So i was driving yesterday (01 ws6 a4) and I pulled onto the highway and punched it and around 5k i heard a huge clank clank smash sound, then smoke everywhere (oh ****, right?). So I shut it off and pulled over and take a look. The only thing i see is oil everywhere put no metal. After I pulled it home i get it in the air and take a look. To me it almost looks like the top seal of the filter blew off. SO I change the oil (no metal) and cross my fingers and turn the key, it cranks, no grinding but its not firing. So I am going to guess timing chain? My question is how would I diagnois it wiht out have to pull the cover off? Just pull a wire and see if it is jumping the gap? All help is appreciated-Tim

 

do a compression test

 

What should it be at? 120ish?

 

you could also pull a valve cover and see if the valves operate as you turn it over

 

Thats what else I was think and is probally the easiest way

 

Anyone else?

 

the easiest way is to check and see if the valves operate. through the valve cover.

 

what he said if your valves open its not your chain

 

That sucks

 

Wouldnt you be able to tell if the timing chain broke by the sound of the engine while cranking? Youd think it would be slowed enormously? Maybe my theory on how motors work is off though. Been a long day

 

Just curious, as others probably are, as to what brand filter you were using

 

if the chain broke, im pretty sure that there are a few bent valves.... but if it is cranking with no odd sounds it would seem the chain is not broke... i think

 

Well i pulled a valve cover-valves are opening and closing, no sounds, and it was a wix filter with a little under 3k miles on it...........so i have a warranty so i guess its time to haul it to the shop and have them diagnois it, then get a check, then install the ls6 heads I have and most likely a 233/239 cam with a 3800 stall WOOHOO! Hopefully something good comes from this

 

from the way it sounds it will definitely be a good thing once you get it back

 

you forgot the heads hahaha

 

Guess what! Rod sticking out of the side of my block! YAY!