ignition spark

[Ameer Antar]

Sounds like you have a lot of troubles w/ this car. These cars are kinda complicated, (esp. ignition and fuel systems; their kind of uncommon today) so if you really want to try to fix this thing, you HAVE to get a Bentley shop manual. It has all kinds of systematic approaches to finding out problems like this. For ignition stuff, all you need is a good meter and some alligator clips. You could have problems w/ the ignition/timing senders, distributor, ignition wires, ECU, low-voltage wiring etc. You REALLY need the manual, otherwise you'll just be throwing parts at the problem, and you already know how audi part$ are...The manual will pay for itself by saving you from buying unecessary parts and avoiding cut-throat repair shops. 

Are you sure there's no spark, and the engine isn't flooding and killing any spark? Are you checking the coil high-voltage wire, or the individual wires for each cylinder? There are some cheap little gadgets that can help you find out if the spark is non-existant, weak or whatever. here's one that's pretty cheap: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/LIS-50850.html

About the fuel issues, you better take really good care cleaning out the system. Even the lines may have debris in there, especially the supply line. It would be a good idea to jumper the fuel pump on and let it pump fuel (from a line before the filter) into a can a few times to be sure you have nothing bad in there. Also how did you solve the tank problem? Just cleaning up the tank will not stop rust from spreading and creating more debris and junk to cause problems later. You either need to replace the tank w/ a good one or coat the insides w/ a POR-15 kit or something (just be careful not seal over and vents or openings). 

good luck.

-Ameer

----Original Message----
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 15:42:28 -0500
From: Jim & Michelle <jimhill at blomand.net>
Subject: ignition spark
To: quattro at audifans.com
Message-ID: <001001c470f5$93039340$45b590cf at jim-s>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

Just replaced an ignition coil with a used one.  upon first installing the coil I received spark and the engine ran but died often.  The engine would start back but die almost immediately, finally after about 5 or 6 tries the engine wouldn't even attempt to start, upon checking I discovered it wasn't getting spark to the plugs or dist.  The ICU is new,  where do I go from here?  I replaced my other coil because I messed up the transistor mounted on the side.  Prior to this the car would run but would faulter on acceleration, I found my fuel tank was dirty with rust, after cleaning the tank and fuel pump, fuel filter, etc. I thought I was ready to go, but now no spark!!!!!!!!!! Any suggestion anyone? Anyone wanna buy a 1988 5KT I'm getting discouraged, I think the car is possessed.

Jim


------------------------------