Re: Flushing anti-freeze, 84 Audi 5000s

[zm@mhcnet.att.com]

The Bentley manual recommends removing the hose pipe from the back of
the engine block to drain the system. This hose pipe connects to the heater
core at the other end, if I remember correctly. The manual also recommends
disconnecting the lower radiator hose where it goes into the engine/water-pump.
This will ensure that the radiator and coolant reservoir drain completely.
On my car (87 5000 TQ) it is a regular hose clamped on to the aluminium intake
of the pump. I had no problem flushing the system last year. I don't think
your car is much different - just simpler plumbing if you don't have the
water-cooled turbo. Anyway, I'll check the Bentley manual for any special
procedures for the 84 model year and if so, will let you know. 

The manual makes no mention of drain plugs or petcocks and I haven't
seen any on the car. Audi does specify the use of "phosphate-free"
anti-freeze only, available from Audi/VW dealers. I've heard Quaker State
makes a "phosphate-free" anti-freeze but I was not able to find it.
Another thing I generally do on my cars is to install a Prestone back-flushing
tee in one of the heater hoses; it really helps in doing a quick flush using
a garden hose attached to the tee. Also, I always use distilled water
(79 cents a gallon at the local pharmacy) when refilling the system rather
than tap water. It keeps the salts out of the system which could build up
over time.

Hope this helps.

Zafer Mehmood
zm@mhcnet.att.com