Re: '84Audi5000t/200t Powerwindows & AC blower

[David Erickson <davide@Rational.COM>]

> 
> Well, I had a similar experience with a car (non-Audi) that was constantly
> running very hot. I too tried thermostats, flushes, etc... ; so what was the
> problem? The radiator was clogged beyond belief! All those little cooling
> passages got gunked up beyond repair (kind of like what your arteries would
> look like after eating 3 donuts a day for your whole life). The cure? I had
> the radiator re-cored. Voila! No more running hot. And this car had about
> 115k miles on it (and it probably should have been done at 80k!)

Normally, this would not occur.  When I have seen it in the past,
including on my own car, it was due to one thing: using non-VW/Audi
antifreeze.  I know the stuff costs $17 or so for a container, while
you can go down to Kragens and buy some el_cheapo for about $3, but
consider the $17 well spent if it saves you from having cooling
problems!

One difference that VW/Audi claims between their anifreeze and the
rest is that it is phosphate-free, which evidently prevents electrolysis
between the head (aluminum), block (cast iron) and radiator (plastic/
aluminum or brass).  I know that Prestone claims to be phosphate-free
too, but I don't trust it...

-Dave Erickson