[s-cars] Hesitation -- please help

[Adam Cramer]

For anyone else experiencing this problem, try replacing the rubber spark 
plug connectors. This solved my hestitation problems. Car is a feakin' 
animal now!
 At only $5-$10 a piece, it's worth it to rule them out as a possible cause.
 Adam
95 S6 Avant RS2'ed

 On 8/24/05, Adam Cramer <crameradam at gmail.com> wrote: 
> 
> All-knowing S-car list,
>  Please, please help me figure out what is causing my hesitation issues. 
>  I finally got around to testing my coils tonight. I thought this would 
> solve my hesitation (under load) issues, but all 5 of my coils seem to be 
> fine. I used the adjustable spark gap tester and each of the coils made a 
> nice clean, crisp, blue spark about 3/4 - 1 inch long. I couldn't find a 
> weak one among them. I really tried to tell myself that the #3 coil was bad, 
> but everytime that I would re-test it, the spark would come back nice and 
> crisp. ARGH! 
>  Symptoms include hesitation under load, especially in the higher gears 
> (4th and 5th), although occasionally I will feel the problem in 2nd and 3rd. 
> It's not violent jerking like the fuel is being cutoff, but more of just a 
> hesitation and general lack of consistent, smooth power to redline. 
> 
> Here's a list of stuff that I have fixed/checked/replaced so far:
> 
> 5 new Spark Plugs (Bosch OEM)
> 2 new POS units
> New Fuel Filter (OEM)
> New Air Filter (OEM)
> Checked for air leaks
> Checked for weak coils 
> Checked plug boots (good condition)
> 
> Anyone have any other ideas, either electrical or fuel related? I think 
> I've tested all of the electrical options. What about the alternator? Any 
> chance a weak alternator would be causing this? I did have an oil leak a few 
> months ago that caused oil to accumulate on the alternator. 
>  More background on the car (if it helps you diagnose the 
> problem)......RS2 turbo, em, maf and injectors. IA chip. Forge BPV (yellow 
> spring). Another issue with this car that I haven't been able to solve is 
> that the idle RPMs fluctuate when warm. Usually between 800-1000. I doubt 
> this is related to the hesitation issue, but I thought I would throw it out 
> there just in case. 
>  Any help is appreciated.
>  Thanks,
> Adam
> 
> This is definitely a love/hate relationship.
>