i posted this a while back: <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/general/msgs/17706.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/general/msgs/17706.phtml.</a>

anyway, the problem is still there, i let it slide before because it occured so rarely. However, recently it has become more frequent. the car makes a backfire noise sometimes when i shift gears (this occurs as i am engaging the clutch and giving it gas coming out of a shift). the noise seems/feels to be coming from directly in front of the driver's seat but lower, and sometimes directly beneath the driver's seat. It usually happens with a weak shift, where i don't give it much gas, usually uphill, when i give it lots of gas, it dosen't happen. you said the timing was off, which makes sense. Descibing the problem in detail:

"A timing light is a device which is attached to the #1 spark plug wire, and a 12V source. The light senses the spark of the #1, and flashes.
This flash is directed at the timing mark on the
flywheel inside the transmission bell housing, and when the flash goes off(like a strobe) your suppose to see a line or mark on the flywheel.
Most Audi's have several degrees(0 to 360)of BTDC(Before top dead center) or ATDC (After top dead center). So the line on the flywheel will be slightly ahead or behind the indicator on the bell housing. Adjustment is done by turning the ignition distributor one way or the other a few millimeters to get the timing spot on.

Of course this proceedure varies from engine to engine.

Any questions?"

what i don't understand is how you know when you've got the timing correct? also, are you fairly sure this problem is the timing, it couldn't be an exaust leak or something?

trying to get all of these bugs out of my car, it's about time...

thanks for your help,
matt

 

Do you have the Bentley Manual? That will have timing specs. and timing mark location.

 

nope, wish i did

 

www.germanautoparts.com You can't work without a manual unless you bug everybody a lot.

 

To make a long write-up short, you need to know and understand how your cars ignition system works, with a working knowledge to troubleshoot it. If you are uncertain of these proceedures it would be advisable to take the car to a mechanic.
Because you may make matters worse attempting to fix yourself.

I understand your dismay in not knowing exactly the proceedures however, it is very advisable to have the factory repair manual, to begin your learning about your Audi and its repair. If for nothing else to help you understand the specific steps and proceedures involved in troubleshooting & repair of your particular make & model of Audi.

My original assumption of your ignition system causing your problems is by far not the only item which could cause that type of malfunction.
Especially on these electronic cars! Verifing your timing should be the first step in trouble shooting the problem, not nessesarily the only step. Timing needs to be set "exactly"! You need to have experience doing this, and be able to recognize other problems associated with related systems which could cause the problem.

Best advise I can give you in this situation, is
take it to a mechanic.

 

ok, i'll just take it in and have the seals replaced and this problem fixed all at once, thanks