, how would I know if it's the cam chain tensioners themselves or the gaskets that's the problem? Thanks again for the help, sorry if I seem a bit clueless haha.
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Thread Starter
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Ahahaha funnily enough it came with an aftermarket grille without the rings but I get your point. Thanks a lot for your help, I really appreciate it! I'll update the thread when I get it fixed.
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Replaced the coolant temp sensor, no luck. Figured it was the thermostat, managed to get that replaced without taking the timing belt off since I found out that was done recently. Did that and she's running great. Thank you again for your help!
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
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Have you done a cylinder leakdown test? I know the 12v 2.8L is prone to the old headgaskets giving out slowly, which can cause coolant system over-pressurization.
I don't know if the 30v is any better in that regard, though I usually hear about oil leaks on the top side, not so much headgasket issues.
I don't know if the 30v is any better in that regard, though I usually hear about oil leaks on the top side, not so much headgasket issues.
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Hi guys,
I picked up a 2000 2.8 Quattro Avant today, it was cheap and I knew it had problems but it developed some more and I'm not sure what it is. It is leaking oil from the valve cover gaskets onto the manifolds causing smoking, I don't think that's relevant to this issue but you never know. It also has a small vacuum leak. I drove it home about an hour, it was absolutely fine, temp gauge bang in the middle. When I got home and popped the hood the coolant overflow tank was pressurized and the cap popped itself off, but still the temp gauge was at the center. I took it out for a little drive later to see what was happening and the temp gauge shot up, I shut it off and limped it home, stopping to let it cool down as I was only two minutes away. It threw a check engine light with the code P0117. I'm thinking it sounds like the thermostat, but I wanted to be sure. Could it be the heater core? Apologies if this is a simple question, it's my first project car and I'm not too experienced but I'm trying to learn. Thank you!
I picked up a 2000 2.8 Quattro Avant today, it was cheap and I knew it had problems but it developed some more and I'm not sure what it is. It is leaking oil from the valve cover gaskets onto the manifolds causing smoking, I don't think that's relevant to this issue but you never know. It also has a small vacuum leak. I drove it home about an hour, it was absolutely fine, temp gauge bang in the middle. When I got home and popped the hood the coolant overflow tank was pressurized and the cap popped itself off, but still the temp gauge was at the center. I took it out for a little drive later to see what was happening and the temp gauge shot up, I shut it off and limped it home, stopping to let it cool down as I was only two minutes away. It threw a check engine light with the code P0117. I'm thinking it sounds like the thermostat, but I wanted to be sure. Could it be the heater core? Apologies if this is a simple question, it's my first project car and I'm not too experienced but I'm trying to learn. Thank you!
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