Decision Time

[Huw Powell]

> My 90 90Q 20V is smoking like the James Bond  trick for loosing pursuers.
>
> Looks like valve seals are gone and a variable amount of oil gets burned
> when the engine has been idling for a seconds. It's my wife's car and she
> has now taken over my S6 until I either get her a new car or fix it. In
> every other way this car, 175k km is working like a charm and the finish is
> beautiful.

well then, definitely fix it.  Sure it's not rings, right?  (not the
four on the front...)

> What choices do I have?
>
> 1) Replace the head with a remanufactured one? If so, where do you get one?

that's one way, probably expensive.  heck, you could buy a new one from
Audi...

> 2) Find a competent shop to rebuild the head? What warranty would I need?

As was pointed out, good machine shops have reputations, and racetracks
will be over-represented with their customers.  I have no idea what sort
of warranty to expect or hope for, though.

> Is this only something a VW or Audi dealer should be trusted with?

Nah

> 3) Do it myself (scary thought). I have time this summer and an Alfa Romeo
> Spider to get me places (when it's dry)

Then pull the head and bring it to whomever in your area does good work.
  As mentioned, it will help if they are at least a bit VW-savvy.  But
what you are having them do is also pretty routine.

> 4) Bail now and sell it at night?

definitely not.

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/