my '88 5kcstq

[Ken Keith]

This is miscellaneous ramblings, for those interested...

I replaced my MF temp sensor last night, along with the top 
radiator hose (the Y-shaped one).

It was pretty cool, the way the hose decided to spring a leak right 
before I had to replace the MF sensor.  I didn't realize it before, but 
it helped me get to the sensor by taking off the hose.  No plastic 
"necks" broke off anything, so that's good.

So, I put them both on.  No real difference noticed so far.  Temp 
gauge works, no apparent leaks.  However, I did manage to break 
off both of the retaining tabs on the connector for the MF sensor.  
I'm concerned that the connector may come loose, being on the 
vibrating engine, and hanging from the bottom.  Any suggestions 
on this?  I lost one of the two tabs that broke off, I did it at night 
when the UPS guy delivered the parts.

I still only get 1.2 bar most of the time, 1.3 hardly ever and only 
after extensive winding out of the motor.  With the engine off and 
key "on", the stock gauge reads 0.9.  Yes, the 1.2 reading is from 
the stock gauge.  I will get boost and oil temp gauges later.

The car's got a new MF sensor, throttle sensor, and vacuum 
hoses.  I haven't looked for codes lately, and haven't seen the 
check engine light flash, or any autocheck codes.  I wonder if I 
shouldn't see 1.3 bar displayed on a more regular basis (when 
intended!).

I had been noticing for the past week of driving my Saturn, that it is 
a bit bouncy.  It's got a pretty busy ride, and the engine noise is 
buzzy as well (it's got an intake cone on it).

The 5kcstq is really a pleasure to drive, so relaxing.  Plenty of 
headroom, nice ride (even with worn shocks), and decent power.

I have to fix the non-functional cruise control, and the a/c doesn't 
blow cold.  Actually the climate control in general seems to act 
strangely.  In the morning, when it's about 34f degrees out, I turn 
the heat on.  If I set the temperature too high, I dont get any warm 
air through the dash vents.  I understand that this might be just the 
way it works, defrosting the windshield first or something.  It could 
be operator error.  I probably need to look at the owners manual or 
something.

Ah, that's about it.  I have to get a slow leak repaired on the front 
right.  It's definitely probable that it's the reason I've perceived that 
corner to be lower than the rest.

Thanks for any advice, as usual.

Later,

Ken

p.s.  Marc, I figured you meant a homemade harness from scratch, 
I was just being silly with the Monster Cable stuff.  Speaking of 
making harnesses, does Audi carry new terminals and connectors 
for most/all of the harnesses?  I wouldn't mind having a new end on 
my MF temp sensor wires.