Weird problem, 88 90Q with Clifford alarm

[Huw Powell]

>> > In other news, my car died the other night and cranks over rarely
>> > and you can hear the fuel pump whining, so I'm replacing it with a
>> > Bosch part (only 150 including 1 day shipping on Amazon). When she
>> > /did/ crank over after I did an oil change and tried to fire up to
>> > check for leaks from the filter and plug, my fiancee reported a
>> > plume of white smoke from my tailpipe when I revved the engine. Is
>> > that water/coolant burning and signifying a head gasket?
>>
>> I hope not.
>>
>> PS, I have a spare engine if you need it. Heck, I have 2 3/4 spare
>> 90Qs here...
>>
>
> /So have you taken it apart and cleaned it yet?/
>
> It's the battery terminal connector on the flat, braided ground strap.
> Though I have cleaned it with a toothbrush and
> baking soda water. How's that 2AWG one from Wally World holding up?

Spend four bucks on a terminal/connector cleaner thing.  Scrapes the 
surface and makes the lead shiny.  The Wally unit is just fine.

> /PS, I have a spare engine if you need it./
>
> A new engine that I know things are correct on would certainly fix a
> load of my problems, but most likely out of my
> price range. I have noticed lately a fair amount of knocking, almost
> like a diesel would sound. Could this be attributed
> to the oil? I used Rotella T6 5w-40 oil with a Mobil 1 filter (the only
> one Autozone had with an anti-drainback valve.
> I went with Rotella because it's the only 5w-40 oil I could find that
> was decently cheap
> (almost $8 a quart for M1 where I am!).

Yeah, I changed the oil on my new buggy firs thing, was shocked at what 
M1 costs these days.

Knocking?  That's not good.  I doubt my old engine would cost you a lot, 
but would involve a lot of your time.  And I'd be keeping all the pretty 
powder coated parts!  I can borrow and engine hoist from next door, and 
lend you an engine stand if it comes down to it.

It does sound a bit to me like you should run away from this car rather 
than pouring more cash into it.  Perhaps I should drive up there rather 
than vice versa, and give you my unvarnished opinion of the new ride?

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/