bmwm750

It is, but the front clip really isn't that big a deal to remove, and makes the rest of the job so much easier, I don't see why you'd make life harder on yourself being forced to work in a very small space.

flg8r90

The leak is not at the thermostat. It is located between the the block and the oil cooler. Is that where the double o-ring is located ? The total repair is 1160., 950. for labor alone, 120. for shop supplies and the balance for hazardous waste and taxes. Nowhere on the estimate does it give a part number being replaced. I personally think he is being taken for a ride.

jmhjgh

Seems extremely expensive. Yes, that is where the cracked nipple is located. I purchased an aluminum unit (instead of the OEM plastic nipple) from someone on this site or the other Audi site. The front end does not need to be removed, but it is not an easy repair. I believe I paid $500 in labor to an independent with me providing the part.
Here is the procedure on a D2, but there are some changes.
http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articl...reinstall.html

flg8r90

Would you happen to know what the part number for the plastic coolant pipe ? Or better yet if you could remember where the aluminum unit came from ? Thanks for your help.

Petahs

I hope it's not the little plastic pipe in the oil cooler. I got quoted $1900 to change it at a shop here in Texas. No other Audi mechanic will even touch it. I purchased a metal one instead of the plastic one Audi sells and will tackle it myself aa soon as it cools off.

Not sure if I can post links to the procedure but I can PM if you wish.

flg8r90

Please post links. He can look at it to see if it is something he is willing to tackle. Also where did you get the part from ? Thanks

flg8r90

Digging through the forum I found the Aluminum coolant pipe replacement for part # #077-115-441. It's from a member James Bufkin available on fleabay. Search "Aluminum Audi oil cooler pipe for 4.2L V8 Engine A8, A6, RS6, Phaeton " for anyone that needs one. Much better than OEM.

fusilier

Hi Guys, sorry to see this is occuring on D3 A8s. I owned both a D2 and a D3 A8L. I do keep the pipe up for sale on Ebay in case you gotta get one when I'm not around, need international or overnight. but if you contact me directly off of Ebay its a bit cheaper.

This pipe tends to break at 100K miles around winter time, so If you have a D3 over 100K, you might want to get one and keep it handy.. Sadly its just a matter of time.

And as the previous posters have said. Absolutely 100% do it while you are in there for a timing belt.

James