86 Audi 4000S w/ bad pistons

[biffchaos]

Hi there,
I'm new here and not very knowledgeable about cars, but thought maybe someone out there could help with some info. I've been driving an 86 audi for the past 2 years that has around 95,000 miles on it. It was making a single clicking/knocking noise which I thought was a loosened or broken damper pulley (which had happened before and it sounded the same).

When I took it to a garage they informed me that the pistons were responsible for the noise, that they were damaged, replacing them would be way more than the car is worth, but that the car is still driveable until they go completely.

So - I'm wondering - is there an alternative here? Why couldn't I replace the pistons? (or is this what will be incredibly expensive)

Is there any way for me to estimate the length of life left?

Are there any other questions I should ask my new mechanic that might give me an alternative solution?

Thanks so much!
cheers,
beth

[GTS Jeff]

sounds a little sketchy. How did they know it was your pistons? did they rip apart the engine, or did some dude just stand beside it and listen then say, "all right son, ive got some bad news, you're gonna need some new pistons."

Basically, get another opinion. There are many things it could be before your pistons. What kind of clicking sound does it make and when? or is it a true knock in the engine?

[biffchaos]

Thanks for the info - I was actually going to take it to another mechanic this weekend but they are 4 hours away and I'm just worried about driving it that far.

It is definitely more of a clicking sound and it is very rythmic, clicking with the idle of the car.

I wasn't present when the mechanic checked it out - but they had the car for about 2 hours when they called with the "bad news"

[MrX]

Two things that pop to mind is (1) ticking of the fuel injectors, and (2) rockers in the head.

Either one really isn't a huge problem, but addressing them ASAP is still a good option.

Originally posted by biffchaos
Thanks for the info - I was actually going to take it to another mechanic this weekend but they are 4 hours away and I'm just worried about driving it that far.

It is definitely more of a clicking sound and it is very rythmic, clicking with the idle of the car.

I wasn't present when the mechanic checked it out - but they had the car for about 2 hours when they called with the "bad news"

[buh_buh]

It could just be lifter tick?

[syeve]

what about valve timing?

[cocoabrova]

Older VW/Audi engines are notorious for hydraulic lifter noise. It's kind of a higher-pitched tapping and like you said, is in-sync with the engine rpm. Parts and labor shouldn't be over $250-$300. If that mechanic is not familiar with older Euros, I'd take it somewhere else, especially if they tell you your pistons are shot......WITHOUT even dropping the oil pan Where are you located BTW?

[biffchaos]

Sorry for the delay in response - I'm in NYC and I've had a hard time finding a reliable mechanic here - so it is good to hear from everyone here that i might not be wrong to doubt.

I have picked the car up from that mechanic and am going to take it to another in the morning to see what he says, so we'll see.

I'm not an expert nor do I know as much as I can tell everyone here does, but I do know the way my car has been running and what it sounds like and to be told that it was pretty much dead just didn't seem right.

So - thank you so much! Very much appreciated - I'll post again after I hear from Mechanic 2.
cheers,
beth

[three.eighteen.]

i dont like saying this but you're a girl, i've had tons of female friends get shanked by a mechanic just cus they were girls, but yeah if its a slight ticking that goes up with the revs, its probably just lifter tick