'87 CGT "overheating" after huge snowstorm

[Huw Powell]

> 1) where is the coolant temp sensor (the one for the
> dash) & what are optimal readings for it? I'll give it
> a test with an ohmmeter / voltmeter and see if it's
> working.

I am trying to remember where yours would be.  You don't have the 2.3 
(1987.5) which would have the multi-function sender on the top rad. 
flange... Actually, I think the sender is in the top flange - there's 
one there for your CIS-E and one for the gauge.  Wish I knew the 
measurements for it offhand...

> Starting the car this afternoon, after it had sat in a
> 12F parking lot with winds, the temp gauge immediately
> registered cold/normal (rather than
> 'too-cold-to-register'). Within 30 seconds, it was in
> normal operating temperature.

There's no way that is "real," unless perhaps, your water pump isn't 
running... in which case you wouldn't have an engine by now...

> I got home and parked it (in a normal spot this time)
> and let the engine run while I felt the two main
> radiator hoses. The top one was hot (but not too hot
> to touch without gloves) and the bottom one was cold.
> Is that normal? Which direction does coolant flow in
> this engine?

This might help:

http://www.humanspeakers.com/cgi-bin/audi_img.pl?image=images/cooling-flow.gif

Do you see flow through the expansion tank?  It's more visible when you 
rev the engine.

> Thanks a bunch for your help, all of you! It is
> starting to look like I will have to cancel my trip
> tomorrow... :(

Most shops these days will have nifty temperature gauges they just point 
at things.  You could always get some peace of mind by checking that out.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/