Finally! I have a temp gauge that is reading normal!

[Danton J.A. Cardoso]

Hi Folks,

I have to post this, even though its trivial.  As most of you have read, my
A4 was in need of a thermostat.  Well, its done, and it did not kill the
wallet that much.  Got the part from AZ auto parts, a Behr thermostat and
gasket, under 30 bucks with shipping and the install with a coolant change
it was under $300. Heck, with the temp set at 70 the cabin is like Aruba.
The best part of it all, I had it done here in Mayberry, oh I mean
Kirksville, MO.  As for the guys who have suggested places to get the A4
worked on in KC, Columbia (I did call Tom's- he was the same price, the
problem was that it had to be done during the week).   However, that does
not mean I am not going to use either one of them.  In addition, it is
difficult for me, to leave work and the way my schedule and time off works,
it sacrifices sick days and vacation days. Also I have no other means of
transport.  The best part is, the guy who worked on it, actually knows
imports.  I quizzed him a bit about Audis and other makes on the ride he
gave me to work, and he was spot on with answers.  Oh, and get this, labour
rates are only $45/hour.

Now, here is an interesting tidbit as well.  Prior to the thermostat
install, at idle I could actually feel the engine rocking back and forth,
like most V-style engines do, not any more, at least from what I have
noticed.  Oh, and finally this, I need a rear wheel bearing done and a rear
axle seal taken care of, any guess what the bill will be with parts and
labour?  $246.26!  Bearing goes for $69.40 (I will research for a lower
price though) and the seal is $11.90, again, I wlll research for a lower
price.  I will have it done, however being paid monthly gives a good lesson
in money management.

That is all....:)
-- 
Danton J.A. Cardoso