alternator/charging, ABS, new guy

[FMARTIN@oa.ithaca.edu]

Hello all.  I'm a (relatively) new Audi owner, and have subscribed to the
Quattro list since Sept. or so.  First posting/request for information.

I bought a 1989 100Q last August; excellent condition, 92K miles.  The car is
my wife's daily commuter, I drive it mostly weekends.  This is our first
Audi, after numerous other cars (and trucks) of various makes.
We've had other "good" cars, but, and this will be no news on this list, 
what a GREAT driver's car this Audi is.  I don't believe I'll ever get my
wife back into another of the old genre (read: economy, German or Japanese)
again. We LOVE the handling and vault-solid feel of this Audi.  I also feel
more at ease with regard to her and the kid's safety on the road.

I've been following the Quattro list, and have found it enjoyable and 
informative.  I've for years done the bulk of my own car maintenance, but
don't yet feel confident in knowing the Audi - the list will be most helpful.

I do have 2 or 3 questions, if anyone can shed some light (I did skim the 
archives, but didn't spot these particular specifics)

We recently had the alternator replaced - charging sys. failed, followed by the
car shortly thereafter.  Car is running fine again, however I've noticed two 
things:  First, upon starting the car, the battery light (as well as a couple
others) stays lit and the voltmeter hangs at 10 volts or so.  Seems to stay
that way until you blip the throttle, then zing, all is fine. This didn't 
happen with the previous alternator, until shortly before the failure.
The mechanics, who have a very good local reputation, did I believe check the
voltage regulator (and other items) before installing the new (rebuilt)
alternator.  Is this at all normal?

 Related to that, in looking at the new installation, I see that 
the alternator pulley looks to be a good 3/4 inch or so forward of the plane of
the crankshaft pulley, so that the belt of course has to run with that much 
offset.  This seems to work fine, but I hadn't noticed that before.  Is 
this normal?

Regarding the ABS system: is my first experience with ABS. The few times I've 
tried to invoke the system, on gravel and snow, I've been shocked at the 
loud metalic noise from the caliper (left front, I believe) and the mule-like
series of kicks from the brake pedal.  I almost drove straight home to jack
the car up and see if a caliper was hanging by one loose bolt. My mechanic
says that that is the normal feedback you get when the system comes
into play.  Is this true??  My impression from reading ABS-related literature
was that "you might feel a minor pulsation from the brake pedal."  This is 
certainly not that.  Normal operation?

One more quick question:  is it normal for the air conditioning compressor to 
cycle on and off every 30 seconds or so, in the auto. or bi-level mode of 
the climate control system, even when it's 30 degrees F and you're asking for 
heat?  It of course doesn't do this in the economy mode.

Sorry for long initial post.  Thanks for any insight anyone can provide. 
Hopefully I can repay the favor as I gain experience.

Frank Martin
fmartin@oa.ithaca.edu

89 100Q (first in likely a string of Audis)
88 Mazda GTX
84 H. Accord (173K and just won't die)