update on my saga

[Dan Simoes <dans@ans.net>]

Believe it or not, because of a sendmail change I made on coimbra
I've been off the list for over a week.  Gee, I thought it was
quiet :)

My 4000 is on the road.  $610 later, the mechanic (who originally
recommended the car) replaced a defective temp switch, which fouled 
the plugs, which killed the O2 sensor, which killed the starter
when I overcranked it.  Also the belts, water pump and thermostat
were replaced, FI seals replaced, etc.

I had noticed sort of a hollow sound when I picked the car up, but
he said that they all sound like that.  Oh.

Yesterday I went to get the car inspected (including emissions) and
the mechanic (different one) calls me over and taps on the cat
with a steel pipe.  "Hear that?  This kitty has been gutted!"
Also, there is a thin metal tube that connects to the manifold
before the cat, and is used to set mixture or something, which was
cut/broken.  He said both need to be repaired for it to pass.

Naturally, the dealer who sold me the car doesn't want to get in
trouble over this, it's possible he did not know.  So he says the
tube is not needed for it to pass, and he'll ship a used cat to the
Audi specialist and he'll install it for me.  Said Audi specialist
is busy and says I can't wait for the car, will have to leave it.
Hmmm.

I spoke to both the used car manager and service manager at the Audi 
dealer and both said that a) you need that thin pipe for it to
pass emissions, and b) it's illegal to sell/buy/trade a used cat in
NY State.  The tube is about $60 and a new cat is...$860.

So I'm not sure what I'm doing next, but I'm putting my foot down.
Either my car gets fixed right or this guy is going to get in
trouble.  Promise.

| Dan |