1989 Audi 200 QT - Hard Start Need Help

[Kevin Clinton]

89 Audi 200 QT runs great but has a difficult long hard crank when it has sat for awhile.

Local german auto mechanic performed tune up replacing breather hoses, spark plugs etc.  Invoice says that he 
checked cold start system, warm up regulator, fuel injection system, fuel pressure, etc.  He concluded that I needed a new $1,270 ECU.  Says that fuel pump is not turning on correctly on start up.

Now I am certainly not a mechanic but before I shell out $1,300 I thought I would do a little checking and ask some help.

Heres a few things I have done with my limited skills.

Using a volt-OHM meter I tested the ECU connection to the fuel pump relay.  It sure looks like the ECU is sending a brief 10 volts or so to the relay when cranking the engine.  The fuel pump relay is making a loud click when it receives this signal.  Additionally, I jumped the fuel pump relay for 10 seconds or so before starting the car noting that it still has a long hard crank.  Not positive but this sure sounds like the ECU is doing its job and that the problem is not associated with a lack of fuel.

This mechanic kept the car for three days so he could test the "cold start" each morning.  I think he simply ran out of ideas and knew that a $1,300 suggested fix would be rejected and he could go onto his next project.

Unfortunately, I still have a car which needs fixing.

One last thing that might give a clue as to what the actual problem might be.  I noticed that right after I tested the ECU connection to the fuel pump relay (which required cranking the car with the fuel pump fuse removed) the car started right up.  I assume this procedure would have eliminated any fuel sitting in the engine.  I also noted that when I go on vacation and leave the car unused for 10 days or so it starts right up.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Kevin



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