VASK Forum (VW Audi SportKlub of NZ)

AUDI => A4 - S4 - RS 4 - A5 - S5 - RS 5 => Topic started by: justanothernoob on March 14, 2019, 01:17:19 PM

Title: B6 S4 - oil cooler O-ring replacement
Post by: justanothernoob on March 14, 2019, 01:17:19 PM
The dreaded oil leak ? guzzling oil like an 18 year old college chick with Daddy Issues at Spring Break ?

Apparently it's a (common) known issue and just requires removal of the front end (bumper, radiators and alternator), removal of the oil cooler cover and replacement of 2 o-rings.
Parts are less than 20 bucks but it's 5 hours' labour and Mister 12's college fund begrudges me spending that ammount of money to fit $20 parts!

So I'm going to try tackling this myself. I did the radiator last year with some help from a mate (it was helpful having a 2nd pair of hands and eyes to make sure I don't do anything dumb!) but he's not in Auckland anymore.

There used to be a good bloke (I think called Gem) but I've lost his deets. Any Auckland mechanics on here able to help me do this?
Title: Re: B6 S4 - oil cooler O-ring replacement
Post by: the phantom on March 14, 2019, 02:21:48 PM
yup, Jem, used to be in Point Chev (possibly still is) user name BB, has been around this year after a long time out, try PMing him

http://www.vask.org.nz/index.php?action=profile;u=920 (http://www.vask.org.nz/index.php?action=profile;u=920)

from my experience with the MK4 Golf there's nothing too scary about taking bumper etc off, you'll probably need torx bits, probably video on Y-T to guide you, just take your time and take photos of how it all came off
Title: Re: B6 S4 - oil cooler O-ring replacement
Post by: justanothernoob on March 14, 2019, 03:19:11 PM

that's the chappy - thanks :)

Yeah - taking the bumper off is pretty simple and there's a really good YouTube on it by some Eastern-block guy. But it's big and cumbersome enough that a 2nd pair of hands helps avoid scratches :)  The only challenging part was with getting the bottom hose back onto the back of the radiator when reinstalling - a bit fiddly even for my little hands!!!

I'll PM Jem just now - thanks muchly :)
Title: Re: B6 S4 - oil cooler O-ring replacement
Post by: justanothernoob on March 25, 2019, 11:43:45 PM

quick update: Jem lived up to his name and was indeed an absolute gem. He put up with me hanging around and rattled on through the job in his drive-way. It was actually quite interesting to see him at work - he's done this on other models but not a B6 S4 so it was interesting to see him clinically dissecting things in his head. I guess the thing with guys like Jem who have years of experience is that it's easy for him to see the differences between engines and how they fit together. He had it don't in 5 hours - and that's without the manual. So I reckon next time he'd probably have it done in 4 :)

And don't let the thought of a driveway put you off. He's got the knowledge and the tools.

I'm a picky bar-steward but have no doubts in my mind that I've found the guy who'll be doing any future work on my car.

Giltrap first wanted 20 hours to do it but then (respectably) mentioned that there was a new way to do the job and it would only take 5 hours.  I take my hat off to them for that but unfortunately their hourly rate is still a tad too high for my budget.

Qualitat were cheaper (by thge hour) but wanted 20 hours. Either they're not aware of the new 5 hour procedure or trying to pull the wool over my eyes. Either way, kompootah sez nahhhhh.

Honesty and fairness gets my money every time. If anyone else is like me and doesn't want to compromise on peace of mind knowing that the job has been done properly but without costing an arm and a leg ... plus your first-born, give Jem a call  :)