86 coupe losing power

[TooManyAudis at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/14/2006 2:51:11 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
quattro-request at audifans.com writes:

> I  have recently replaced the battery and alternator. Due to rarely
>  driving the car, I will start it up to run for a while.   Yesterday,
> started it, it ran for about 15 minutes and then I noticed  the engine
> starting to struggle and the digital dash had gone  blank.  When I revved
> the engine, the dash came back on and I  noticed the volt guage increase
> at a rapid pace up to the normal  level.  I took the car out for a spin
> and it runs  fine.



Seems perfectly normal to me...
 
I've had several VWs and Audis do this.  I think it has something to  do with 
the alternator needing to be "excited" before it puts out a  charge.  
 
If you disconnect the small blue wire on the alternator, it won't charge,  no 
matter how high you rev it.
 
As for the precise cause, I do not know.  But, you have a voltmeter in  your 
car.  When you start it up, just make sure that you are in the  charging mode 
before you let it idle or take it for a spin -- Generally 2000 or  2500 rpm to 
get the alternator to start charging.
 
My 80q is having a similar problem.  No Voltmeter, however, so I  rigged an 
old one from a 4000 and spliced in the lead from a cigarette lighter  
connection.  Plug it in when I start, and as soon as it hits 14v (there is  usually a 
jump from 12 to 14, no in-between) I am good to go.
 
As the saying goes, it's a feature, not a defect.
 
-- Tom
Charleston, SC
1988 80q
1991 200q (For Sale, needs release bearing, inquire  within)