1988 audi 90 Q

[Huw Powell]

> just purchased a type 89 1988 audi 90Q as a project car with 195k 
> miles.  I need a new auxilliary radiator due to coolant leakage on 
> the passenger side. (if i am not interested in a/c do i need this 
> auxilliary radiator?) Who are the best people to buy radiators from? 
> (Blau are pretty expensive)

I think that depends a bit on where you live.  Up here in New England, I
got rid of mine.  It doesn't get that hot, I removed the AC, don't pull
a trailer, etc.  Temps stay nicely under control.

I did a big timing belt/water pump/radiator project all at once, so I
got a 4kq all-metal radiator from Blau (about 200), and used the 4kq
lower hose (had to shorten slightly), eliminating the "extra" ports.

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/tbwp-90.htm

You can simply remove the aux radiator (if you decide that is
appropriate) and plug the hoses that went to it carefully.  Heck, Nate
did this on his Turbo Special, and I think he has no cooling problems.

> I noticed when I idle the car the fans don't come on, how long should
>  it take for the fans to come on?

They probably won't come on til late April.

> the temp gauge isn't working. is it the thermostat that needs 
> replacing or is it electrical and how can i test which is the 
> problem?

If the temperature gauge doesn't move, you are correct in the two
possible reasons why.  1. the thermostat isn't closing, so the engine 
never gets warm (do you get heat?), or 2. the sender is bad.  Well, 
t-stats are about $10.  Put a new one in anyway.  It's under the lower 
radiator hose neck. The sender is about $40 and they all go bad. 
Replace it.  It's on the underside of the top radiator hose neck.

> My fuel pump is making a lot of noise how soon do I need to replace 
> it?

The weekend before it dies.  They can run noisy indefinitely...  If you 
decide to replace it, consider doing a new fuel filter, new short 
plastic lines, and maybe even a new fuel accumulator at the same time.

Here is a good way to blow through a few hundred dollars:

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/fueltray-90.htm

> Should I replace the timing belt? any advice on what i need checked 
> so i can use this car everyday while slowly restoring it?

Replacing the TB (and water pump, accessory belts and crank seal) would 
be a good idea if you don't know when it was last done.

I would plan a short term schedule to replace all the "tune up" parts 
over the next few months.

Take a good look at all the suspension rubber bits, and try to do more 
than just replace actual shot parts - like, do all control arm bushings, 
not just one or two.

By doing this sort of progressive/preventative maintenance the car 
should end up being a nice solid, tight, dependable ride for years to come.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/