Damn

[John Larson]

On 11:59 AM, Vincent Gelinas wrote:
> On 11/16/2010 8:23 PM, John Larson wrote:
>> On 11:59 AM, Vincent Gelinas wrote:
>>> Evening, y'all!
>>>
>>> Well, after replacing the fuel pump and that not having any effect on
>>> the running of my car (the mechanic said the old one was making
>>> hellacious noises though... it was a Walbro unit that was way too small
>>> for the application and is now replaced with a Bosch OEM unit), I think
>>> I found my problem. After talking to someone who knows about
>>> distributors and such, I found out that the carbon brush in the cap
>>> that's supposed to contact the rotor and transmit the spark is gone! 
>>> All
>>> this frustration over something the size of my thumbnail!
>>>
>>> Autozone has both the cap and rotor for less than 20 dollars. Anyone
>>> have any good or bad feedback on Duralast parts? I'd rather replace 
>>> with
>>> Bosch OEM parts right now, but I am short on cash so I need 
>>> something to
>>> get me by.
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>>
>>> Vincent
>>>
>> Hi, Vincent (and all the rest of you!).  I'm in the business, and I 
>> wouldn't use ANYTHING like that from ANY of the mass marketers.  I 
>> buy name brand oil there, and windshield washer solvent, but that's 
>> about it.  I've replaced too many mass marketer parts that didn't 
>> last long enough to make it to "used".  If you do decide to buy the 
>> parts you need from them, treat the purchase as a stop gap measure 
>> until the real parts show up.  Then order the real stuff.
>>
>> BTW, it would help you to get better answers if you were to tell us 
>> what kind of car you have .............
>>
>> John
> Sorry bout that, John! I should edit my sig so it's in there.  It's a 
> 1989 Audi 90q, NG engine code.  I've done plugs (Bosch +2), wires 
> (NAPA), coil (MSD), fuel filter (Purolator), fuel pump (Bosch), 
> battery (Everstart MAXX 48), and an oil change (Mobil 1 filter with 
> Rotella T6 5w-40).
>
> I'm planning on using them as a stopgap measure for a couple weeks 
> till my next paycheck.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Vincent
>
Good morning!  What follows may seen a little harsh, but here goes.

Looking at your list of parts replaced, there are some questionable 
items.  I'm guessing the term "Bosch +2+ means platinum plugs.  They 
flat out don't work well in VAG products, and they're NOT on the list of 
approved plugs.  (They are, however, a high profit item for the parts 
stores.)  I also don't recommend the NAPA wires, preferring Prenco or 
even Bosch.  They're made for the car by companies that make a LOT of 
components for German cars. While we're at it, I don't care for MSD 
coils, either, being a general product, made as a sort of 
one-size-fits-all, and not specifically for the needs of your car.  BTW, 
despite the fact I've serviced literally thousands on VAG cars over the 
last 37 years, I doubt I've sold more than 10 coils in all that time, 
not counting the mid 90s Golf/Jettas.  Coils are not high on my list for 
troubleshooting, and most replacements have been for damaged connections 
due to corrosion.

You don't say where you live, but if you're in an area with mild 
weather, 5w40 is thinner than called for, especially if you have a lot 
of miles on the car.  This engine is old tech, and requires thicker oil 
than the new low friction designs.  If you have harsh winters, then 
you're OK for the season.

John