tester123

Take a look at the picture and let me know if these pads should be changed. I can feel the chain's running groove with finger nail but it is not deep as shown in some of the write-ups (i.e, http://forums.quattroworld.com/a8/msgs/55496.phtml).

I bought new pads thinking these would be bad. Will be pulling the tensioner out tomorrow and see if there are any cracks etc. underneath them.

4Driver4

I never change them unless they are broken. I wouldn't touch that. Change the cam adjuster seal and gasket only.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Concur. Very little wear.

The other side of the argument is that these damn things harden with time if not overheat and crack. Synthetic oils can keep oil and engine temps down but temporary overheat with wp or thermostat (thermostat failure not uncommon) or hose failure if not lubricant contamination hardens the plastic. Don't fix what ain't broken isn't the whole story either. I'd say if the engine is running fine and there are no visible signs of degradation on a 100K engine, leave it alone. On a 200K engine, perhaps it's time to change them out.

4Driver4

Our 99 still had the originals in it at 315k miles when we sold it. No synthetic. Lucky, I guess...?

tester123

Finally got the tensioner out, tried to follow write-ups to leave exhaust cam in place but proved to be too much of a hassle so, just pulled them both out. I'll set the timing once the cleaning is done.

There seems to be a discrepancy in the manual. Both ElsaWin and Bentley suggest 15 links between the marks on cam sprocket. My count indicated 16 before removal and even looking at the picture in the write-up (http://forums.quattroworld.com/a8/msgs/55496.phtml 4th pic), count is 16. I did mark the chain and sprockets so, I'll try to put back the same way. Anyway, how do they get 15? Typo?

4Driver4

Typo. Yup. Different on each bank. Too late, but I usually try to avoid moving the chains at all from their positions on the sprockets.

Do plenty of searching here to find out the right number of links!

tester123

Actually, I marked them before pulling the cams out completely. I finally put it back today and made sure to align my markings on chain link(s) and cam's sprocket(s).

Apart from that typo, is the rest of the info regarding timing accurate? Manual says:

- Verify camshaft TDC position again:
- The two camshaft markings must align with both arrows on bearing caps.

tester123

Well, after multiple tries, I got it set properly. Got the timing belt on, adjusted tension etc., and torqued everything, pulled the crank lock pin out. Haven't started it yet, but multiple turns with ratchet at the crank pulley confirmed both cams in both banks are lining up perfectly and the link count is accurate. By the way, I am not sure it is a typo. It maybe a difference in how one counts the links.... Manually turning the engine, I am not hearing any interference, turns smoothly. Let's see, once it starts, we'll know. (fingers crossed)

Have to put new oil filter in (did the bufkin pipe while at the timing stuff) and start it up tomorrow. What are the MVBs to check timing? 094? I'll see if manual says anything.

tester123

Success! I got the engine started and no fault codes! Engine runs better than before and seems to be very responsive. Haven't tested on road yet. Filling coolant and still putting everything back. Hopefully, today it'll be dropped back to the road.

Thanks guys! All your input has been quite helpful! I really appreciate it.

Orlando Smith

i think i have the same issue. all bank 2 cyliunders are misfiring. It will not maintain idle and will shut itself off. How does the VVT chain tensioner cause all of this mess. Do i replace the shoes or new tensioner

VCDS-Lite Version: Release 1.2
Tuesday, 21 November 2017, 13:39:53.


Chassis Type: 4D - Audi A8 D2
Scan: 25,01,03,08,11,15,16,17,18,35,37,45,55,56,57,65,67 ,75,76,77,02

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: None
Controller: 4E0 910 560 P
Component: 4.2L V8/5V G 0010
Coding: 0007773
Shop #: WSC 02313
VCID: 2E2F8DBBF90F
8 Faults Found:
18061 - Please check DTC Memory of ABS Controller
P1653 - 008 - Implausible Signal
16730 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P0346 - 004 - Please Register/Activate
18010 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P1602 - 002 - Please Register/Activate - Intermittent
16684 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0300 - 001 - Upper Limit Exceeded
16689 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P0305 - 001 - Please Register/Activate
16690 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P0306 - 001 - Please Register/Activate
16692 - Cylinder 8: Misfire Detected
P0308 - 001 - Upper Limit Exceeded
16688 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P0304 - 001 - Please Register/Activate
Readiness: 0110 1101

End --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------