New owner of '88 5000 CS Turbo (Non-Q)

[cking@crl.com (Chris King)]

Well, I'm the new owner of an '88 CST and a new member to the list.  I've
owned 4 VW's (and currently a '94 Corrado SLC), so I figured a small
migration to an Audi would be OK  :)

Anyways, the timing belt recently broke on me while I was coming to a stop,
so my decision to change it was accelerated considerably.  The bad part is,
it apparently did some damage to some of the valves, as the compression in
the fifth cylinder is 30 (?) [Excuse my mechanical ignorance...I just know
what I am told]

My question is this:  Has anyone had this happen and what is the best
solution?  Of course best=cheapest, so please let me in on any ideas.  I've
been told that I need to have the head removed and the valves repaired, and
that the pistons should be OK.  The dealer wants $500 JUST to take the
thing apart to see what else is needed.  Needless to say I got a second
opinion, and another reputable VW/Audi shop can fix all the valves for
$600-700.  Is this about right or am I going to be taken for a ride?

Now for a few more questions:  My climate control system only blows air out
of the defrost vents on top of the dash.  Every long once in a while it
will come out of the vents full blast like it is supposed to (hey it's
already 90+ here in San Antonio!), but then it will revert right back to
it's funky operation.  My dad has an '87 5000 S that does the same thing.
I've been told it could be a solenoid, the programmer, or a simple vaccuum
leak.  Any suggestions on this problem?

Also, when the radiator fan starts getting a little noisy, is that a sign
that the bearings are going out?  It still works, just very noisy.  If it
is the bearings, is it possible to just replace them instaed of the entire
fan assembly?

Well, now I'll just sit back and wait for your responses!  Thanks in
advance for any help you can provide me with.  I really like this car, it
just seems to have a bunch of "quirks" common to all of them.


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Chris King              -- '88 5000 CS Turbo   (Metallic Black/Grey Leather)
cking@crl.com           -- '94 Corrado SLC     (Sherry Red/Tan Leather)
San Antonio, TX

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