[s-cars] Happy Camper

[Bob DG]

Bosch PLATIN plugs, not Platinum. Big difference.






>From: CyberPoet <thecyberpoet at cyberpoet.net>
>To: david at pride-com.com, s-car-list at audifans.com
>Subject: RE: [s-cars] Happy Camper
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 00:15:59 -0500
>
>Dave,
>
>Unless you have documented proof that the previous owner changed the
>timing belt within the last 20k miles or 12 months, get a new timing
>belt and water pump. Although I have had luck in a previous Audi that
>had the timing belt snap, Audi's engines are generally interference
>engines (pistons can touch valves if the timing is totally off, and
>thus break parts). It's worth the piece of mind...
>
>Other things to do immediately:
>Obviously the brakes and tie rod. Lube the parking brake cable and
>check for smooth operation. Replace air filter and fuel filter. Run an
>oil flush product and change the oil and oil filter. Run a radiator
>flush and then change coolant. Change all spark plugs (make sure you
>get the Bosch platinums with the right ground prong count -- should be
>four spade for that car, if I recall correctly). Assume the previous
>owner neglected all the standard maintenance over the last 5k miles
>unless you have documentation to the contrary.
>
>Other things to check:
>- Check all the radiator hoses for dry rot, aging, cracking, any sign
>of failure. Replace as needed, or replace all if you have the $$ and
>time to do it now. Sure makes the radiator flush easier.
>- After flushing the radiator, run up the car's engine with the A/C on
>and check the engine fans to make sure they come on as needed
>(sometimes it's something you wouldn't normally notice in the winter).
>- Check the passive voltage of the battery, and top off the electrolyte
>(distilled water) levels.
>- If you have a mechanic you trust, have the oil in the A/C system
>renewed (involves draining out the system, replacing the existing
>compressor oil with fresh compressor oil -- will add about 5 years to
>the A/C compressor's expected lifespan).
>- Remove each wheel, check the bolts, then reattach with non-seize
>compound (if your brakes ever overheat, you'll thank yourself for
>having done so, because hot brakes can meld rusted or iffy wheel
>lug/nut combinations).
>- Check all rubber brake lines for signs of cracking or aging, replace
>as necessary, then flush all the brake fluids (rubber brake lines
>permit ambient humidity to leak through very slowly -- in low humidity
>environments, change fluid every 2 years, in high humidity
>environments, change brake fluid every year).
>- Check tires for wear, try rot, cracking, uneven wear patterns, proper
>inflation.
>- Check the spare tire (pressure, condition, all tools present) and
>while you're at it, check for water in the spare tire wheel well, and
>in the side wells of the trunk (hard to get to, but there is access).
>- Check functionality of all gauges, all lights (including dash
>lights), all switches, including seat heaters, remote mirrors, et
>cetera.
>- Examine headlights to ensure aim is right and they are producing
>adequate light for your needs.
>
>Having done all this, you might consider:
>- Cleaning your injectors.
>- Upgrade modifications.
>
>Cheers!
>=-= Marc Glasgow
>
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