My Audi A4 has no compression. What could be the cause?

[hoovernoover]

After driving my 2001 Audi A4 T Sport for 3.5 hours non-stop I lost power. There was no bang, clank or smoke. The engine just seemed to wind down. I pulled over and tried to start the engine and it just seemed to fly over. This happened in France and it's been looked at twice over there. No one seems to be able to say exactly what has happened. Just that there is no compression in the engine. After a telephone conversation with an "expert" I have been informed it could be something to do with hydraulics and a bent piston? Has anyone else had this happen and know what it is? Is it worth taking apart to try and fix or will it need a new engine? Thanks
Just to add that the first garage originally said it was the timing belt. It was then taken to another garage (Audi specialist I believe) and they said it wasn't the timing belt but that there was no compression and that the engine would need changing. The message from the second garage came through our insurance people. They seemed keen for us to dispose of the car in France. Probably cheaper than them having to transport it home.

 

[fatrab]

Sounds like the timing belt has snapped or jumped a tooth causing valve damage. If it was a bent con rod you'd still have compression in the other cylinders. Take the timing cover off and see whats going on.

If its all ok and the timing marks match up you could have a broken camshaft, the only way to check would be stripping off the rocker cover but i'd imagine that would have made a noise.

Strange that 2 places (I'm assuming they were garages) couldnt find such a major fault.

The joys of motoring.

I think the garage in france is hoping to aquire a free-of-charge-easy-to-fix Audi worth £4500! If the belt hasnt snapped, and the engine hasnt siezed then it doesnt need a new engine. It might need a head or new pistons or a crankshaft but methinks the garage is trying to pull a fast 1.

Get the car home and let someone who you trust assess it. Worst case scenario £1500max (probably more like £800-£900) for a second hand unit. They're not that hard to come by, people are writing them off on a regular basis.

Just had a quick look on ebay, theres a complete engine and box for £850.