Cams

[frazered]

if you read the thread linked to, it was doing it for quite a short time - looking at the 3rd page it was a very close shave!

[mikeyquattro]

Ah! it must be going for a bit before that happens tho?

Quote RSPaul

"Well, that was a close shave! Apparently my car is the new record holder of "engine getting the closest to lunching itself" Doug reckons that another 50 miles or so would have killed it!

The exhaust cam lobe on the drivers bank is practically worn away and there is a huge hole in the top of the lifter. As Doug says, if you get any ticking noises at all, get the car checked out. Mine only started doing it this week and was absolutely flying right up to the point I switched it off! "

[MilkybarKid]

Ah! it must be going for a bit before that happens tho?

No mate, unfortunately not.
Once the tip of the lobe is off its game over, no ones sure of how long it takes, but from seeing Pauls cams in person and the lifter in pics, Doug was being optimistic at the 50m claim, more like 5!

Ive got the cams here ifyou want to have a look

[RS4_Schumi]

Is checking them something any VAG mechanics would manage --- or would it be better done by one of the specialist RS places.
Obviously if they need replacing I'd be doing it a specialist but would my local spanner man be able to have a look without doing too much damage?!!

[ollys]

Is checking them something any VAG mechanics would manage --- or would it be better done by one of the specialist RS places.
Obviously if they need replacing I'd be doing it a specialist but would my local spanner man be able to have a look without doing too much damage?!!

Should do - takes between 1 - 1.5 hours per side to whip the covers off and inspect and replace. You need to be ready with replacement gaskets though when they go back on.

[RS4_Schumi]

And is it imperative to check both or if the driver's side's fine are you good to go..? I'm going to get them to do my plugs as well -- would that overlap some of the same work?

[Contigo]

So if the Cams lobes are loosing shap and the purpose of the lobes is to move the followers/lifter then wouldn't the malforming of the shape of the Cam lobes cause problems with the intake and exhaust stages? And what would be the effect on the running of the vehicle if the lobes weren't coming into contact with the followers.

[missmouse]

slightly off the oringinal topic here, are there any aftermarket cams available for RS4? OR, is it worth getting a not too badly worn cam reground & re hardened? this kind of thing was available 30 years ago for tuned engines.

[avus1]

Checked mine today, not too bad a job, 89000 miles, long life services until i got an they all look like new!!!! thankfully!!!

[avus1]

oh and it did have a ticking noise, while i was dirty i thought id have a dig around!!! its coming from the goldy coloured unit bolted on the back of the drivers cylinder head!!! any ideas????

[Contigo]

The Injectors are noisy on these and give that ticking sound on tickover.

[S4INT]

oh and it did have a ticking noise, while i was dirty i thought id have a dig around!!! its coming from the goldy coloured unit bolted on the back of the drivers cylinder head!!! any ideas????

Could be the cam chain tensioner?

[avus1]

i did check the chain as my old 16v golf had the same set up and the chain was perfect, can the tensioner rattle without loosenin the chain??

[TopBear]

oh and it did have a ticking noise, while i was dirty i thought id have a dig around!!! its coming from the goldy coloured unit bolted on the back of the drivers cylinder head!!! any ideas????

Could be the cam chain tensioner?

What's this about a 'cam chain tensioner'? The B5 has a cam-belt

[imolas4uk]

oh and it did have a ticking noise, while i was dirty i thought id have a dig around!!! its coming from the goldy coloured unit bolted on the back of the drivers cylinder head!!! any ideas????

Could be the cam chain tensioner?

What's this about a 'cam chain tensioner'? The B5 has a cam-belt

the cam belt only drives the exhaust cam from that cam there is a chain to drive the inlet cam (in each head)