the listmeister is a read Q-head

[Dan Simoes <dans@ans.net>]

Well, I got it!  On Sat morning my father-in-law and I drove an
hour and a half to purchase a Tornado Red 1984 4000s quattro.
The guy at DMV was surprised by all the paperwork - it bounced
around 4 different dealers for 6 months until it finally got to
me.  But it's registered now, and just needs to be inspected.

I had a semi-hard time getting the car home, but here's the story
of the beast thus far.  

- The car started OK but was sort of sluggish.  On the highway, it
could barely touch 60mph unless I went down to 4th or 3rd on hills.
I knew it needed a FI setup, but this was worse than expected.

- The car was in the shape I rcalled from my inspection at nighttime 
from a few weeks prior.  My FIL pointed out overspray areas indicating
that the car had been repainted.  The trunk had a ton of water in it
which annoyed me, and one turn signal didn't work (reseated the bulb).
The inside of the rear light assemblies were held on with duct tape
since one of the tabs were busted.  Also, the right rear light is
cracked and water was in the light.

Once at home I:

- took out the Realistic stereo that had been installed and the rear
speakers (6.5" stuck in 6x9 holes...) and took out the wiring

- removed the non-functioning Alfa Romeo antenna :)

- took out the seats (front and rear), vacuumed up all the interesting
stuff like coins, etc.  Found a huge nest of ants under the carpeting
and noticed the front insulation under the carpet at the passenger's
feet is wet (not sure why yet).

- dry cleaned the seats and carpeting (still in progress)

- changed the NGK plugs to some worn Bosch ones I had around
(will get new ones today)

- washed the engine compartment with Simple Green

- changed all 4 headlights with new stock lights (for now)

- noticed that most of the fuses are way higher than what should
be there (like 25 amp fuses instead of 10!)  Left it for now

- the fuel pump is noisy and changes sounds according to the elec.
load, ie if I use the power windows, the pump sound changes.

- installed my K&N filter.  Taking out the headlight is the way to
go on the 4000.

Questions:

- I made a big mistake.  I pulled the #1 cyl fuel injector out (it
was in very loosely) and when I put it back in, I didn't notice the
O-ring was in there, so it got wedged down into the passage.  
Either it's still in there blocking things, or it went into the
cylinder head and melted - I hope?

- the car runs very rough now at startup.  I cannot touch the gas for
like 5 minutes.  Disconnecting the idle stabiziler does nothing.
I will try changing cap, rotor, plugs, fuel filter and maybe wires.
I think it needs some professional help though :)  Maybe there is
still some water in there?

- the rear lights had some black goop around them as a seal.  Is there
a stock seal for these?  I made new ones out of clear silicone and will
see how that works.

- the only part of the dash that is lit is the instrument cluster and
power window switches.  Shouldn't at least the heater controls be lit?

- the power locks are inoperative.  Haven't checked anything yet,
but where is the vacuum pump for this?  I didn't see it in the trunk.

- Is there a second fuel pump in the tank?  In the trunk, I see a gold
round plate atop the fuel tank with a small 2 wire connector going to
it.

- I'm a gauge nut.  I've been thinking about a Zender DIN plate with
3 gauges where the radio sits, and moving the radio to under the 
driver's side dash or in the glove box (would get a radio with a 
remote).  The EC Ur-Q article talks about a ABT dash kit that extends
the dash a bit to allow for gauges.  Has anyone ever tried this?
I also thought of putting the gauges where the center fresh air vent
is, but I like fresh air!

- the front speakers are molded in with the covers.  Is there a stock
replacement for the covers that allows you to use a different 
speaker?  If not, anyone know of a decent stock-looking cover?

- engine compression - I checked it quickly and most cylinders were
around 115psi with #3 around 105.  Seems very low to me, but the
engine was cold and perhaps I didn't have the gauge on tight.  Plus
it was a cheap gauge.

Overall it looks pretty nice with minimal rust, the interior will be
clean (soon) and relatively perfect.  I may stick some gauges in it
and install a stereo, but I want to make sure it will run well first.

Think that's it for now :).  

| Dan |
-- 
Dan Simoes			          dans@ans.net
ANS 				http://coimbra.ans.net/dans.html
100 Clearbrook Road  			(914) 789-5378 (voice)
Elmsford, NY 10523			(914) 789-5310 (fax)