Replacing my a4 engine. Any tips?

[a4b7-sline]

Hello. I am 17 years old, and own a 2008 Audi A4 2.0t quattro. I made the mistake of buying an Audi for my first car (not really a mistake; I knew exactly what I was getting myself into; I love my car). Recently, the water pump blew the bearing and seized while I was on my way home from school. This caused the timing belt to strip which threw the engine out of time and bent every single valve in my motor. Long story short: I drained my savings and ordered a used motor rather than having my head rebuilt for the same price. Thankfully, my neighbor has a private garage with a lift and every tool under the sun, so I've been able to do everything to my car on my own. I plan to swap the motor on my own as well, and am comfortable doing so. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice/tips/secrets/experience doing this, and could save me some time and trouble? Thank you for your time,
-Cole H.

[Theiceman]

Good for you Cole. Nothing like digging it at a young age and getting your hands dirty.

I will say make sure your " new" engine has the latest chain tensioner as you have the engine right in front of you and its a relatively cheap part considering the consequences.

I am about to do the same at 55 , sure wish I was 17 doing it, as its getting tougher to do everything never mind see whats going on ..

[a4b7-sline]

Good for you Cole. Nothing like digging it at a young age and getting your hands dirty.

I will say make sure your " new" engine has the latest chain tensioner as you have the engine right in front of you and its a relatively cheap part considering the consequences.

I am about to do the same at 55 , sure wish I was 17 doing it, as its getting tougher to do everything never mind see whats going on ..

Thank you.
I already ordered a new timing belt kit to throw on the new engine so I know that it's set of for a while. Good luck on your swap!

[james12lucy]

These are the stories I love to hear. I mean, not that your engine decided to take a walk, but that you are tackling the job your self.

There is a lot to think about when replacing these engines. Having done this myself in my race car recently, I suggest putting the car in service position and removing the front clip. I would also take the transmission and engine out as one unit. It’s a hell of a lot easier to unbutton well it’s out of the car.

Well everything is out, you may as well replace some of the common wear items (thermostat, cam follower, water pump, rear coolant fittings, etc.)

You’ll also want to ensure that the engine you purchased one is compatible with your car. Meaning, if you have a manual car, you’ll have had to have purchased an engine from a manual or CVT car, as the tiptronic crank won’t accept the manual flywheel (at least not easily or cheaply).

You will also want to mark all connectors, so you remember where they go. Tuck them out of the way, in an area that makes sense when reconnecting. Take lots of photos along the way as well. Keep all hardware and fasteners in labelled and separate containers, to save time on reassembly.

And in sure you give yourself enough time to do the job slowly in properly. Do everything methodically, to work everything to spec, and double check all of your bolts.

Other than that, you should be good to go. Good luck with your project.



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[Denio24]

Bag and label all the bolts, label all the connectors, buy a vcds scan tool or a can equipped scan tool that can communicate with the modules and ecu.

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[Ford Prefect]

Document on here for the next 17 year old that has the balls to do this! Good for you, I agree with the guys above, you’ll be immensely satisfied when you’re running again!


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[80sGuy]

Nice neighbor! Make you use ALL genuine parts at while you're at it. They're not all that expensive if you buy them online. There are several, if you need info just let us know.
By the way, how many miles were on the old engine?

[canadianA4B7]

Just fucking wing it. With the manual in hand.

You’ve got huge fucking nuts as is (reminds me of myself) whatever you take off document and return it as it was I only advise this as I have done the complete opposite and only driven 5000 km in the last 5 years. Best of luck grab the Bentley book or elswin access and go at it. Only one way to learn and the same way to do things right and that’s to do it yourself.

Grab 2x3/8” swivel sockets and approx 4’ of extensions. This will be your saving grace for the top bolts between engine and transmission. And remeber the damn wire that goes from starter around motor to alternator. And always remove the AC. No one fast runs AC. Even if she complains to high hell its hot in your sports car she can always use her $300 shoes to walk her ass where ever she wants to go.

[Theiceman]

And more importantly. Whats on the new one.


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[V70R]

Damn. You rock.

Couple tips to save you money and time- do not disconnect anything on the AC when you remove the front end, or the power steering. Both accessories can be removed from the accessory bracket, carefully secured out of the way, and you will save yourself a decent amount of coin in both AC recharge and PS fluid.

Pictures pictures pictures of everything you do or am not sure how it goes back together. Grab some paint pens and plastic bags, it always helps to either “dot” or make bolts, that looks almost identical but are dissimilar in length by just a few mm’s, timing marks or pulleys, etc. And lastly, don’t feel afraid to ask for help or upload pics here if something just doesn’t seem to fit right.

Looking forward to the progress!

[Nollywood]

Good to see youngsters tackling big tasks themselves. This is what I am teaching my kids, even the girls.

[Van Black]

Just fucking wing it. With the manual in hand.

Even if she complains to high hell its hot in your sports car she can always use her $300 shoes to walk her ass where ever she wants to go.

Don't know why I get the feeling you're saying this from experience.

[a4b7-sline]

Nice neighbor! Make you use ALL genuine parts at while you're at it. They're not all that expensive if you buy them online. There are several, if you need info just let us know.
By the way, how many miles were on the old engine?

Will do. And about 149,700 miles on the old engine, water pump (along with the rest of the typical timing belt kit parts) had been replaced at 120,000. I have 93,000 on the "new" motor.

[a4b7-sline]

And more importantly. Whats on the new one.


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93,000 miles one the new motor if that's what you're asking

[a4b7-sline]

Just fucking wing it. With the manual in hand.

You’ve got huge fucking nuts as is (reminds me of myself) whatever you take off document and return it as it was I only advise this as I have done the complete opposite and only driven 5000 km in the last 5 years. Best of luck grab the Bentley book or elswin access and go at it. Only one way to learn and the same way to do things right and that’s to do it yourself.

Grab 2x3/8” swivel sockets and approx 4’ of extensions. This will be your saving grace for the top bolts between engine and transmission. And remeber the damn wire that goes from starter around motor to alternator. And always remove the AC. No one fast runs AC. Even if she complains to high hell its hot in your sports car she can always use her $300 shoes to walk her ass where ever she wants to go.

Thank you . The transmission bolts were what I was worrying about the most. I didn't want to have to take the trans out with the motor, but after sizing up the job the top bolts on the trans seemed like they'd be a bi*** to get to. Enjoyed that last comment too haha

[hotboy15]

follow ANY and ALL of Phil's DIY you little twerp and dont make a mess of your neighbor's garage, show some respect, (i had neighbor's working on cars in the 80's before you were even your fathers wet mans dream)

[canadianA4B7]

Don't know why I get the feeling you're saying this from experience.

Your Correct. I bet those $300 shoes were really comfy that day.... on her walk home. (Gladly no longer with said complainer)

Thank you . The transmission bolts were what I was worrying about the most. I didn't want to have to take the trans out with the motor, but after sizing up the job the top bolts on the trans seemed like they'd be a bi*** to get to. Enjoyed that last comment too haha

Ya when I pulled my motor I held it up w a tractor shovel, then I removed the engine mounts, lowered the motor slightly w the tractor, this allowed me more clearance to reach the top bolt. I did it giving her a good old fashion reach around and in did it the hard way. If you used my method to lower motor slightly you should be able to use the extensions and in do it from below. About 4’ of extension I think.

[hotboy15]

you replaced the water pump and 30k later it seized? Also they call your "new" motor a "donor" motor when referring to a swap! best of luck, kid!

Will do. And about 149,700 miles on the old engine, water pump (along with the rest of the typical timing belt kit parts) had been replaced at 120,000. I have 93,000 on the "new" motor.

[medrads2020]

Don't pay attention to hotboy15. He stole parts from a member here and he's an idiot.

Best of luck on the engine swap. We have a great community here with a large amount of knowledge and experience. You shouldn't have to think twice about asking us for help, there is a wealth of information for us to share in getting your car running again.

I look forward to following your progress posts!

[a4b7-sline]

Damn. You rock.

Couple tips to save you money and time- do not disconnect anything on the AC when you remove the front end, or the power steering. Both accessories can be removed from the accessory bracket, carefully secured out of the way, and you will save yourself a decent amount of coin in both AC recharge and PS fluid.

Pictures pictures pictures of everything you do or am not sure how it goes back together. Grab some paint pens and plastic bags, it always helps to either “dot” or make bolts, that looks almost identical but are dissimilar in length by just a few mm’s, timing marks or pulleys, etc. And lastly, don’t feel afraid to ask for help or upload pics here if something just doesn’t seem to fit right.

Looking forward to the progress!

Didn't even think about marking bolts with paint pens. I typically just use old ice trays to keep any nuts/bolts organized but paint pens are a good idea too... especially when I run out of ice trays!

[A4_PimP]

This is awesome. I don’t have much mechanical knowledge I can share with you but like everyone else I’m dying to see your progress. There’s a ton of info here and lots of people that will help you out in a minute. Definitely post pictures of the progress it will be great to see but will also help others in the future as well.


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[lumberwood]

Right on, Cole. You got this.

Hello. I am 17 years old, and own a 2008 Audi A4 2.0t quattro. I made the mistake of buying an Audi for my first car (not really a mistake; I knew exactly what I was getting myself into; I love my car). Recently, the water pump blew the bearing and seized while I was on my way home from school. This caused the timing belt to strip which threw the engine out of time and bent every single valve in my motor. Long story short: I drained my savings and ordered a used motor rather than having my head rebuilt for the same price. Thankfully, my neighbor has a private garage with a lift and every tool under the sun, so I've been able to do everything to my car on my own. I plan to swap the motor on my own as well, and am comfortable doing so. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice/tips/secrets/experience doing this, and could save me some time and trouble? Thank you for your time,
-Cole H.

- Corey

[Chaseski]

Good luck man! Keep the posts comming there’s allot of knowledgeable people here!!!! Seriously pictures pictures pictures !!!


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[daught]

Advice? 2.7TT :p

Honestly, congrats. My first car was a 3rd gen firebird. That was a mistake, but it taught me a lot. These lessons will help you a lot in life.

[Jaysoootatted]

Best of luck Cole! You definitely have the guts to go at a big project like that without hesitation, You got this


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[Charles.waite]

Damn. At 17 I hadn’t so much as considered that my car needed things like oil and coolant, much less attempted an engine swap.

Having said that I’m prepping a spare engine to swap in to my b7 right now. Normally I’d say “replace all the things” as that’s what I’m doing now but since I’m twice your age (old but not that old) I realize that the “while I’m in there” stuff can easily add $2k to an engine. I should know as my modest rebuild costs have started to creep above $2k. And that’s before the $600 I spent on a complete, good condition, 105k mile engine. Though I’m thinking long term for a k04 or GTX2860 so I’m tossing in rods and a full short shifter linkage and crossrod as well as full poly drivetrain mounts.

Shit adds up quick, is my point. If the budget is tight then be realistic about what you need to replace to get back on the road vs what would be best down the line.

I’m trying to think long term and not wanting to have to wrench in my engine once I install it, as I have a 3 year old and simply won’t have the time to fuck around with my car. Nor do I have a garage to wrench in. So avoiding work down the line is my main motivator for replacing shit now.

My tangent aside, good for you man. That’s awesome your down for this undertaking and props that you’re up for the challenge.

[a4b7-sline]

IMG_1527.JPG
You guys wanted some pictures so... this is what I found when I pulled the valve cover a couple days ago


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[vce1232000]

And that’s before the $600 I spent on a complete, good condition, 105k mile engine.

Thats a steal .......

[Charles.waite]

Holy shit that head is fucked!

[Charles.waite]

Thats a steal .......

Indeed. Got it from Tankdeer. Because he’s a good dude. But don’t tell him I said that!

[vce1232000]

Holy shit that head is fucked!

's that way. But on a note 's like the previous @ least the oil regularly

[a4b7-sline]

Holy shit that head is fucked!

We have to do a senior project at my high school, and my topic is natural aspiration vs. forced induction and their pros&cons for different purposes. I guess I’ll have a good demonstration prop to show different components of the motor for my presentation!


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[a4b7-sline]

After almost completely stripping down the motor, I found that whoever worked on the car before me broke EVERY SINGLE harness clip and zip-tied them all so they won’t come unclipped...


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[80sGuy]

After almost completely stripping down the motor, I found that whoever worked on the car before me broke EVERY SINGLE harness clip and zip-tied them all so they won’t come unclipped...


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Are they the same folks that put the last water pump in it?

[Charles.waite]

Yea seeing shit like that would make me terrified that the PO or whoever did their work is a damn moron. Audi clips REALLY aren’t hard to deal with, even when they’re really stuck, you just use your brain and don’t go gorilla on them.

[a4b7-sline]

Are they the same folks that put the last water pump in it?

The original owner had some engine work done, so it could have been them/the shop they used (which I have their receipts from that garage). It could have also been the second owner if he decided to play around with it, but he barely knew what to say when I asked him questions about the car so I doubt that, and the only receipts he I have from his (pretty short) ownership were that from typical service jobs. Its still annoying either way.

[Cyrik]

I know you said you're on a bit of a budget but if you REALLY wanted to have some fun with this car would you consider K04?

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[A4_PimP]

Yea seeing shit like that would make me terrified that the PO or whoever did their work is a damn moron. Audi clips REALLY aren’t hard to deal with, even when they’re really stuck, you just use your brain and don’t go gorilla on them.

The original owner had some engine work done, so it could have been them/the shop they used (which I have their receipts from that garage). It could have also been the second owner if he decided to play around with it, but he barely knew what to say when I asked him questions about the car so I doubt that, and the only receipts he I have from his (pretty short) ownership were that from typical service jobs. Its still annoying either way.

They are out there. I had the same on my car so far. First I found that the battery tie down was broken off and the bolt was rounded out. Either the PO or the shop that did work on the car wedged a piece of wood between the battery and the body to stop it from moving. Next whenever it would rain my car would go into limp mode with the ESC and check engine light. When I took off the ECM cover I found that someone was trying to get it open couldn’t get to the driver side back screw. So they pulled on the cover until the head of screw snapped off. The cover split and had a chunk missing smh. Then I took the rear lights off to replace one set and found that on one the housing was split at the back where it goes up against the body of the car. The other the connector was cut and connected to the wiring with heat shrink. So yeah I’m just waiting to see what else I find in the future lol.


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[a4b7-sline]

I know you said you're on a bit of a budget but if you REALLY wanted to have some fun with this car would you consider K04?

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I’m a high school student makin like $250 a week so I’m trying to keep the motor as stock as possible for “reliability” haha


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[a4b7-sline]

The pistons were in very good condition, so I ended up just buying a used head off @A U D I. He helped me out a lot with this one, and got the head to me in 2 days after I paid for it. Of course I found a few other things that needed replacing after disassembling everything, so I got a new injector harness, torque mount, motor mount bracket, and other miscellaneous nuts and bolts. After all said and done, I paid around $800 for everything. Hell of a lot cheaper than a $2,500 motor!


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