I Saved $10,000 Buying my Wife a "Lightly Damaged" Audi SUV but it Came Hiding a Massive Problem

[@Xrusader]

Because the of lemon Lincoln video, I took a risk on a lemon Chevy Volt. Half price with 1k miles on it. 2 years later, and no issues. Thanks Sam!

[@chrome255]

how would someone even search specifically for a lemon law car?

[@Globbs]

I used to be against salvage or lemon cars due to the headaches they might have but the more this economy changes the more it makes sense to just take that risk. I drive a car I fixed off of copart and I'm glad I did. I'll continue to do it if I can.

[@petermolnar8667]

@@Globbs usually depends on how it's been fixed - if you do it yourself, you'll know how it's been done to every bit

[@caddyguy5369]

I've been considering one of those. Coming from a Cadillac DTS how do you think it would be? The engineering seems interesting.

[@Samcrac]

@@chrome255 in the search terms of your favorite Car Search Engine type "buyback"

[@James.O]

You cannot perform a head leak test when there's a hole in the cooling system, fix the leak and try again.

[@Rekt-M8-v4]

The only thing that would make it change color is exhaust gases, not regular air.

[@yogamon]

Not necessarily. Depends on what chemical is being detected. If it's CO2, it is in air and maybe pumping it so much caused it to barely change colors

[@David-nh7px]

@@yogamon the chemical is stable with lid off of the testing tube. There's also air inside of the reservoir. If it changed color from regular air, it would be a useless, unreliable tool.

[@osho741]

@@David-nh7px what about the exhaust from the back of thrcar with a hole in the coolest line causing it?

[@David-nh7px]

@@osho741 Exhaust is in the back and is pointing out and away from the car. It's not dumping exhaust right under the engine where the leak is. There's no way it will get enough concentrated exhaust gases from outside through that cracked line.

[@madmike6942]

if it was me that rooster was Kentucky style fried in 2 seconds

[@davidk8184]

That rooster is too old for fried chicken. It might make a good soup though.

[@brentboswell1294]

Just call him "Stu..." as in stew 😉

[@roberthampton6438]

I wouldn’t wait that long bro.😂😂🇬🇧

[@emgriffiths1861]

@@davidk8184 A store near me sells 'old chickens' I worry about that

[@jotterson1156]

I did that with an aggressive turkey....ate better than it's attitude

[@TheOriginalDaveJ]

Fix your coolant leak first, then try the block tester. To do the timing chain and tensioners, the engine needs to come out. Change the chain aswell as it's probably stretched.

[@TheCabledawg1]

What he said...gasses are potentially getting in the leak you had causing the change of color.

[@c3r1c38]

Gotta agree with Dave J. You could have exhaust gases entering the system. Try to fix (even if it's just a cheap/short-term fix) it and then test for the head leak again.

[@steptoeandson3554]

@@AppleReviews gasses escape when metal expands

[@David-nh7px]

@@AppleReviews he literally says the car wasn't warm enough for the thermostat to open at first. Once it did, the fluid changed colors.

[@charlesvlcek2550]

I'd just braze that line torch with map gas and welding rod

[@moonshinefuel]

I think they should have made Audi's to where you needed to take the engine out to change the spark plugs, it would attract that special type of Audi fan that enjoys everything extremely difficult.

[@oldanslo]

Wasn't that a feature of the Porsche 928?

[@zimzimzimmer]

Pretty much most Audis need the engines to be pulled 😂

[@brentboswell1294]

And yet, America has embraced Audi over Lexus and Mercedes as the McMansionMobile of choice...I see far too many Audi dealer courtesy cars on the road where I live...😒

[@CheapBastard1988]

@@zimzimzimmer At that point you might as well drop in a crate engine. Those TFSI engines are garbage. If it's a VAG product, either get a TDI or nothing newer than an FSI engine. The TSI engines weren't as bad as the TFSI but the timing chains are garbage.

[@zimzimzimmer]

@@CheapBastard1988 I’ve had three TDi Golfs all have been dependable motors… every Audi has needed so much pampering they’re very much the princess of the VAG 😂

[@hgas9631]

S4 will be a cool project. The tensioners can absolutely be replaced engine in. You’ll be amazed at the space once the supercharger and oil filter housing are removed. It is a delicate job reinstalling timing cover with fresh sealant. You will also need to remove the oil cooler to access crank lock and you’ll need to unbolt the cats from the manifold. It’s a little tedious but with the right combination of tools it’s a day job.

[@EdgyNumber1]

As in a whole day job. Take your time, Sam. This can definitely be done.

[@joeblack007]

8HR whole (work) day or 24HR whole day?

[@hgas9631]

@@joeblack007 a good 8-10 hours

[@mikedemarchelier9090]

Vorsprung durch Technik my ASS! Horrible engineering, that’s why you can pick up those VAG things for super cheap on the used market! Do NOT buy one of those unless you can wrench on it yourself!!

[@kedyzor]

@Hunter Gasper - speaking from experience, if the car shows bad positions for the crankshaft and camshafts, it is worth it to take the engine out and redo the whole timing system and set it up right, and I can't underline this enough. I don't get why you guys are getting scared of dropping that engine. Lift, metal table and some rubber pads (at least 1 inch thick) and you'll have that thing out in 30 mins.

[@snikwadRR]

Dam my guy. I had a pair of those ramps break with the weight of my X5 when I drove it on there on an uneven surface. Be careful with them with SUVs and in the grass/dirt. The unevern surface creates pressure points that aren't in the right places and can cause failure.

[@Alexander_l322]

He throws cation to the wind especially when he’s not under the car.

[@VaporEG]

Blows my mind with all that space and 1M subs he doesn't just buy a lift.

[@duncandonovan5270]

@@VaporEG he says a lift does not belong in a horsebarn 🤷‍♂️ I bet he doesn't know they make lifts on wheels nowadays.

[@abelcelestinjr8810]

@@duncandonovan5270 FACTS, he needs one safety should be priority, I doubt it is a money issue

[@naknakacknak]

That immediately got my attention. I would never do that in a million years.

[@1chish]

Only the Germans would think that putting timing chains on the rear of an engine would be a really great idea. Well done BMW and VW. They LOVE being overly technical and a German dealer will LOVE taking gearboxes, exhausts and God knows what else out to do those timing chains. Oh and they LOVE owning all the specialist tools as it means no one else can do the work. See where this is going?

[@philb707]

They do it so you cant work on it an have to bring it to the dealer. Made $$ selling it to you an $$ fixing it. Simple math

[@heikopanzlaff3789]

Have a engineer degree for car design, live in Germany. Guess what is my ride ? 3 Yamaha`s and 3 Mazda`s ...

[@paulsz6194]

@@heikopanzlaff3789 japanese cars are more reliable, but I hear parts are more expensive ( compared to European cars ) there.

[@Rambogner]

My BMW 6 series had to have a thermostat and coolant pump last week. Incredible how the price of repair dropped when I told them I could do it myself. Incredible

[@littlelegs4086]

And a open ticket to charge the earth

[@alexross4062]

Samcrac! With a little wiggling, its possible to do the upper tensioners. Its a very difficult job- most people just bring out the engine. But something to note. I have a 2009 A6 with the same motor, and its had rattle at cold start since 40,000 miles. I'm sitting at 80+ now with no issue, but one VERY important thing- these cars are picky about oil. Tensioners are hydraulic, hence rattle at cold start with lack of oil pressure. Swapping to the right oil, even of same weight, from a different manufacturer, actually helps. Of course if its skipped timing it needs the job done

[@Samcrac]

Thanks for the input

[@AnontheGOAT]

Same here. Have an 09 with the 3.0 @ 80k+ miles. No rattle because I use good oil.

[@alexross4062]

@@AnontheGOAT Yep. I tried Penzoil and Valvoline to no use, but LiquiMoly has held up so far on this oil change. Still rattles at start, but it doesn't rattle past the initial start like it used to

[@petermolnar8667]

@@alexross4062 I see you have a video of the rattle, was it recorded with Liqui Moly oil in the engine?

[@dennisfernau8076]

@@alexross4062 I have a B6 3.0 that has had VW 502/505 spec oil changes since new. Not timing chain rattle as this has belt timing, but does have lifter chatter at cold start for a second. 360,000 and I drive it everywhere.

[@BillsShop]

gasket are fine! if they were the least bit bad the fluid would have turned yellow. The bubbles you saw were most likely from the system being so low and trapped air escaping once the thermostat opened up. the color change can easily be just sucking a little water up as you were pumping the bulb.

[@davylad4804]

Good thinking to have Sage get under the car while it's on plastic ramps on soft ground.

[@TheNaglius]

Lmao xdd

[@toeknee2u]

I think those ramps are rated at 5 tonnes - the ground -not so much 🤔

[@LMC_CD]

That genuinely scared me!!

[@Validoe]

Right. I was thinking the same

[@Samcrac]

16000 capacity, plus the car has well enough clearance to get under without ramps. If it makes you feel better I got under there too to take an oil sample.

[@DarkRider2k3]

"Hello head gasket my old friend. I've come to talk with you again."

[@shawnsgmclips]

The most frustrating part is that this dude never finish anything . He goes from one car to another never seen finishing anything.

[@panzu_979]

People saying this obviously haven't watched him for very long. Look back onto his older videos, he's finished a plethora of vehicles. Cars are a neverending maintenance hole, especially when they pop up with random supprise issues like in this video. It also takes days and sometimes weeks to get just 1 part in the mail, just to figure out that you need another random part. What's the point of making a video of you're just gonna slap on one quick bolt on replacement? No hate, I just wanted to voice my opinion

[@earnestbunbury2103]

@@panzu_979 USPS and FedEx are slow AF nowadays. I fear for them delivering for 'Santa' this season.

[@UliMuliko]

Thats why i stopped watching tavarish, too much

[@doug960]

Cars that have large coolant leaks or empty reservoirs/ puke tanks should always be approached with caution. Odds are the engine got VERY hot at some point. Blown head gasket makes sense if that car was overheated a bunch of times. That's really the only reason modern head gaskets fail.

[@ua7pyro591]

Yeah and you think the idiot driving it noticed?

[@miceinoz1181]

"In theory, what you do" is get a damn lift and make your life bearable for these tasks. Makes dropping the front frame with engine/trans a much easier job. If you can afford to buy these cars, you can afford to get a lift installed.

[@SteinOnkel]

You're missing the point. The point his been trying to make for years is that anyone can work on these cars. Almost nobody has a lift.

[@miceinoz1181]

@@SteinOnkel Er, yes I used to work in worse conditions, dirt floor, not even dry concrete, no engine hoists, only tools and mates to help lift engines out with wood and rope. This comment does not go to what you can do yourself on a car, this comment directly related to Samcrac working on his own cars, and for me it is also a safety issue. At 68 I am far to old to be crawling around on the floor, so I bought a lift. They are not expensive, less than half what he paid for this car. The education about what he does and how will not be lost on anyone. Hell, even his mate at legit street cars had a lift at home before he branched out to a workshop. A lift is the best money you can spend! You can do so much more.....

[@bfairfax8772]

You have a leak you need to fix the leak to test the head gasket . It's basically burping back through the cooling reservoir because it's the only other opening and it's higher up in the system .05 to 10 Mustang V-6 4.0L has to come out for timing chain service and Audi's V6 & 8's have always needed to come out for turbo's and all kind's of things that turned out to be wear items .

[@TheBlackAndWhiteCow]

He got lucky that he found that out with a leak as he was about to give up on the test, sending him to a rabbit hole

[@williamramos1462]

It is possible to do tensioners with the engine in the car, that’s the usual way that everyone does when doing this repair, only bummer is removing the catalytic converter‘s in order to access the back timing covers better. But with those faults it’s usually just the tensioners that get replaced and fixes the issue

[@john-wo4rv]

?

[@pmscalisi]

The fact that some company puts the timing chains on the rear of the engine says they’re not too smart.

[@noventay4]

I replace them and the rattle noise is still there, I would just follow what Audi says and accept it as normal sound

[@Puundawg]

I did the two upper timing chains on my 13 A7 with the 3.0 TFSI engine in. The job is a PITA but it is very possible. You will need the timing tool and definitely a good quality set of triple squares to remove the oil filter canister and sprocket bolts, it will make your life a bit easier. A mid length set of sockets to reach the cats nuts. Trust me it a must. Don’t let the C7 chasis trick you into thinking there is much more space, there is none. You will need to remove the oil cooler to reach the special plug to place the engine at top dead center. I did mine at 100k miles and I am at 170k now. It runs like a charm and fixed the problem parts were around $1,200 straight from Audi. The issue started at 50k miles on my car. These cars last for ever with meticulous care. Almost any one can afford an Audi. They just can’t afford the maintenance. That’s just a fact.

[@Mazzerants]

The stupid little maintenance is key. Oil, filters, and wheel care. Neglecting oil leads to catastrophic issues on every car, but German cars are really picky and complex. The biggest issues are neglect and people taking it to that "can do it cheaper guy" vs a qualified third party shop. The facelifted 3.0T motor is surprisingly simple... but its still German.

[@Puundawg]

@@Mazzerants 100% agreed. At 170k miles I have done 3 transmission services including differentials and transfer case every time. Looking forward to my 4th at 200k miles. I do the work my self so I save a good amount of money. A lot of people I know spend $100 or more a month on Starbucks but when it comes to car service they take their car to one of those for the 17.99 oil change places. Who even knows what they put in?

[@munkydotorg]

Same can be said with a BMW too. I've had 2 Audis, and currently own 2 BMWs. At least BMW got it right with the name. Bring My Wallet. Thankfully I turn my own wrenches for most stuff.

[@Leebs]

I miss the old days when Sam would upload 2xs a week. More Sam!

[@Sheerkon]

2:37 why does sam always look like he just sanded a mansion full of drywall! Gray is brave!

[@matth4069]

I'd send that rooster 50 yards with my foot if it ran at me like that 😂😂

[@High_Octane]

oh your so tough, booting a animal because it's horny.

[@18t4motion]

I'm always so depressed after watching a Samcrac video🙁 when's the last time he had a "win" on a vehicle. Car collection vs car parts yard 😒

[@420villain]

Don't worry he has a win every time you watch his videos

[@foxyloon]

Try replacing the cracked coolant line in the Q7 before writing it off. (I'd be willing to roll the dice if the replacement part is less than $100.)

[@RedShift5]

Got into an (minor) accident -> damaged cooling line -> engine went above normal temperatures -> driver ignored warnings -> engine overheated -> gasket cracked.

[@arbiter1]

gasket is least of the issue as overheating could also warp head or block as well so should have those checked to make sure.

[@Mazzerants]

There was a hole in the supercharger coolant lines. Why it too soo long for the color to change. There is a small "T" where the engine coolant and supercharger coolant meet. Same overflow for simplicity. But the motor is fine. Chain rattle is very common (almost certain) and occurs on cold starts until oil pressure is taken up to the upper tensioners. Why Audi's TSB says it if lasts longer than a 1.5sec on cold start or if it ever occurs on a warm start, there is a issue with chain/tensioner. The supercharged 3.0TFSI is stupid reliable and easy to mod to 500 wheel. Sam knows how reliable it is and why he bought one for his wife. Hell, he bought two of the same motors on different chassis.

[@andypugh2000]

If it has an egr cooler then I would be looking there first. They usually fail and leak gasses into the cooling system. Same symptoms as a faulty head gasket.

[@passattdise]

/\ This.... check the EGR cooler first.

[@danieldavis3288]

For the S4 timing chain rattle/check engine light. The fault code is due to timing chain wear, rattle is due to timing chain tensioners not holding oil pressure over time, causing rattle on cold startup. The tensioners can be replaced with the engine in vehicle, but it likely needs chains due to the check engine light, which requires either the engine, or transmission to be removed to gain access to the timing chains.

[@DrPeppa]

That intro though, "My wife keeps telling me it's just too small!" 😂

[@CCW1911]

The innuendo in this video was great.

[@betterwithrum]

Ha! I have a 2017 Q7, I had to spend 12k to replace a bad motor 3 months after buying it from a Northern VA Audi dealership. It threw a rod in cylinder 5. But none of that is the big issue. The software (lane keep, parking cameras, etc) are buggy as hell. The dealerships can't figure it out. I love Audi, this is my 5th one, but know what you're getting into.

[@steverichardson1948]

Hi sam, I love your shows, there is a guy on youtube in the UK "Saving Salvage" who has done the timing gains on the Audi s4 and the RS4 and it looks like a pain in the neck each time he had to take the motor out and if something goes wrong which did a couple of times its out with the motor again. Just have a look at his vidios. Just keep up the good work.

[@markbennett6658]

He’s called Dean and that guy definitely suffered for his art on the RS4 engine that got water in it and bent the con rod. Not for the faint hearted!

[@longbar2344]

@@markbennett6658 and had to remove engine 2 or 3 times doh

[@ianba123]

But his was the V8, not the V6...

[@RS-ve8nq]

V6 and V8 virtually identical on the back side of things.

[@crazyman8472]

“I bought it sight unseen…” Oh, Samcrac; will you never learn? 🤦‍♀️

[@NJRoadfan]

Sam, You really need a VCDS or VAGCAN to scan these cars. They'll tell you how far off the sensors are reading (and how fubar'ed the chain is). Timing chain tensioners are a known weak point in several VW/Audi engines with guides being a close second. If you have to pull the motor, I'd replace everything related to the timing chain and do the rear main seal while you are at it.

[@lesterthelab]

I would get someone else to do the rear main seal with Sam's history lol

[@VuBeClan]

Old Audi’s yes, but this issue is non-present 2013 and up.

[@JohnKaufmann]

@@VuBeClan oh they fail.. My 15 A6 has timing chain tensioner fail at 74k miles. FUBAR!

[@VuBeClan]

@@JohnKaufmann really? Unheard of here in EU. My EA888 is still running strong despite having over 100k miles

[@JDMHaze]

Do every damn thing you can especially when you have to pull an engine,, If you ever seen the car wizard channel he doesn't do the timing chains on vehicles without tensioners/guides typically because it's just a ticking time bomb,, it's a waste to do that job without the rest

[@carlt6932]

Fix the line and try it. I've seen the test fluid turn green and the engine not overheat. It is supposed to turn yellow if it has a combustion leak on a gas engine.

[@mik15ful]

it can definitely be done, i did the upper tensioners on the C6, on the B8 you have a lot more room in the back as you have a panel of the firewall which is removable, unlike the C6, this will allow you all the space you need to do the upper tensioners. Supercharger removal is a piece of cake, within 20-30min it will be out. SInce you're there you'll also want to do the oil filter housing gasket as that will also start leaking as the miles ad up. As for the Q7, having to do the head-gasket it is kind of a PIA cause you might also find other issues if it was driven like that for a longer time you could face possible deformation of the heads so it might not worth the work and time.

[@enrico110]

I switched over to Audi in May of this year and since then I changed endless coolant pump and crossover pipes on this particular model they start leaking around 40k. Don’t give up so quick the coolant runs also through the PCV valve where it could get contaminated and give you false results during block testing. Never saw a blown head gasket on this engine, timing chain rattle belongs to a 3.0 Audi like syrup on cakes :)

[@jamesmedina2062]

Sam listen to this guy! I myself would take compression & leakdown test

[@pistolen87]

For car content on KZbin I watched Samcrac, Goon Squad and Hoovies Garage over the past two years. My conclusion is that I like Samcrac the most as a person and the type of videos he makes.This car was a bummer, but I look forward to your next project!

[@danmurt1]

Add TJ Hunt, Mat Armstrong and Tavarish to that list. If you don’t watch them check them out. All brilliant car content youtubers!

[@nicholasvinen]

And legit street cars!

[@petermolnar8667]

where Rich rebuilds 🐐

[@pistolen87]

Thanks for the other suggestions!

[@lucasgreen8651]

V-Tuned, Kondor Builds, deboss garage, fab rats, Matt’s off road recovery are my other favorites.

[@supercarowners]

Your home farm reminds me of the beautiful farm I recently visited outside Sydney in Australia. Only difference that, instead of cars, we saw cows, horses and Kangaroos.

[@Fillingman48]

Gotta love Sam's dad jokes lol

[@zimzimzimmer]

Q7 is nice Sam. I’d go to fix it. Try that leaking pipe first and see how it goes. I’m sure Alex at Legit would enjoy the build if the gaskets need replacing 😆

[@TiptronicSS]

Kick it out so fast, forget it ever entered your property 😅

[@1967250s]

Yeah, dump it like a hot rock. My brother got an A3, or A4-2 door sport turbo car, whichever, problems left and right.

[@Harvy500]

Cut that metal pipe, cut out about an inch (all the bent and damage section) then slip a rubber pipe over it, couple of pipe clamps and job done for a lot less than a new metal pipe. Fixed in less than 5 minutes.

[@brianbuescher3924]

Alex shouldn’t have to much trouble dropping the engine out of the Audi since HE has a lift!!! Ha Ha Ha

[@Aman-786]

Another beautiful car that's been neglected

[@geraldbennett7035]

how is neglect the cause of a blown head gasket?

[@arla1926]

@@geraldbennett7035 probably not looking at the tempature gauge and letting it run hot

[@jason21jburg]

@@geraldbennett7035 not running correct coolant, letting the car constantly get hot. That leak is huge, so probably no coolant at one point.

[@BROCKUPPERCUT]

its not beautiful, and its not a car

[@jason21jburg]

@@BROCKUPPERCUT Jesus who pissed on your chips.

[@TKsGarage]

That intro! Lmfao 🤣 it’s just too small I’m done lol

[@richardfuentes5244]

The cam/crank allocation faults are due to chain elongation. Just replacing the tensioners would not solve the problem. Your best bet is to drop the engine and replace the chains and tensioners.

[@Sequesterer]

This channel really shows that the saying "if it sounds to good to be true. It is" is true :D

[@j_freed]

He gets lucky though… like the sunroof drip / wet relay issue in the BMW X6M. Whoever sold him that one gave him a deal!

[@brucecoleman7412]

I don’t know about the auction that you buy from, but all of the auctions around here will let you return a car for an undisclosed major engine or transmission problem within 48 hours. A blown head gasket on that Audi would definitely qualify for a return. It’s worth checking into.

[@solomonshv]

i think he is returning it. he said he isn't going to work on it so he is either reselling it retuning it. he didn't mention selling so i think it's a given that he will return it. having said that, sometimes the price at these auctions is so good that it's worth keeping the car even with the undisclosed issue.

[@gman1003]

Out of Warranty Audi Q7, sure Sam! This will work out just fine.

[@BACNandEGGS]

An outdated theater company that has no future? INVEST! Lmao....yea I’m making fun of the irony of your avatar

[@djuanejackson4215]

Sam a small Head Gasket leak like that can be fixed using Blue Devil. I did it 2 yrs. ago and the car still runs great and cool. Like it never happened. Watch ChrisFx HeadGasket review but use the Blue Devil it will not clog up any coolant passages, water pump or thermostat vs. the other brands and lasts permanently!

[@thodieousk5853]

Bring the head gasket tester to the auction with you....

[@andrewspaltman]

Not sure why everyone is so scared of a head gasket replacement job. I bought a Porsche 928 4.7 V8 with a broken cambelt , broken camshaft and bent valves and simply did a rebuild ! A head gasket replacement on this Audi would be a walk in the park.

[@HuntsChris]

It’s a nice car, being a barnyard mechanic with a barnyard setup of course more complex work will put you off, your setup is limiting your ambition perhaps.

[@TheRustyCracker]

0:03 assuming is not confirming my friend…. Don’t let rich hear this…. Oh too late…

[@chiefdenis]

Lol

[@RUGQBIFF]

I saved my marriage not giving my wife a lightly damaged 'deal'. Never give your wife a 'deal' unless you don't like her. Sleep with one eye open...

[@agustincorrea3244]

I have an Audi Q7 2009 and it’s runny good even at 178k milles. Very reliable SUV.

[@austinl5826]

Glad to see another upload 💪

[@irazu2008]

When you pulled the car up on the ramps the driver side sunk in to the grass. A few seconds later someone was crawling under the car. It might be just me but that doesn’t give me a warm fuzzy feeling inside that the ramp isnt going to sink and the car drop/slowly sink on someone. Pour a slab of concrete out in your back yard so you have a solid ground to work on. If it were me I wouldn’t crawl under any car that wasn’t lifted on solid ground, that’s just me. Other than that i love your videos - not a big fan of the type of vehicles you are a fan of but I love fixing vehicles so I come back for more entertainment on a weekly basis, good stuff.

[@S.Alighieri]

Hey Sam, I own an S5 (B8) and had the timing chains replaced. From what my mechanics told me: there is no way of changing the tensioners without removing the engine. Maybe, if you're lucky and have small hands you will manage to change the upper timing chain tensioners. However, if you want to do a proper job you want to replace all tensioners and that means lifting the engine. Good luck. Keep up the good work, really enjoying your channel!

[@Samcrac]

Thanks for the input. It looks like this is the case!

[@ryan_layne]

Before going crazy on the tensioners replace the N205 solenoid. Your hand nearly touched it when you touched the tensioner cover. On my 2.0TFSI i had the same problem and it was caused by a failed N205 which prevented proper oil flow to the tensioner and adjuster and caused chain rattle and timing issues.

[@JTMoney333]

Id never buy a VW with 85k+ miles and think its worth getting sight unseen. Good luck with that!!

[@opathoris]

There are way too many folks buying recent German brand lease turn ins because they see a relatively affordable price but have no idea about the maintenance money pit they’re about towards into. It’s pretty rare to see a 5 year old/100k mid range German auto that isn’t neglected.

[@HereForAStorm]

Every time I think about European cars, I watch one of these videos to quickly stop me from thinking about them.

[@fitchlekvoda8721]

You sound really enthusiastic about the S4 repair challenge, so my vote is DO IT! The projects where you are enjoying yourself are the ones that make the best videos

[@1shakezula1]

I've had two audis with the 3.0T and both make that timing chain rattle on start-up. As long as it's less than a second or two after a cold start it doesn't seem to be a cause for major concern. Since replacing the timing chain/guides is a $4000-$5000 job I just live with it. With a cam/crank correlation code you should definitely look into the variable valve timing system. Seems like a more likely culprit than the timing chain guides if the rattle goes away after a second or two.

[@chasis807]

This head gasket leak tester is a must have when purchasing any European, and particularly German, POS. You should do this on even new German cars (you'd be surprised), including EVs since its coolant will leak into the electric motor.

[@melsmobileservices]

VW/Audi group knows what they are doing! This is I tell my customers to purchase Asian luxury (Lexus & Acruas) as you get most of the features but the 20 years of reliability.

[@GrinDiesel1969]

The Audi Q7 is Fine, it is running, and it took several squeeze to get the fluid to barely turn green, i didn't turn Yellow. replace the Coolant Line and if you are feeling like you wan more assurance, Re-Torque the Heads, on down the Road!!

[@CheapBastard1988]

17:50 That noise is normal in an Audi because the engines are crap. It's also normal in a Mini for the same reason.

[@justinjoyit13]

Put a head gasket in a bottle in- worked on the Range Rover which had a much bigger leak.

[@tonylewis4661]

Wouldn't a leaking EGR cooler produce the same test results?

[@Nick0_p]

EGR valve itself is watercooled too and it makes the same result, its common in vag group engines that EGR system fails, especially TDI's

[@passattdise]

@@Nick0_p Yep, EGR system failed on my 2014 Touareg, TDI.... 39k miles. Fixed under warranty, but VW is a PIA to deal with for any warranty work.

[@Nautricity]

19:37 ants pouring out of the engine bay lmao

[@wags9777]

I'd be concerned that I would cause a leak pumping air into the system like that

[@jackpalczynski7884]

Up in the rust regions, the hard lines rust through. I had the trans cooler line rust in a Fusion, a trans cooler line rust through in a Mazda 6 and about 8 brake lines rust completely in a Yukon XL. You guys in Florida don't get these wonderful issues.

[@thefixation500]

I would love a Q7

[@Samcrac]

I would've too 😆

[@KevinFields777]

0:00 If she says it's too small, divorce her, she's obviously learned the difference from someone else! :D

[@eightysea3780]

Sam: There's definitely coolant in the system. Me: There's definitely coolant in the oil. Let's find out.

[@Samcrac]

I took a sample, no coolant in oil. It was pretty uneventful but should've included in video. If you want me to post it on IG, I will.

[@eightysea3780]

@@Samcrac There might be some hope yet, glad to hear that part was OK.

[@wernerdanler2742]

I had a A6 2.7 twin turbo all aluminium several years ago. Not for long! It was under repair a lot. Thank God for my warranty.

[@The_journeyy]

When is the wife making an appearance in one of the videos is Sams wife not actually his wife and its the rooster that keeps chasing him the mystery remains unsolved 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@MrBloodguns]

Watch the Lincoln video

[@narvul]

VAG cars have had many issues on timing chains and tensioners. That rattle is definitely caused by the chains eg tensioners. Drop the engine and replace everything. Over here in Europe you get all parts for between 300 and 500 dollars and they do ship abroad. Oh..... and get a lift...!!!

[@ThomasGillot]

Timing chains in the rear completely turns me off from a B8 S4. Same issue with the B7 S4 I had. Nightmare if you need to replace the guides which will need replaced eventually.

[@YvanDupuy]

How many different projects do you manage at the same time Samcrac?

[@me007gold2]

About as many as Tavarish, ironically enough they both finish the same number of projects. I wonder how the Figaro is doing?

[@YvanDupuy]

@@me007gold2 the aston martin will definitely be an unfinsihed project, and the green ferrari...

[@bhisnujyotisinghadeb409]

Hey Sam, please change the metal coolant line and retorque/retighten the head bolts of the Q7 , waiting to see the result

[@wak001]

The intro too funny 😭

[@jaybelle1909]

Not sure about audi but on my 15 Subaru wrx they were known to have faulty cam gear sprockets. Same symptoms of triped code and not being that serious but with Subaru every time an engine code pops up it disables safety features, no hill assistance, no anti lock brakes, and no cruise control. Had a light winter accident cause of anti lock brakes being disabled, so I replaced the timing system. My thought is do what you can but most likely it need a new timing job

[@davisdesigns1153]

It's and Audi and it's a Q7...good luck.

[@willitwork4330]

Hey Sam, Check your camshaft position sensor first. Crankshaft position sensor will stop the car, but the Camshaft position sensor will throw a code and still run. Rattle on startup is a red herring. Get a high API spec diesel oil it will have better cold start lubricity and quicker pumpability to the cam Chain tensioners.

[@mmmadog]

I own an older Audi. I think every Audi made should come with a code reader.

[@daviddill5227]

I bought a flood car with a bad title. The car had 17,245 miles on it. It was a 2017. I bought in early 2020. MSRP was $36,800 I got it for $13,500. I replaced the rear differential with a used one. $1,200 later I have had no problems. The car has 84,500 miles on it now. Not my last bad titled car.

[@oumarbedy230]

What does ur step mom say 🤣😂

[@misbehaving3469]

Replaced the oil separator pcv valve unit, sometimes this unit goes bad and causes coolant to mix with oil, it may not be a blown head gasket.

[@jimcabezola3051]

No...Audi's don't HIDE massive problems. They ARE massive problems, lol. Shoulda following Rich's path and gotten your dear wife a nice Audi e-Tron.

[@JG-ot2zf]

Hello Sam You should never use ramp on grass or gravel. They are strong only if they are on even cement or asphalt but stress point on the ramp are present on any other surface. You don't stand a chance to get away from underneath if it collapse. Work safely and we will all continue to enjoy watching you presentations. From Quebec Canada Thank youy

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

I’ll never buy an Audi

[@Samcrac]

But you bought a BMW!!!

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

@@Samcrac I have an Audi too 😂 but it’s an older one these new tech cars are just too much. I almost picked up an A7 last week but my viewers warned me to stay away. Love that q7 btw!

[@IlliterateSage]

Hose water is a great way to test a cooling system. When it's all fixed, fill it with the proper fluid -- but you're right (for once!) that it's a cheap and easy way to test.

[@TheOldMachines]

Just did upper tensioners in my A6 3.2 (same engine basically). Totally doable in place.

[@w1ndexcheese]

Which year - the 2009 and down engines without secondary air injection are a heckuva lot easier to do than the 2010 and up with the secondary air. On those, the Catalytics have to come off in order to gain access to the heat shields and air injection valves. The valves need to come off in order to take off the upper chain covers. doubles the time needed to do this job.

[@TheOldMachines]

@@w1ndexcheese good to know! Mine is 06

[@K_Diggy]

Those upper chain tensioners will not damage the engine. Just a heads up replacing the upper tensioners will band aid that noise for 50k miles. As for the service work we lower the engine and trans assemble out of S4s to replace the timing chain. You minus well replace all the chain if you get that deep in the engine.

[@geosh10]

My 2019 Q7 with 38,000 miles has been a great vehicle. My 2015 Q7 TDi was a different story.

[@bradleykurtz5536]

Please tell me what happened! I just bought a 2013 Q7 TDI…

[@geosh10]

@@user-ie4kp7ni9d It’s a lease, always a hater in the bunch. 😂

[@geosh10]

Hood got stuck, they had to cut it off with a blow torch & order a new hood. Front suspension components replaced, DEF fluid sensor malfunction and numerous other failures. It wasn’t a terrible vehicle but it wasn’t trouble free. After owning several German cars my advice is to change the oil quicker than Audi recommends. Audi says 10,000 for my 2019 Q7 & I change mine at 8,000. I do that with any manufacturers recommendations. I do miss my TDI though, it got awesome fuel mileage! Their fun rides, enjoy it!

[@bradleykurtz5536]

@@geosh10 Thank you!!

[@shiqi5866]

I would appreciate if Sam you actually fixed the car because this car is what my family owns, and since im a "car guy", I always wanted to go into the engine bay deeper but my parents just keep getting worried that I will break something or void the warranty, so I'd love to see you go deeper into the engine, but this is just me as one person's opinion that you should fix the car because it rarely breaks down for us and its a big comfortable SUV

[@the3hrdoption637]

If you have any problem with the head gasket Bars head gasket restorer is awesome and your audi is a perfect candidate.

[@turbotato]

Fix the metal line and see if she overheats. If it does, try some headgasket sealer...if it really does have a headgasket leak it doesn't look bad based on the minor color change in the test fluid. Chrisfix used sealer on an old beater with a massive headgasket leak and got a couple more years out of it with no issue.

[@grand04gt]

For sure fix the coolant leak first then see after that. See if you can put a rubber hose over the metal in that spot for a temporary fix (should it be possible) and see if that fixes your problem and then repeat your head gasket test. The engine out may not be that crazy if you have the ability to remove the front easily by putting it into front service position you may get lucky to "pull the engine" without it coming far out of the vehicle as you may have loads of space to simply slide it a little forward to get the space needed without completely taking it out of the car

[@Gone29480]

That head gasket leak doesn't look too bad, If I were you I'd check the fluids for crosscontamination and if it's burning coolant and/or oil for a week. If you're lucky you just lost a few ponies that escapes in your coolant system and the coolant doesn't leak into the cylinder. If so using a good head gasket repair bottle that you pour in the coolant should give you a few years of peace of mind. Also, the coolant temp sensor probably doesn't work when there is no coolant ,so don't count on it for knowing when it's overheating. Of course the proper way to repair would be to check if block warped and replace the head gasket with the proper size depending how much you shave the block. But like I said, it's a small leak so you could also not shave the block and just put two head gasket if you wanna be cheap.