Forum Topic

engine/Audi specialist required

I require an engine specialist for my Audi. Any recommendations gratefully received. Thanks

Russ Greene ● 5504d15 Comments

A friend used to swear byhttp://www.germanmotor.co.uk/What's the problem? Most independent garages now have access to VAGCOM to diagnose engine problems.

Nigel Brooks ● 5504d

Thanks for your reply. The car is losing coolant very rapidly and there are no obvious leaks.

Russ Greene ● 5504d

Mmmm  don't like the sound of that,the symptom is a bit typical of a "blown head gasket". To check,you could look in the oil filer cap to see if there is white gunge (oil water mixture) around it.Also check the radiator filler for a smell of oil.Hope it isn't.

Tony Wood ● 5504d

Hi Tony, I have been told by a mechanic who visually inspected the car that it is the EGR cooler as the symptoms would be a lot worse if it were a blown head gasket, or worse - a porous cylinder head. From my own research online it seems most likely to be one of these things but I need to find someone competent to do the correct checks before I spend lots of money on the work. One garage locally even told me the car doesn't have an EGR cooler so I won't be entertaining them. Another garage who hasn't even seen the car was adamant it would need a new cylinder head at almost two thousand pounds and wouldn't entertain fitting a reconditioned part. He never even mentioned doing a proper diagnosis first. The whole issue is a bit of a minefield hence why I need someone really clued up with the right equipment. Oh and who doesn't charge silly money (that rules out Audi themselves).

Russ Greene ● 5504d

Russ  If it's the EGR cooler then a simple test of the N2O levels in the exhaust should show it up. I doubt the head is porous,these days they're built like tanks,it may however be warped and an honest garage would skim the head.  Talking of honest garages (they do exist!),it's a long time since I used them,but Morgans Garage in Pield Heath Lane Hillingdon (300 yards before the hospital coming from the Uxbridge Road) used to be excellent. Phone 01895 254312.  I live in Scotland now and am a bit out of touch with services down there. I've found a great garage up here,so I suppose you could blast up the M6,that would probably identify the problem ;0)Good Luck with it.

Tony Wood ● 5504d

Thank you for the tips. I will let you now how I get on.

Russ Greene ● 5504d

It's a bit further away but there is a place opposite Hampton Court Palace (side entrace, backs onto Bushey Park) which is an independent Audi specialist. Used in past and was very happy with them.

Katharine Lang ● 5504d

RussNow that I undrstand the problem (if not the solution) I would suggest that you visit a competent 'all marques' local garage who should, at least, be able to confirm the problem.The issue is always who to trust.May I suggest Humes Avenue Garage in , unsurprisingly, Humes Avenue (off Boston Road) Hanwell.They have looked after our family cars for over twenty years (they have been in business for over 60 years) and I have never felt either misled or 'ripped-off'.The two chaps who run the place Mo and Paul rely solely on their reputation for service.I have no connection with them other than as a satisfied customer.Contact Number is 020 8567 4549

Nigel Brooks ● 5504d

Tony at the Carrera garage London Rd Brentford.

Keith Iddon ● 5504d

Many thanks for your replies. It seems that this issue is a real minefield, but thankfully after having spent enormous amounts of time researching the issue I am a lot clearer as to the issues involved and the possible steps needed in order to move forward with this. You are spot on with this trust issue as even garages that have been well recommended to me have been very vague or simply not had a clue where to start with this.

Russ Greene ● 5503d

If Mo and Paul at Humes can't help you they will probably know who can. They won't lead you on as they have too much work to 'fanny about' with experiments.

Nigel Brooks ● 5503d

That's good to know. Do you know anyone that has used A & A Autos who are based just round the corner from Humes Avenue?

Russ Greene ● 5503d

Said car seems to be sorted now thanks to the garage in Humes Avenue and I was quite impressed with these guys. I agree, they seem to be genuine and they are very reasonable with their charges. Will definitely use this garage again, so thanks for letting me know about them. As it happens my girlfriend took her car to them for an MOT about 10 years ago and had completely forgotten about them. It is a little bit off the beaten track so I guess only the locals know about this place through word of mouth. Anyway, thanks.

Russ Greene ● 5490d

I'm absolutely delighted.Word of mouth is all the advertising that they need, save for a small ad they have had in the local church magazine for over thirty years.Paul and Mo are two of 'the good guys' and deserve local business, not too much though as I still want to be able to get in there 'on the quick' when needed. :-)

Nigel Brooks ● 5490d

Another vote for Mo and Paul who run Humes Garage, from me.  I do my own car repairs/maintenance at home and Mo and Paul have always helped me out (with a smile) when I've bitten off more than I can chew - which is frequently(!)  No job is too big (or small) and nothing phases them.  I've been getting my MOTs done at Humes Garage for more years than I care to remember.  Good guys.

Andy Horridge ● 5490d