About three weeks ago, Audi/VW started a voluntary recall campaign for all 1.8T engines in 1997 to present Audi A4s and VW Jettas. This is due to problems that can occur from oil sludge and oil powder buildup (known as "coking".) As part of the recall, Audi is extending the warranty of 1.8T engines by 8 years, unlimited mileage and transferrable to new owners.

The root of this problem was that Audi/VW never specified that only synthetic oil should be used in the 1.8T. They most likely did this to save money on their free warranty oil changes. Also, the oil capacity on earlier 1.8T's is a bit low for a turbo charged engine. Some people are claiming problems even when using nothing but synthetic oil.

Those of you with these models should have received a letter about this. If you have moved and your mail isn't forwarded and Audi doesn't know your new address, then you should contact them. Its also important to note that people who have been out of warranty will probably have to produce all their receipts for oil changes to qualify for the recall. Hopefully, Audi will include do-it-yourself'ers.

This doesn't mean your 1.8T has a problem. If you've been using synthetic oil, then the engine is probably O.K. If not, you should consider having Audi remove and inspect the engine; if it has wear they will replace it.

What is strange about this recall is that it doesn't include the TT, which has a 1.8T. An aqaintance of mine who owns an A4 1.8T wagon hasn't received any notice. Anyone with a 1.8T should be concerned. After the brake-in period, you should only use synthetic oil in your 1.8T. You also want to frequently (one a week, or daily on long trips) check your oil level. The newer (last 2 years?) 1.8Ts have an oil level sensor, but the earlier ones don't.

There is a web page with more information and rants about this at:

www.autospies.com/article/index.asp