Damn

[Vincent Gelinas]

I've checked my antifreeze level and I'm okay on that.  I just looked up 
how to, and no I have not.  I'll get on that before the end of the 
month.  Thanks for the counter-feedback Huw.  Car repair is incredibly 
subjective sometimes, and it's good to know that I didn't use crap products.

Vincent Gelinas
1989 Audi 90q
235,000 Mi approx
2.3 NG
5 speed
Enfield, NH


On 11/17/2010 10:32 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?
>