[s-cars] My 1993 S4 - An Update

[tblack]

You seem to have done a stellar job in tackling the neglected maintenance
items on your recently acquired urS car. Great arn't they? Keep posting your
interesting "have dones".
Tom Black.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joel Rector" <urs4 at magnaspeed.net>
To: <s-car-list at audifans.com>
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 3:54 PM
Subject: [s-cars] My 1993 S4 - An Update


> I got the car in an auction and have found alot of little things that
> need attention, but nothing too major.  Probably all stuff that would
> normally go bad at 85K anyway.
>
> Problems to date:
>
> Problem:  Hood wouldn't open
> Solution:  Plastic cable clip popped out.  Popped it back in and it was
> fine.
>
> Problem:  Stereo didn't turn off when car was turned off.
> Solution:  It's supposed to be that way (My first German car.  :-P).
>
> Problem:  A/C compressor cycles on and off when A/C is on.
> Solution:  Haven't had it fixed, but I suspect it's just low on
> refrigerant and turns itself off to protect the compressor.
>
> Problem:  Car had little boost.
> Solution:  Vacuum hose at moisture trap by firewall under hood was
> disconnected.  Reconnected.  Replaced clamp.  Boost is back.
>
> Problem:  Liscensce plate bracket screws were rusted to the bracket
> nuts.  Couldn't get my new plates on it.
> Solution:  Tore bracket nuts right out of plastic and used two new nuts,
> washers, and bolts each until I get around to replacing the brackets.
>
> Problem:  Cruise is acting crazy (See my latest thread.).
> Solution:  None yet.
>
> Problem:  Door trim falling off on passenger side door.  Metal on back
> of trim is rusted out (See my next post.  :-P)
> Solution:  None yet.  I'm sure I'll be replacing the trim.
>
> And the biggest one yet...drumroll please...
>
>
> Problem:  Timing belt is original on a 93 S4 with 85k on it!  Holy
> crap!  A 10 year old timing belt with 85k on it!!!  Every millimeter of
> that thing was cracked and ragged.  I was living on borrowed time!
>
> Solution:  Bought the parts from SJM and rented the tools from Force5
> for total of about $200 and banged it out in 2 days!  About 6 hours of
> actual work and several more of being stuck and then finally getting
> it.  My first timing belt and the first major work I've done to an
> engine.  I replaced the t-belt, t-belt tensioner roller,  crank seal,
> serp belt, water pump, and thermostat.  Did it all with the instructions
> on SJM's website, URS4.com, and with the help of you guys on the list.
> I put about 1000 miles on it since and no leaks or problems at all!
> Hooray for me!!!
>
> That recent Hood stuck cable broken thread was actually me not putting
> the cable back after I was done with the timing belt.  I got the hood
> open with coat hangers by hooking the two loops that the cable runs
> through and pulling towards the center of the car (advice from a list
> member), reinstalled the cable, and I'm good to go.
>
>
> All in all, I'm making alot of noise on the list but the problems are
> minor.  It's not like new stuff is breaking every day.  Just stuff that
> the PO let go and I am fixing just to get the car back to perfect.
>
> I want to thank eveyone on the list who has responded to my posts.  This
> is by far the best car mail list I've ever been on.  All about the car
> and not about the flaming and fighting of other lists/groups.  I've been
> able to fix several things with help exclusively from list members.
>
> Thanks much!
>
> Joel Rector
>
>
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