Re: 4000Q that won't start after a good rain?

[BJohn77777@aol.com]

John,

In a message dated 96-05-10 10:22:04 EDT, you write:

>Please help!  My '85 4000Q is getting harder and harder to start.
>
>In the morning after a rain, the starter seems strong, but nothing
>else happens - except that after after 5 seconds of the starter turning,
>I hear a small thump or clunk.  When I release the starter, sometimes
>I hear a tiny hint that it might be starting, but that's all.
>
>I tried DRYGAS twice, and after a couple of hours it started.  But once
>I just waited a couple of hours without DRYGAS and it started.  But lately
>it's been raining a lot and I haven't driven my Audi in 2 days.  I am trying
>DRYGAS again this morning.
>
>I tried jumping it (more volts) and that didn't help at all.  A visual
>inspection also turned up nothing obvious.
>
>Some of my vaccuum tubing is a bit old - can a vaccuum leak cause this?
>
>Why does it seem to happen after a good rain!?  All suggestions welcome!
>
>Thank you,
>John

Best bet is to check your ignition (distributor, wires, etc.) for
serviceability.  Make sure the dist. is not allowing any moisture under the
cap.  If all of that checks good check your passenger side floorboard for
evidence of water.  If you have a windshield leak on the right side your main
computer (which is located under the right windshield pillar) may be a
goldfish bowl.  I had similar problem$$$.  Good luck!

Bruce Johnson
85 4Kcsq
Olympia, WA