5000rpm max!!!!!!!

[AudiA8Quattro]

Sorry to contradict what everyone else is saying but please read my last post as i really do know this problem inside out!!!

I own the very same car, I work for AUDI and i have had the EXACT same problem which was rectified in this way!

so trust me! i know what i'm talking about.

Yeah of course you do mate 
I very much doubt it is timing.
So why can't you set static timing yourself? its not exactly a main dealer only job now is it? 

[Justins145bhpMK1]

I have to agree I cant see how timing would cause this prob. Try cleaning up your MAF it is a 5 min job and worth a go as it costs nowt!

[AudiA8Quattro]

The only way that i could see timing being an issue is the engine not been able to reach the red line in top gear, as in it can't make enough torque/power as the timing is out.
I assume that the car is doing it in every gear, so its got to be a problem with the rev limiter.

[Justins145bhpMK1]

Can you rev it over 5000rpm when its in neutral ??

[starfishcracker]

The reason that you cannot set the base ignotion timing yourself is because the ignition timing is constantly being retarded and advanced by the engine control unit. The timing is retarded until pinking is sensed by the knock sensor, then it is advanced by 3 degrees again. then the process starts again! - therefore, if you put a timing light on, you will never see a true reading for the ignition timing!!!!!!

To set the base ignition timing, the engine control unit needs to be in 'Basic settings mode' which needs to be done by VAG diagnostic tools 5051/5052.

Now this is the clever bit! - If the base ignition timing is wrong, and the engine is pinking, the knock sensor will sense this and limit the maximum engine revs to 5000 rpm to save damage to engine!

To have the timing set on a VAG diagnostic tester is the quickest, cheapest and easiest thing to do first.

Now, the only other thing that would cause these symptoms - in my experience is the Hall Effect Sensor, which is housed in the distributor, although if this is faulty, you may as well change the whole distributor, as it will cost you more in labour charges to strip the disi and replace the sensor!

Any questions?

[Burnsy]

Intresting reading guys hope we find out the problem on this one

[davero]

sorry for your problems goldracing, but this is very interesting, hope you find a solution soon, please let us all know how it goes

[AudiA8Quattro]

The reason that you cannot set the base ignotion timing yourself is because the ignition timing is constantly being retarded and advanced by the engine control unit. The timing is retarded until pinking is sensed by the knock sensor, then it is advanced by 3 degrees again. then the process starts again! - therefore, if you put a timing light on, you will never see a true reading for the ignition timing!!!!!!

To set the base ignition timing, the engine control unit needs to be in 'Basic settings mode' which needs to be done by VAG diagnostic tools 5051/5052.

Now this is the clever bit! - If the base ignition timing is wrong, and the engine is pinking, the knock sensor will sense this and limit the maximum engine revs to 5000 rpm to save damage to engine!

To have the timing set on a VAG diagnostic tester is the quickest, cheapest and easiest thing to do first.

Now, the only other thing that would cause these symptoms - in my experience is the Hall Effect Sensor, which is housed in the distributor, although if this is faulty, you may as well change the whole distributor, as it will cost you more in labour charges to strip the disi and replace the sensor!

Any questions?

Sorry mate, but that is total total crap.
Anyone can set the static timing on these engines.
Lets make it simple for you.
There will be a TDC mark on the crank,cam, and intermediate shaft.
When all these marks are aligned, the engine IS AT TDC, this is called STATIC IGNITION TIMING.
Alternatively the crank and cam can be set to TDC, and then the distributor can be set to TDC.
A timing gun is not generally needed on these engines as the ECU will adjust it automatically to suit.
All that is generally required is the STATIC timing is set correctly.
But if you want to be fussy, i can always dig out the workshop procedure for the job, i can assure you, you don't need VAG special equipment to do it.

[davero]

spot on, i will look on for further enjoyment

[starfishcracker]

OK!

So maybe there is another way to set the static timing - i may stand corrected on that point.

But the fact is that the base ignition timing CAN affect the redline as i have stated, and if you want to go into a VAG dealer and ask a master technician, i am sure you will get the same response!

I haven't just plucked this info from thin air - I had the same prob with my 98 8V and researched it in depth!!! so i DO no what i'm talking about,

and i think i mentioned that i do work for audi, and the VW dealership is NEXT DOOR!