5KCSTQ Assistance Requested

[meck@postoffice.ptd.net (Michael Eck)]

Here's my '86 5KCSTQ nag list.  I would appreciate any assistance the
list members can contribute to there fixes.  It looks like there's a
lot of knowledge here to tap from a bunch of people who enjoy the many
trials, tribulations, and enjoyment of owning an Audi.

1.  When it's between 35 and 65 degrees, the engine in hard to start.  I
have to floor the accelerator and when the engine does start, there's a
cloud of white/gray smoke that smells like gas.  Below 35 and above 65,
the engine starts fine.  The plugs, points, air and fuel filter, the
fuel pump relay, and spark plug cables have been replaced (but not all
to cure this particular problem).  My mechanic who's been pretty good
diagnosing everything else is stuck on this one.

2.  When applying the brakes above 30 mph, the steering wheel will
shimmy in my hands.  It will also shimmy when coming out of gradual
turns on the highway without applying the brakes.  The rotors were
turned and new pads were installed.  The shimmy changes depending on
weather.  It's worse when it's really cold.  I'm suspecting the control
arm bushings.  If you agree, are they difficult to change?  Otherwise,
any other ideas?  BTW, I also get a shake above 80 mph.  Normally I
would suspect wheel balancing, but that's been done twice within the
last 3K (unless my garage can't balance tires/wheels...).

3.  About that heater core.  If it blows, what exactly happens.  Where
am I most likely to get burned?  I can smell anti-freeze every now and
then, so I suspect I, at least, have a leak in it.  When I replace the
core, do I still have a chance of it blowing or are the new ones fixed?

4.  Can those headlights really be improved?  I installed the higher
powered bulbs, but the improvement was minimal.

Thanks in advance for any assistance offered!


Michael Eck
86 5KCSTQ
88 GTI 16V