Hot Engine ?

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May 12, 2011 | 07:56 PM

bateman

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Audiworld Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2010

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Hot Engine ?

I searched and didn't see anything on this topic and I'm not overly technical when it comes to cars - so be kind. Since I've had the T-stat replaced I decided to start checking on my coolant level every so often. Usually check in the morning before work and I'm about a 1/2 inch below MAX which I think is normal on a cool engine. No signs that I can tell of a leak.

So here's my question. The last couple of nights I have checked before going to bed ( both cases it has been at least 6 hours since I last drove the car) and the engine is HOT. I mean it feels to the touch like I just pulled into the garage. Can't keep my hand on for more than a few seconds. My gauges have never shown overheat ( always at the middle mark on the indicator).

Is it normal for the engine to be THAT hot so long? It has been in the mid 80's recently which is much warmer weather than we had been getting.

May 13, 2011 | 01:14 AM

NWS4Guy

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 4,361

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From: Seattle, WA

Perfectly fine and normal. The engine bay is well insulated (for sound) which also holds in heat. Likewise our engine is aluminum and will radiate heat for quite some time, especially if kept in a garage with the door down that helps retain heat from radiating off into the atmosphere.

May 13, 2011 | 02:20 AM

redrocker55

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 1,175

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From: St Louis

Completely normal.

I developed a heat extraction system that attaches to the engine bay and is powered by solar fans. The engine heat is funneled into my HVAC system in my house. This reduces my natural gas bills in the winter by 50% when I'm in town.

I agree this engine runs warmer than others I've owned or currently own. So it is a very good question. This is partly due to the emissions requirements and partly due to the amount of power and how it's generated in this engine (force fed). At about 2 HP per square inch there is quite a bit of heat generated. Drive one of Audi's 2.0's and see how hot that engine is...same thing...You could heat your house.

May 13, 2011 | 03:12 AM

drrick89

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2009

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Quote:

Originally Posted by redrocker55

Completely normal.

So what you guys are saying in that the supercharged six powering the B8 S4 is a super *hot* engine in more ways than one, right?!

May 13, 2011 | 03:43 AM

audi01a6

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 643

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From: sunny florida

hey Rick,
have u had ur water pump and thermostat done yet?,ck and see if ur Audi falls under the TSB from AUDI,

May 13, 2011 | 03:58 AM

drrick89

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 1,095

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by audi01a6

hey Rick,
have u had ur water pump and thermostat done yet?,ck and see if ur Audi falls under the TSB from AUDI,

Yeah, I got both the water pump & T-stat done and my car is fine - as long as I avoid scraping curbs with the wheels and scatching the bumpers on various concrete posts and other concrete outcropings.

But, I just had a thought. The hot engine may explain where the S4's disappearing oil & coolant goes - it frigging evaporates!!!