LCBL continues Audi A8

[SiC]

Do these even need a diesel cooler in the UK? Possible to bypass?

[DirtyDaily]

Do these even need a diesel cooler in the UK? Possible to bypass?

Probably not. Definitely possible to bypass. Worst comes worst I will however the there are pipes attached and it finishes the bottom and stuff so ideally want to maintain.

[Split_Pin]

I didn't even know it had one. The 75 has a diesel cooler fitted but it's behind the rear wheel and a lot easier to get to. Strange for a UK built car sold in tiny numbers in warmer climates.

[DirtyDaily]

So drive done yesterday, effectively driving from 3.30pm until 11pm with the purchasing of a jaguar XF in the middle. 

Audi did "well", XF was a lovely thing and drove back with no issues. 2015 car on 100k miles for £4k seems really decent value. When I did a car check on it it said that a bad trade in value would be £4.3k and the previous owner paid £8.7k in May 2023. I checked the rear subframe and the "rust" is so incredibly superficial. I will clean it up for her regardless as I know it's a failure point on these XFs.

Anyway back to the main attraction. A8 turbo I think has officially left the chat. Drove down fine but on the way back it was not for returning. Drove this morning to work and still no sign of a turbo lending a hand. Checked codes and it's the P0235 and P3348. The actuator is fubar. Luckily as I mentioned previously it drives alright without assistance, cruised back at 80mph without much bother except when encountering a large hill it was more like 70. Also with a good chunk of b road, hilly action on the drive it averaged 47mpg. All things considered a pleasant drive. I remember someone found a used turbo on an A6 at a pick n pull for £45. I am tempted to see if I can get that and solve this for pennies as I can obviously inspect the turbo for damage before I remove and worst case scenario that actuator is dead too but it keeps the car mobile whilst I am getting mine repaired. We shall see.

[Split_Pin]

It was Cort16 that found it at Upullit in Inverkeithing. Check the numbers but I think a B7 with the ASB engine is the same as well.

[grogee]

On 31/08/2024 at 09:01, Vantman said:

Shell V Power

 

[Dave_Q]

One suggestion if you are trying to do it on the cheap, I know there are lots of warnings about needing specialist kit to swap an actuator but 97.2% of refurbed units won't bother with this, some of them don't even balance them FFS.

If this was me I would be tempted to try just swapping the actuator in situ if it looks easier than taking the whole turbo out.

[Dave_Q]

This thread seems to say it should be possible by using VCDS to check the actuator reported position and adjusting the actuator bolts to the bracket to get it to match what the ECU is expecting. 

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/254866/

[DirtyDaily]

My initial assessment may have been hasty. Return leg home in the Audi and no turbo. I thought I'll quickly pull over see if the actuator is moving freely. It was. I then pulled the electrical plug that connects to the actuator and it just came off. I put it back on and drove and the turbo returned... There was no click when I put it on so I suspect someone has had the turbo disconnected at some point and broken the tab that holds it on. Could we just be looking at the plug working it's way loose every now and again?
Fingers crossed.
Also the diesel cooler arrived, £117. Still a lot for second bit of fuel line but oh well.
If the turbo is fixed from just securing the plug in then I will be very happy.

[Schaefft]

That would be like winning the jackpot, well done for finding this!

[Split_Pin]

Wish I'd checked that plug! I didn't even think to touch it.

[SiC]

Given the mileage and these turbos susceptibility to failure, it could potentially had a new turbo or actuator on at some point and never quite plugged in properly while the mechanic was in a rush to try getting the book hour times. Many don't know that you need to push the connector in when undoing the release tab. Pulling without doing the push first can snap the retaining clip on the plug off. 

[DirtyDaily]

Given the mileage and these turbos susceptibility to failure, it could potentially had a new turbo or actuator on at some point and never quite plugged in properly while the mechanic was in a rush to try getting the book hour times. Many don't know that you need to push the connector in when undoing the release tab. Pulling without doing the push first can snap the retaining clip on the plug off. 

I did think this. Not counting my chickens yet but going to put a cable tie on it to hold it in place and see how it goes. The problem was becoming quite common though so I think it'll be obvious if it's better

[DirtyDaily]

So a few days later and the diesel cooler has arrived and been fitted. Not a bad job and glad it's not marking it's territory now.
Checked the tyre pressures and they were all around the 24 to 28 psi range. These 20inches like close to 40psi so all those have been done and now rides a little smoother I think (placebo)
Turbo issue has been on once since I got a cable tie on it so suspect there is still an underlying issue with the actuator but it's not enough yet for me to make the car immobile for a week or two. I'll keep driving it and enjoying it and when there is a convenient time I'll take the turbo off for refurbing.
Long live the A8!

[IronStar]

If the connector was loose, would it be worth spraying some contact cleaner on both sides, just to make sure it’s getting a proper connection and not having intermittent problem because of the gunk buildup?

[DirtyDaily]

If the connector was loose, would it be worth spraying some contact cleaner on both sides, just to make sure it’s getting a proper connection and not having intermittent problem because of the gunk buildup?

Maybe worth a shot. I'll give it a go, no harm in trying.