Colin Dimes

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your time and answers. I don't have the funds for a new engine or a replacement vehicle so Gareth I agree, my only option is to hope I can get some more miles out of my A4 before the inevitable happens. Thanks again to everyone for their helpful comments. Kind regards, Colin Dimes

Thanks for your advice Clifford. It wasn't what I wanted to hear but it is what it is, I guess. I have already been in contact with the two leads you supplied. Any idea what the scrap value of my car is? Kind regards, Colin Dimes.

Hi Clifford, many thanks for your reply. I have to admit that up until the last MOT in March I have never needed to top up the oil. Obviously the oil was changed each year when the car was serviced. Since March though I have used about 2 litres and I have done about 1100 miles (due mostly to going to Audi specialist in Newcastle several times). There is a pool of oil on the ground below the engine where the car is parked overnight. As for the Audi recall to fit new pistons, I have no receipts from the previous owner for this work. I have just had a quote from the Audi specialist for replacing the crankcase gasket of £1,005 incl. vat but with the following comment - "we cannot guarantee this work due to a relevant TPI in relation to excess crankcase pressure resulting in modified pistons". The vacuum pump cost me £500 so with the cost of this crankcase gasket the total spend will be £1,500 with no guarantee that this work will cure the leak. An impossible situation. Kind regards, Colin Dimes.

Hi, I have a 2009 Audi A4 1.8t SE which had it's MOT recently. It passed but the garage noted that there was a slight oil leak. When asked where they thought it was coming from they thought it was the head gasket but said I needed an Audi specialist to check it out. This I duly did and was told it was not the head gasket - it was coming from the vacuum pump. I had this part replaced but the car is still leaking oil. I took it back to have it rechecked and was told it was the crankcase gasket. I asked them for a quote but they seem reluctant to give me a price as they said my particular car was originally fitted with the wrong pistons and conrods and that they may need to be replaced too and all at a horrendous cost. This is all gobbledygook to me as I am completely lacking in any specialist car knowledge. I am also a pensioner with a small pension and if we are talking big bucks I will not be able to afford it. I also live on my own in a cottage 2 miles out of Kelso in the Scottish Borders so a car is an absolute necessity and I can't afford to buy a replacement car. The car has done 98,000 miles and drives perfectly well but I am aware there may be catastrophe ahead if I don't get this oil leak sorted. And it is an oil leak - the car is not burning oil. Can anyone offer me any advice - are there any members who have experienced the same problem with their A4? I would be very grateful for any help and thank you in advance for your time. Regards, Colin Dimes.