After massive coolant leak, terrible idle, then no start.(long)
Martin Pot
paulnet at direcway.com
Wed Aug 6 12:59:57 EDT 2003
Hi, Guys. I have a puzzle for you.
I just replaced the radiator on my wife's reliable, smooth running and well
maintained '91 2CTQA 20v with an all metal Nissans one available from SJM. I
also replaced all the hoses that connect to it. I used the wheel liner
removal method this time and liked it better than the PS pump removal method
which I did last time on my other 2CTQ.
As I have experienced during the many years of Audi ownership, any time I do
a major repair there is a risk that something else will go wrong, because
the weakest link is being shifted. This is the reason I told my wife to let
me keep her car another day.
After I replaced the radiator I let the car run at idle and let it come to
operating temperature and checked for leaks, none to be found.
Next day went to run some errands and after a 10 mile trip parked the car in
front of the revenue office. When I got out of the car I was amazed about
the amount of AC drain, only to realize it was coolant, and a lot of it!
First went into denial and looked at the car parked in front of me.
Opened the hood, and saw that the hose that goes to the after run pump had
popped off, and caused to spray all my coolant straight to the back of the
enine bay.
After closer inspection I noticed that the plastic spout of the pump had
snapped off ( probably over tightened). No big deal I thought and called my
son to bring me the spare pump from home and the coolant.
1 hour later I was moving again, but had a terrible idle problem, and was
even worried if I would make it home. Car drove fine as long as I kept the
RPM up, and running the AC helpt me with that too.
After I got home I checked the ground connections in that area but they
looked fine.
Then I noticed the crank breather hose looked pretty mooshy, had it in
stock, and went ahead and replaced it.
Started the car and it is still not idling, or at least very,very erratic. I
unplugged the ISV which didn't change the rough idle.
Now the car won't start at all any more, I mean it turns over, but not a
hint of life.
Timing belt is OK.
I took the distributer cap off. and the rotor is turning, when cranked.
I decided before I do any more exploring I should ask you guys, because the
massive coolant leak could have done something to the electrical system,
that one of you have experienced.
Unless by coincidence something completely unrelated might have gone wrong,
like hall sender, distributer gear, spark plug wires or may be injectors, I
don't know, thats why I am asking.
Thanks, Martin.
'86 5KCSTQ
'91 2CTQ
'91 2CTQA
They sure keep me busy, especially during summertime.
Love these cars, especially during wintertime.
Maintenance seems to be a fraction during winter months compared to summer.
I am still not sure if it is because of all the summer maintenance,
or they are just not designed for summer heat.
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