Damn

[John Larson]

On 11/17/2010 7:32 AM, Huw Powell wrote:
>
>> 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 have used plats in some (all?) of my Audis, I like the way they last 
> 50-60k miles easily.  Might not be the "+2+"s though.
>
>> I also don't recommend the NAPA wires, preferring Prenco or
>> even Bosch.
>
> I think next door prefers Belden over Bosch, but I've never had any 
> trouble with the latter.
>
>> 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.
>
> First, coils are incredibly generic - they are all simple step-up 
> transformers.  Be that as it may, his coil was physically broken IIRC.
>
>>
>> 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.
>
> He's in northern NH.
>
> While on the topic of winter, Vincent, have you checked your 
> antifreeze protection level?
>
Maybe 0w5, then ...................................... ?  I beg to 
differ with you on the genericness (hey, it just rolls of the tongue, 
doesn't it?) of coils, at least the ones I see on German cars.  For 
example, a common coil, Bosch or otherwise, will toast a CDI unit on a 911.
There are other examples, but I gotta go.  John