QuestionQUESTION: 2003 Audi A4 1.8T Avant, 75K. Hello, had the engine rebuilt (on Audi's dime) 2 weeks ago because I had total engine loss due to the oil sludge problem.
A week after I got the rebuilt car back, the coolant light went on at start-up, then off. Took back to dealer, they told me they topped off coolant and tightened clamps, and all was fine. 2 weeks later, driving at 60 mph, the coolant hose burst, engine overheated and now need a new cylinder head. The dealership tells me that they could NOT have detected that the hose was defective when they inspected the coolant system. They say the hoses deteriorate from inside. From what I'm reading, it IS possible to detect a defective coolant hose with a simple squeeze test. Plus I'm assuming Audi hoses are ECD-resistant? I feel they were negligent and should be responsible for the damages .. what do you think? Thank you!
ANSWER: I am always very skeptical about pinch-tests, so I agree with the dealership. I do have a question though, why did you continue driving after the coolant pipe burst? The coolant light would have come on immediately and the steam would indicate a serious problem. If the hose came off because it was not tightened up, I would agree they messed up. Not diagnosing a possible hose failure is not something a dealership technician can be held responsible for I think. let me know, Jan
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QUESTION: Thanks. I didn't know until the dealership told me that the cause of overheating was a burst coolant hose. I was driving, the coolant warning light came on, and I slowed and stopped as quickly as I could (give I was on a bridge and traffic at 60mph!). My main issue is that since they had 2 passes at the coolant system & hoses (when they rebuilt, and when I took it in with the coolant system issue), that they should have inspected the hoses and advised me to have them replaced. There is also the possibility that since they didn't tighten clamps properly the first time, they may not have tightened them properly the second time. Which could have caused the hose to burst, right? Thanks again!!
ANSWER: It is unusual for a hose to burst. Unless the pressure was extreme, which could be caused by a leaking cylinder head. Any steam out of the exhaust? Did the hose burst at a clamp or in the center of the pipe? Let me know, Jan
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QUESTION: Hi Jan - thanks so much, again! I didn't notice any steam out of the exhaust, but then I didn't check. Only noticed the smoke coming from the engine! I just learned from my warranty inspector that the hose was 1/2 blown open, it was a hose at the 'front of the engine'. What I'm trying to find out now is: were the original coolant hoses ECD-resistant, because if they were, then likely the deterioration wasn't internal, and a visual/pinch inspection would have revealed the hose needed replacing. At this point, the dealership has only offered 1) to give me a good deal on a trade-in (!) or 2) accept 1/2 off the labor cost to install a remanned cylinder head.
AnswerI think I answered this one this morning, but maybe my internet service let me down. However, I think that even if you pay 1/2 labor cost and let the dealer charge you for parts this will still be a pricey repair. I would source a cylinder head and let the dealer put it on for 1/2 price... Let me know, Jan
