5000S Engine dead

["Tom Johnson" <nuggets@spacelab.net>]

First of all, let me thank everyone who sent me a reply regarding the 
problems with my 85 5000S.  I took it to another mechanic, who is 
familiar with Audi's.  The verdict from him is that my engine is shot.

It's still hard for me to believe that my engine could be dead at under 
100K miles, but this is what his explaination was:  He said that my 
compression is only ~50-60 psi per cylinder (which unfortunately 
confirms what my first mechanic said) and was probably caused by the 
fuel leaking into my cylinders.  He said this could be caused by me 
cranking the engine when it was stalled (in the attempt to start it 
again) or by an ignition system problem which he hasn't bothered 
looking into further since its useless at this point.  Apparently, 
enough fuel got into the cylinders without igniting and mixed with the 
oil and presto - wore out the rings.   

A used engine is going to run me $675 plus installation and a rebuilt 
one is outrageous (got prices from $2,000 and up, not including 
installation).  Considering the amount that I could get another Audi 
for and that getting a new engine still isnt going to solve my ignition 
system problem, Im going to scrap the car.  So unless someone can prove 
this mechanic wrong, Im afraid that my Audi is dead.

I would greatly appreciate any input on this situation (i.e: your 
mechanic is full of it as gas wont wear out the ring, or there's no way 
gas can get into the engine to wear it out.)  I need to get my car out 
of my mechanics shop ASAP, so any responses by tommorrow would be 
great.

I look forward to buying another Audi (maybe an 87 or 88 5KS) while I 
mourn the death of my old one:-(.  Let me also add that this mailing 
list has been a great help.