Intro / Kind of a build thread

B6/7 S4/RS4
#101

When I bought the car, I had gotten a carfax on it. It said at 54k the motor had been replaced due to low compression in one of the cylinders. My guess is they only replaced the short block and did a partial timing service. So far from what I am seeing, that adjuster is the only new piece of timing. It’s the only piece that stands out as newer.

If they reused a majority of the piece, the bank 2 adjuster now has roughly 140k on it. I think it safe to assume the heads have that many miles as well. I should have a better idea once I get the heads off and pulled apart.

The hood is a boser made by EurogearUSA. It fits really well, the only issue is the front grill opening is a tad too big. The grill doesn’t actually snap in so I just put a couple pieces of racers tape on the inside to help hold it in. I actually lost a grill when I first got it from a bump on the highway. I try to keep it in good condition so I pull it off during the winter and put a stock hood on

#102

knowing the history of the car is so helpful. It would be interesting to know if they just did a short block. I cant see that they would replace the short block only. I havent seen a lot of short block only changes.

From what I have seen the dealer back in the day was kinda reaching for things when they saw some codes that went with the timing system. That might have been one of the things they changed or maybe the replacement motor had a bad adjuster and they just replaced it… Either way your taking care of all the little issues now. So you should have an issue free car for along time

#103

That’s my goal. I’m taking my time on everything and checking as much as I can. I’m getting excited to get the issues resolved. It’s been too long since I’ve been able to drive it

#104

I pulled the heads off this week since I was planning on having them rebuilt and also to get a good look at the cylinders.

Here is what I found:

http://i65.tinypic.com/1zw6s3.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/scv1oh.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/fsz9h.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/2iatpqp.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/sgsmmr.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/2gtq0jq.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/1yo45u.jpg

There is a a tiny bit of scoring but it doesnt look too bad. It looks like it was burning a lot of oil. Also found 1 bent valve in my bank 1 head.

I brought the heads to my engine shop to dig a bit deeper. Plan is to have him clean the heads up, and put in the JHM valvetrain. We pulled a couple valves out and already noticed the exhaust valve guides were pretty sloppy. This is going to make things a bit more interesting as we go to rebuild the heads.

#105

The cylinders look really good. If it was buring oil you can trace that back to the valve guides. You would see some on the one cylinder with the bent valve.

#106

Next time I go up to the shop I’ll find the couple valves we pulled out and get some more pics. The intake side runners were pretty well covered. I have a feeling the oil burning was more so an issue with the valve guides / valve stem seals.

On another note, where can I get valve guides?

#107

http://www.performancebyie.com/integrated-engineering-valve-guide-for-1-8t-engines

#108

Thanks! I called them and they said they should fit, hopefully they do

#109

Not that you needed more conformation but those should fit. Audi has done a good job of having modular head design parts

#110

Just helps getting another confirmation on those guides. I wasn’t 100% so I didnt order all that I needed yet. Should be rolling on rebuilding the heads here next week

#111

So I am currently waiting on my guide hone fixture to arrive before I can continue getting the heads rebuilt. Christmas put a slight delay in that process. All new valve guides, valve stem seals, and JHM valves are just sitting at the shop ready to be put in once my tooling shows up. I haven’t ordered the valve spring kit yet since I had to get Christmas presents for the family, but I will probably be ordering those within the next week.

Meanwhile while I wait for those parts and pieces, I was putting a list together of everything else I will need. I can’t wait to get the heads done and get this stuff put back into the car. I bought a bunch of degreaser so I can make everything look pretty when it goes back in. I can’t stand the dirt and grime.

Also big shout out to Jake taking care of my order issue ON CHRISTMAS EVE! I just need a bigger credit limit on my cc’s so I can order more at once LOL

#112

I think sometimes people really overlook great customer service. With my experience in a parts department, people are always quick to cut you down or give you a bad review even over the smallest of issues. It is sometimes rare to hear anything positive once you have done everything you can to resolve that situation.

I just want to just say that JHM managed to shock me with their customer service. 2 weeks ago I ordered the upgraded valves. CA to OH takes a week so I received them last Monday. Unfortunately when I counted them Wednesday I found there were only 21 intake valves. I called and spoke to JHM where they requested pictures of everything I received.

Thursday morning I went up to the shop to take the pictures. I snapped my pics, emailed them over and didn’t expect a response until after Christmas since it was already Christmas Eve. I figured if they shipped them Monday, then I would get them the next week due to New Years.

Not only did JHM respond to my email on Thursday, they shipped the remainder of the valves that day. Well today at work, my package of the 3 valves arrived from CA. Now that is impressive customer service. I understand mistakes happen, but the way JHM handled it was more than I ever expected.

Thank you again JHM ;D

#113

Its things like you just listed that lots of people dont think about. It sucks they didnt send the right parts the first time but getting it right and making the customer happy is the number reason why I only support certain companys. There isnt a shortage of companys to take your money but there is always a shortage of companys that will take your call when you really need something and you already spent your money

#114

Cleaned up the engine bay a bit yesterday. Just kinda cleaning things up while I wait for parts and heads to get done. Ordered the final heads parts today from JHM. Once they are done, time for all the gaskets, seals and timing kit.

Before:

http://i66.tinypic.com/t5i2p5.jpg

After:

http://i64.tinypic.com/2jebtac.jpg

#115

That looks nice. stuff like that takes so much time.

#116

It didn’t take as long as I had expected but I feel its important to start with a clean engine, clean bay, clean area so you can determine any leaks that may occur. After 12 years of dirt, grime and oil, its hard to tell where anything was really coming from.

I think our winter is finally starting so I will most likely just take my good ole time on getting things done. No desire to drive the car while its snowing or still cold

#117

Love seeing your progress! +1 reps for the details

#118

Not a problem! Thanks for being understanding!

#119

Very slow progress but still progress none the less. Sometimes go 1-2 weeks without touching the car and some nights I spend every minute in the shop. I could never be a flat rate tech, I take way more time to do things than it would really take to do. No sense of urgency lol

#120

Jhm shipping department seem to need a crack in the ass. The only complaints I hear about the company are shipping department based. Like people receiving the wrong gaskets for intake spacers and stuff like this. Seems like a real margin killer to ship the same package twice. Wonder what the deal is.