Audi 80 Quiz
Engines

Engine speed limitation

In this manual: Engines
Technical Description — 39Engines — 41Exhaust System — 13Cooling System — 28Fuel tank and fuel pump — 12Air Filter and Intake Ducts — 13Mono-Motronic Injection System — 18Digifant Injection System — 19KE-III-Jetronic Injection System — 35MPI and MPFI Injection Systems — 32Clutch — 11Transmission and Driveline — 21Suspension and Steering — 33Brake System — 41Anti-lock brake system — 8Wheels and Tires — 13Body Electrical System — 35Ignition System — 24Lighting — 14Signaling Devices — 7Instruments and Auxiliary Equipment — 54Heating and Ventilation — 7Body Components — 18Troubleshooting — 6Specifications — 13
~1min read

The absolute engine speed limit is approximately 6700 rpm. At or beyond this speed, the valve springs begin to oscillate so strongly that they no longer ensure proper opening and closing of the valves. The valve springs may break, which can result in consequences such as the valve striking the piston and thus severe engine damage.


To keep matters from going this far, Audi engines incorporate an engine speed limiter which, when the engine approaches the above speed range, stops further increase in engine speed by cutting off the fuel supply.


So if you have ever been surprised by engine misfiring at very high speeds, be aware that this is not a fault but the engine's built-in self-protection.

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A quick Audi 80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.