Oil Warning light and knocking from engine

[datam]

Hi All,

My A4 1.8T started to get the oil warning light come on intermittently. Levels were fine, but soon after I started to get a knocking sound from the engine. The recovery engineer thinks it could be the oil pump or the turbo...do you think he's correct in his diagnosis ?

If it's either of these, is it a big job, does it need to done at a Audi main dealer

any help/advise greatly appreciated.

[a8 tech]

Hello datam,ihave answered this complaint a few times on thisforum.I will answer it again for you.Sludging in the oil system builds up in the oil pump strainer and reduces the oil pressure and flow.If you catch it early enough you can remove the sump and clean out the oil pump strainer and flush the oil.Fit the modified larger oil filter and change your oil more frequently.Also use the correct fuel (opti max) as theincorrect grade of fuel has some part to play in the sludging of the oil.Hope that helps

[datam]

Hi a8 tech,

Thanks for the reply..I did do a search before posting..honest !


what sort of time period is there between the oil pump going and further damage to the turbo...if that makes sense.
It there an easy way to determine if the turbo has been damaged ?

Are you also recommending not using the flexible service periods ?
How often do you recommend changing the oil ( 10k/12mnts ) ?

Thanks again.

[a8 tech]

How long have you driven the vehicle since oil pressure issue started.I would suggest you take action as soon as possible.Remove the intake pipe at the turbo(engine off)and check for excessive movementof the impellor shaft.You can expect a small amount of play only.I prefer time and distance to long life service regimes but have found no evidance that long life has any part in the sludge deposits.I have owned two 1.8 turbos and i remove the sump every service (10000) and clean the strainer(but iam sad).Other things tolook out for for the low oil pressure.1 camshaft bearing wear due to oil starvation,worst case the caps wear and you have to replace the head as they are a machined surface.2 oil feed pipe to turbo blocking.3 breather pipes and the breather housing can have a large build up of sludge which will eventually block the strainer.Labour times for the sump removal and strainer cleanedthen refitted and oil and filter change is 3hours.If you need any more asistance its not a problem.Best Regards Jon

[datam]

Jon,
I've only driven the car a few days since I first got the warning. After stopping and checking the level, the light didn't reappear whilst driving around town. I drove it on the motorway and it came back. Stopped and called the RAC. Is the knocking sound a bad sign ? would that be an indication of further damage to the engine than just the oil pump failure ?

[T-sport]

This happened to me datam and it caused one of my pistons to crumble due to lack of oil pressure which made it sound like a diesel tractor noise from top end of engine.

Luckily the dealer i bought it off forked out for a full rebuild which set him back £2000 for all the parts and labour !! ouch ..

Get it checked out immediately for damage or it will get worse and become more costly, these engines are not cheap !!

[a8 tech]

Datam as t sport has given you some advice i will add that the pump isnt failing its the oil supply as the strainer is blocked.Worst case is full engine but as i have already told you i can be avoided if caught early enough.I would carry out the oil strainer clean and try it before getting involved with engine damage inspection.If the top end is knocking its **** off then your in the poo and the turbo will also be suspect as you have lost your oil feed(100,000 rpm turbo no oil feed=broken impellor into the engine and piston/valve damage)oh poo.Regards Jon.
Hello T sport

[datam]

T Sport/a8 tech,

The garage replaced the oil pump on Friday, no knocking noise now, but the engine dies after startup. They are now saying that the turbo is damaged and will also need to be replaced. As a8 tech mentioned, I asked if there was excess sludge. They said no, but the oil seemed a little thicker than they would have expected....wrong oil do you think.
The car's on a 53 plate and the warranty ran out 6 months ago. I brought 18 months ago and it's service is due in about 200 miles according to the AVS reading....just my luck that it happened before I had it serviced...oh well...it's only money !

[the doc]

hi ive got a A4 1.8Tsport quattro & the same happened to this car my engine went and I got a new one. The sam ething is happening on the new engine. We have changed the pump and sensors and still the light comes on. ive been told by a specialist Audi person that it is the oil pick up pipe in the sump which is blocked with carbon im doing the work this weekend it should take 2-3 hours DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR .It could knacker the crank