Engine question, what do you think?????

Hello again all,
I am after some opinions with respect to the engine on my A4.
I am currently restoring the bike and have the engine out as part of this process.

When I was cleaning the engine up so I could paint it with high temp silver paint when I noticed a previous owner had run a thick bead of silicon sealant along the base gasket joint between the bottom of the barrel and crankcase, between numbers 3 and 4 cylinder.

This makes me suspect a possible oil/water weep/leak may have occurred at this point. However there is no real evidence to support this ie oil/water residue etc. But the nagging question still remains , why was the silicon there in the first place.

My dilemma is, do I leave things alone and put the engine back in the frame only to find that it does weep oil/water from the base gasket or do I pull it apart and replace the base gasket as a matter of course. Bearing in mind that this would necessitate a quick hone and new rings (if not worn excessively)etc.

The bike has only done 18000km, and upon inspection of the cam chain idler gear (which is in near perfect condition) I believe this to be right.

Opinions / thoughts appreciated.

Hi,

I personally would not strip the whole bike just because of that.
Its a big job & costly, & may not be necessary.

What I would do is check the cylinder head/block studs to make sure they are at the correct tightness (refer to manual).
It is common for bikes to weep a little oil from the base gasket if the studs are not fully tightened.
The base gasket (as with most engines) is designed to absorb oil & expand to make an oil tight seal. As your bike has had low useage, they can dry out & leak when first ran.

Also, its common for the 1300 to leak a little rusty water now & then from the water pump seal leak hole at the base of the cylinder block inbetween cylinders 3 + 4. This water then runs down the front of the block when left on the side stand & can be mistaken for an oil leak. I have seen owners not aware of the leak hole "think" they have a problem & try to stop it with silicon or other sealant..........YOU MAY HAVE THIS ISSUE ??

Hope that helps ?

Pete F
UK

Thanks Pete, I appreciate your input. I had not considered the water pump seal leaking with the result you describe.

Ironically I will be replacing the water pump oil seal and impeller seal before putting the engine back in the frame. Easier to do out of the frame than in.

Thanks Pete, I appreciate your input. I had not considered the water pump seal leaking with the result you describe.

Ironically I will be replacing the water pump oil seal and impeller seal before putting the engine back in the frame. Easier to do out of the frame than in.