Well, since putting the V8 back together in something of a hurry, I've covered about 6thousand miles, relatively trouble free engine wise. So, I'm fairly confident that the conversion is straightforward.
The engine I used was likely much higher mileage than indicated in the paperwork, but is pretty strong.
It does however have 2 outstanding issues-
A persistent oil weep at the back of the left cylinder head which I initially presumed to be either distributor or cam cover gasket related. Not a major leak, and it really only happens once it's warm.
Some further investigation is required.
It blows a little oil smoke when pulling away. Not a huge cloud of smoke, but it's there. So, given the mileage, I'm planning on stripping the top end in the near future with a view to putting in new valve guides and seals.
I need to find a good valve spring compressor- the one I have doesn't have sufficient reach to clear around the head. So if anyone can recommend a particular make/model of handheld spring compressor, it would be useful.
Cheers
Head rebuild
3 posts · 2,978 views · started
HI Mark,
the ABH engines are a bit infamous for burning oil - sometimes more than a gallon per 1000 miles. Keep an eye on the consumption - if it's below two liter a 1000 miles, it makes sense to overhaul the heads. If it takes significantly more, save the money, let it burn. Something more serious and in most cases irreversable causes the oil burning.
The ABH are as well famous for blowing the head gasket on the back end of the left head and the front end of the right end. Take a look on the alternator, it is probably already oily. In both cases chaning the head gasket is the only way to go.
If you plan to replace the vavle seals, it is highly recommended to clean and refit the valves as well, 'cause in most cases oil carbon has already settled on them, wearing your new seals out in no time. A look inside one of the cylinders (probably the one with the most oil carbon on the spark plug) with an endoscope could give you a hint about the need of a vavle refit. Maybe taking away the heads becomes a requirement anyways.
In your case I would visit your local Audi dealer and gently ask for the tools required for pressing downholder of the valve springs - they may have the timing belt tools as well for a box of beers
Maybe I meet the trouble halfway, but experiences told me that oil leaks and consumption on the ABH are often a never-ending or at least enerving story. As you seldomly stress the engines in the UK due to strong speed limits, chances are good that you don't have that much troubles as we have 'em on some engines over here. But still you should be careful to not spend money for nothing.
Good luck
Bastian
the ABH engines are a bit infamous for burning oil - sometimes more than a gallon per 1000 miles. Keep an eye on the consumption - if it's below two liter a 1000 miles, it makes sense to overhaul the heads. If it takes significantly more, save the money, let it burn. Something more serious and in most cases irreversable causes the oil burning.
The ABH are as well famous for blowing the head gasket on the back end of the left head and the front end of the right end. Take a look on the alternator, it is probably already oily. In both cases chaning the head gasket is the only way to go.
If you plan to replace the vavle seals, it is highly recommended to clean and refit the valves as well, 'cause in most cases oil carbon has already settled on them, wearing your new seals out in no time. A look inside one of the cylinders (probably the one with the most oil carbon on the spark plug) with an endoscope could give you a hint about the need of a vavle refit. Maybe taking away the heads becomes a requirement anyways.
In your case I would visit your local Audi dealer and gently ask for the tools required for pressing downholder of the valve springs - they may have the timing belt tools as well for a box of beers
Maybe I meet the trouble halfway, but experiences told me that oil leaks and consumption on the ABH are often a never-ending or at least enerving story. As you seldomly stress the engines in the UK due to strong speed limits, chances are good that you don't have that much troubles as we have 'em on some engines over here. But still you should be careful to not spend money for nothing.
Good luck
Bastian
Hmm.
It's using about a 1-1.5 litre every 600miles, subject to where i'm going. Continuous cruise is less, lot's of spirited driving uses a little more.
I'm sure theres actually 3 small weeps, which all add up. The perils of throwing the car back together in a week!
Given that the performance is pretty damned good, strong and stable (strong acceleration even at above 200kph) and it will rev easily to 5500rpm in sport with no issues, I don't feel there will be anything seriously amiss. So I shall just get the kit together for a head refurb. 2 plugs on the left bank are slightly more sooty than the others, so again, I'm sure it's not a big deal.
I've seen the notes on the cylinder head weep, and will be putting some gaskets in there later in the year.
UK dealerships are not known for their customer oriented business approach. But there are a few specialists, so I shall be making a nuisance of myself there, instead.
And, I can hardly go smoking all over the alps! That simply would be good!
It's using about a 1-1.5 litre every 600miles, subject to where i'm going. Continuous cruise is less, lot's of spirited driving uses a little more.
I'm sure theres actually 3 small weeps, which all add up. The perils of throwing the car back together in a week!
Given that the performance is pretty damned good, strong and stable (strong acceleration even at above 200kph) and it will rev easily to 5500rpm in sport with no issues, I don't feel there will be anything seriously amiss. So I shall just get the kit together for a head refurb. 2 plugs on the left bank are slightly more sooty than the others, so again, I'm sure it's not a big deal.
I've seen the notes on the cylinder head weep, and will be putting some gaskets in there later in the year.
UK dealerships are not known for their customer oriented business approach. But there are a few specialists, so I shall be making a nuisance of myself there, instead.
And, I can hardly go smoking all over the alps! That simply would be good!
Join the conversation, see photos and ask questions? Sign in with your forum account.
Sign in