Bx3

When ordering engine parts for the 4.2 and they designate 'cam adjuster 4.2 right' or 'cam adjuster 4.2 left' what is the reference point orientation? I need to order the passenger side, Bank 1 cam adjuster and want to be sure I'm ordering the right one! Emails to the online parts distributor are not being answered.

4Driver4

Bank one and bank two is definitely the best way to identify each side.

For body parts, right and left are determined from the driver's seat, not the front bumper; in the US, driver is on the left.

I'd verify before ordering. Their ID methods are odd.

Bx3

Thanks 4driver4,

I'm trying but they don't have phone support so I'm somewhat at their mercy... to make matter more complicated they only have the following descriptions;

'Adjuster, a6/s6, left - 4.2l - 4.2L'

or

'Adjuster, a8, right - 4.2l (v8) - 4.2L'

So in my case I'd be looking to order the Adjuster, *a8*, right - 4.2l (v8) - 4.2l which kinda freaks me out even though it's probably the same part it just doesn't build a lot of confidence if you know what I mean?.... This is the most invasive repair I've done on my Audi and I need all the confidence I can get!

monkeytronic

Usually engine parts are referenced from the front of the engine, notably the crankshaft pulley, looking back to the flywheel/flexplate.

So figure that the left cylinder head would be on the left side of the crankshaft pulley and denoted bank #1. The right cylinder head would be bank #2. Furthermore cylinder #1 is at the left front of the engine.

BTW domestic V6 and V8 engines are also identified this same way. Like Audi, Ford usually number cylinders 1-3 (V6) or 1-4 (V8) on the left bank and 4-6 (V6) or 5-8 (V8) on the right bank. GM usually numbers cylinders so that odd numbers are on the left bank and even numbers are on the right bank, all starting from cylinder #1 at the left front of the engine.

Bx3

OK so for my Bank 1 cam adjuster I'm looking to purchase the 'Adjuster, a6/s6, left - 4.2l - 4.2L'. I know it stupid by I feel better now that I'm buying a A6 designated part... Thanks for clarifying!

4Driver4

While I disagree with Monkeytronic, my advice would be to buy it somewhere that can assure you that you are getting what you expect prior to purchasing it.

I'm sure we can all agree on that.

Bx3

Agreed.

I'm waiting for an answer from www.genuineaudiparts.com they seem to have the best prices at the cost of phone support (the adjusters aint cheap!) any other recommendations?

monkeytronic

FWIW when the engine is pulled from the engine bay and sitting all by its lonesome on a stand in the garage the concept of driver side/passenger side becomes more or less irrelevant without any bodywork for reference especially since not all engines are installed longitudinally in an engine bay.

Donuts

GenuineAudiParts is Miramar Audi in San Diego. Bill and Ingrid handle the online orders...they are meticulous. So if you call or email them from their website they will respond to you with exactly what you need. I can't speak highly enough of them...if you provide the VIN they will even cross-check for new part numbers and cheaper prices if they price has gone down.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

another way is to get the part numbers and prices from your local audi dealer and compare the prices/shipping/taxes etc. with your proposed supplier.

I'll pay a small premium, generally 10% or so to keep the brick and mortar guy, but if the online supplier is 30+% cheaper he'll get the order. Unless I need the part NOW.