Re: New member

[davidder@teleport.com (David R. Derting)]

> Phil Payne wrote:
>Boy, am I glad to see you people.
>
>
>It died on me yesterday, in the outside lane of the M3 motorway at speed.  
>First the rev counter flickered madly, then the oil light came on followed
by a 
>host of other electrical phenomena.  Over an hour's work finally revealed that 
>one of the earth straps to the inlet manifold had failed.
>


Phil,

I own an '83 TQC.  While the ground (earth) straps on the inlet manifold on
my car have not failed, the (electrical ) current carrying capacity of the
straps has degraded over the years.  Consequently, three of the fuel lines
on the fuel injection system became earth straps/heating elements.  The
heating effect melted the inner plastic in the lines, which lead to a fuel
leak.  Needless to say, I was not amused to have gasoline
spraying about the engine - near the exhaust manifold I might add.

My solution had been to add a supplemental ground strap from the alternator
housing to the chassis.  As a result of this modification, the overall
electrical performance of the car has dramatically improved, e.g., more
stable voltage levels, no weak starting problems, etc.  If appropriate, you
might consider a similar mod. to you car . . .

BTW - I'm surprised to hear that you're having some difficultly with getting
you TQC serviced or getting spares.  I thought that these cars were much
more common in the U.K. than they are here in the U.S.

Regards,

David
davidder@teleport.com
'83 TQC
'85 Jetta GLI
'85 Scirocco