ohmetimothy

I'll try to keep it short but detailed. Car was leaking oil and it seemed pretty obvious that the valve cover gaskets were the culprit. In order to be sure that was it I removed the entire front end to inspect everything. I replaced the gaskets and installed new oil breather hoses. I set everything to top dead center and last night I put everything back together. I cranked the car multiple times totaling 60 seconds before plugging in the spark plugs. Plugged them in and the car just cranks but no signs of starting. Checked the plug wires and they spark plus I smell fuel. I didnt not completely fill the radiator yet so I dont know if a sensor there would stop the ignition but I wanted to see if anyone had ideas for me. I sincerely appreciate any help you can offer.

4Driver4

Did you start the car and let it run briefly at some point?
Did you change the cam adjuster seals too?

600whpA4

Did you check to see if the cam sensor is unplugged?

ohmetimothy

Thanks for the quick replies!

I have not been able to re-start the car since the gaskets were replaced. I hand cranked at the crank shaft quite a few times before putting everything back together and it clearly had good compression and all that.

I did replace the cam adjuster seals.

Both cam sensors are plugged in.

I do have vag com, would that tell me anything without the car starting?

4Driver4

But did you start it a run it for less than a minute prior to disassembly? Did you move it a few feet to set it up to work on?

dm.A4.B5

I think what 4Driver4 is eluding to is that if you turn it on briefly, lets say just to move it, you might have problems starting the car. I have had this happen before moving my car from the driveway to the garage. It won't start up after a short run. Eventually without me doing much it eventually turned on again. My general rule these days is to not drive the car for really short distances.

sunnyboost

Check engine light on? EPC on? Does it crank and not start? Ignition click? Lights, radio, console work?

More info cuz I just went through the EXACT same thing and all my probs stemmed from 1 pos lil white clip behind the ALT.

I've found that if everything isn't plugged in.... and I mean EVERYTHING more then likely won't start.

ohmetimothy

Again, thank you all so much for the replies during the holidays! So the car ran just fine (minus the oil leaks) and I backed it into the garage, jacked it up and placed it on 4 jack stands. It has been sitting there (in a disassembled state) for a few months though as I have been extremely busy with work and travel.

All dash lights were on (I think ABS control module) prior to me taking this project on so unfortunately I dont see any differences there (maybe vag com will help). Radio does work and the car seems to crank just fine. I will recheck all the connections as I did have to unplug quite a few.

ohmetimothy

so the only thing that I could see wasnt plugged in was the headlights. I plugged those in (fog lights are still not plugged in as the bumper is still off the car) and the car seemed to sputter real quick but that was it....just cranks but no ignition. I plugged in my buddy's computer and this is the output. Do you see anything that jumps out? I believe the cam sensor was there before taking the car apart.


VCDS Version: Release 805.1
Data version: 20080823

Wednesday,29,December,2010,17:29:38:21461

Chassis Type: 8D - Audi A4 B5
Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 16 17 25 35 37 45 55 56 57 67 75 76 77

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: 078-907-551-AHA.lbl
Part No: 4D0 907 551 AH
Component: 2.8L V6/5V MOTR AT D05
Coding: 06251
Shop #: WSC 06335

3 Faults Found
18010 - Power Supply Terminal 30: Voltage too Low
P1602 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
16795 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P0411 - 35-10 - Please Register/Activate - Intermittent
17746 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P1338 - 35-00 - Please Register/Activate
Readiness: 0110 1101

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 8D0-927-156.lbl
Part No: 8D0 927 156 BQ
Component: AG5 01V 2.8l5V USA 8511
Coding: 00000
Shop #: WSC 00000

1 Fault Found
00526 - Brake Light Switch-F
27-00 - Implausible Signal

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No: 8D0 820 043 M
Component: A4 KLIMAAUTOMAT D56
Coding: 00160
Shop #: WSC 06335

No fault code found.