[Vwdiesel] minor tragedies--A4 suspension work

[Sandy Cameron]

Tools and craftiness.

I only do A2 diesels, but have learned to love them for simplicity and
reliability.

I have also learned, that sometimes it's easier to lift the engine/tranny
right out of the car to do something to it, than to suffer the skinned
knuckles and frustration of dealing with hard to get at stuff like turbos
and clutches. The engine/tranny comes out in an hour or so with the overhead
hoist, then drop it on the work table and do everything belly-button high.
(even sitting on a stool!) Seals, clutches, dreaded water pump, etc. ever so
easy. Great time to address lots of other issues that we put off because
they are  hard to get at.

I'm 76 and no longer into gymnastics.

When head is off, I replace all the glow plugs and heave the busbar, (it's
always in the way for changes) replace with a wire per plug, all joined
above the injector lines where they can be split apart for testing.

Head gaskets I do IN the car, it holds the engine steady while torquing bolts...
Also, I never take off the manifolds to do a head gasket.
I even found I could lift the head off a turbo without removing the turbo
(with the overhead winch) by disconnecting the oil return line.

I do own a spare car to drive to get the parts:^))

Sandy