(Login ex-scooby) ACSA Forum Users from IP address 168.209.98.35
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Hello guys. Please could I get some advice from the people in the know...
I have a 2001 A4 1.8T (B5) that has 148000km. I have begun noticing that there seems to be a lack of power and the feul conumption is beginning to get really bad! (About 480km to a full tank with moderate in-town driving). In my Subaru, I had to decat that exhaust to rid myself of a similar problem, but it was the normally aspirated one and I am not familiar with the workings of a turbo engine. Could a blocked cat be the root of my evil and would it be suitable to replace the exhaust with a full free-flow or just a decatted exhaust?
Suggestions please...
Bradley Poultney
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Hey Brad,
sounds like a bust cat converter to me. If it hasn't been replaced than with this millage and the quality (or lack of) the SA fuel it is most certainly the cat.
It is rather pricey to change (5-6K) asuming the car is out of FWP than the most sensible option is to decat. It is not only cheaper but it will gain you a few extra kw....It is a no brainer in my book we all want to be eco-environment friendly but with the crap fuel and the fact that 60% or so of the cars have no cat converter than decating is the way to go.
Perhaps get it checked out to make sure it isn't a boost leak / turbo/ stuffed MAF ...decent Audi dealer should confirm otrr deny that rather fast.
Good luck mate
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Decatting may improve performance, but if you want the fuel economy to come right, you'll probably need to replace the lambda probe. The lambda should only last about half the mileage you've done! Also, if you decat, you can run on leaded, however, it will stuff the lambda, so best to continue on unleaded with a new lambda. They should be able to check the lambda status at the dealer, simply by connecting the car to a diagnostic computer. Note, removing the cats and replacing with straight-through pipes can also introduce noise & vibrations. What you can do is simply cut open the steel encasing, remove the cats from inside, and weld it back closed.
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Hi Bradley
It is not unusual for a cat to become compromised at your mileage, some become congested earlier, some later. But your problem could also be attributed to other things including MAF (as mentioned before), boost leaks, Lambda sensors, and some of the older B5 1.8T turbos are susceptible to cracked wastegates or housings. First stop should be for a bit of diagnostics, either a dealer, or I will gladly do free of charge if you want to pop into our workshop.
Regards
Will
084-674-2094
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