[urq] Re. Weird urq behavior

[Ben Swann]

Steve,

Somewhere there is a disconnect happening.  It does seem like the ignition (coil) is
dropping out, but could be power to the ECU or to the fuel pump.

I have some basics covered under FAQ:http://www.gtquattro.com/FAQ.html which has not
been hyperlinked yet, so you'll have to page through.  Most of the trouble-shooting
covers Type-44 electronic issues, but much pertains to the older system - particularly
the flywheel sensor/hall sync. Portion of electronics.  

I would  pull the fusebox and examine the connectors going in the back.  You may have
one that is coming loose or even melting.  If you have not relayed the ignition coil (+)
and more importantly the fuel-pump, then I'd do that now.  Fix the meltdown problem that
happens due to inadequate wiring to the fuel pump and only use that wire to trigger a
relay on.  The relay will carry the load using higher guage wiring for a very short
distance - under seat from Battery + to the pump.

Similarly, relay headlights if you haven't already.  This  does not likely have anything
to do with the cutout problem, but will be a problem that melts the light switch and
terminals at the fusebox.  This will also improve lighting, even if you don't add higher
wattage lighting.

Relaying the fuel pump, ignition and headlights will pretty much eliminate any need to
convert to the newer style fuse box.  Even if the car has the newer style fusebox, the
relaying still needs to be done!

Also, adding some better grounds helps with reliability, and at very least clean all
single points of failure.  I generally add one from the (-) post by adding a second tap
into the chassis  - or even a ring terminal at the seat belt bolt will do.  There is one
lead going to the bell-housing if I recall, and/or one from engine mount left to
chassis.   Usually only one is installed, so I add another.  

Addition of a large positive wire from battery (+) all the way to a standoff block at
the firewall is a good idea too and really makes for better starting and current flow.
I typically run a #6 or #8 wire from the battery to firewall in the location where the
battery is on  non-turbo cars.  Then run a wire to the Starter (+).  Now you have a
convenient post to charge and jumpstart the car as well as more current carrying to
start the car.

Once you give the car a good wiring rehab. the car will be way more reliable than it
ever was.

Ben
www.gtquattro.com

[From: "Steve Marinello" <smarinello at entouch.net>
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:29:24
To: <quattro at audifans.com>
Cc: 'S-CAR list'<s-car-list at audifans.com>
Subject: [s-cars] Weird urq behavior

I figured I'd hit both lists for this.

Drove the '83 urq to work today to put some time and miles on it.  Loving it all over
again.

But, at a point on the highway going out to lunch, I was slow shifting as traffic slowed
and, while the clutch was disengaged, the tach dropped suddenly to zero, and then popped
back up again.  The engine just wasn't there momentarily, and then it was.  Strange.

Headed home in the evening SEVEN times during a 25 mile trip, while cruising in 5th at
about 3400 rpm, the same thing happened.  Since the clutch was now engaged, there was a
momentary jerk, and on we went.  One time there were two successive instances, and then
one time a couple of miles from home, it didn't come up/back on immediately but seemed
to go to about 2000 rpm briefly, and then popped back up.  To add to that, at a stop
sign a mile further, it gave two sharp jerks/shut downs, as I accelerated in 2nd gear.

Something electrical; some pick-up somewhere. CPS replaced a few months ago, distributor
cap last year.  Any best guesses on where to start?  Scott, you out there?  Suddenly, it
isn't safe to drive, which is too bad, as now is the best time of the year to drive it
until I can source/repair the a/c compressor. Had some leads on that, then had a
Microsoft moment and lost my emails and contacts.  

BTW got a new job offer today; nice stock signing bonus, but the salary is too much
lower to consider with a kid going to college next year.
Negotiation time.

TIA,

Steve]