[V8] v8 tb/cooling - Update - final

[urq]

We're not talking about some new "team doorhandle" fodder IMO.  The
insertion of flow disrupters is often used in heat exchangers to make the
transfer more efficient ... try shaking your water heater at home, you'll
probably hear a similar flow disruptor rattling around in there ... 

... I must say that I have never heard of the guts of a heater core self
destructing like this before.  I believe I still have the cores I removed
from my cars on the shelf in the garage ... I think I'll pop a tank off to
see what it looks like inside ... it will be interesting to see if there's
any difference between the 5000 and V8 units ... 

Steve Buchholz

-----Original Message-----

   Just wanted to give a final update on this situation, in hopes that it
will spare some of you the trouble I have had with this car.  If you would
remember I spoke of 'spiral noodle pieces' in the cooling system, no
interior heat, and sometimes overheating in traffic.  I found the culprit -
it was the heater core.  Audi, in their infinite wisdom, placed spiral
plastic bars inside of the tubes on the heater core.  I assume that it was
to make more coolant make contact - in turn making the core more efficient.
I took an end cap off and found a reall mess, which I assume is other places
(namely the radiator) but there is really nothing I can do about that.  I
now have heat, and I don't notice it overheating as of yet, but we will see
come summer - at which time I may replace the radiator.  Anyway - lesson to
be learned - replace your heater core even if it isn't leaking.  If anyone
wants pictures of the inside of the core, let me know I can e-mail them
 to you.  Good luck, and thanks again for all the help.