s2 is broke...

[Dave Eaton <dave.eaton@minedu.govt.nz>]

well, the s2 let me down for the 1st time in 3 years this morning.  

symptoms are a loud mechanical graunching sound coming from the rear
of the transmission when the car is going forward under power.  sound
disappears when the car is reversing under power but returns somewhat
then one reverse overrun.  car is quiet with the clutch in or when coasting.

any ideas?

i've taken it to the dealer and had it up on a hoist.  the heat shield is broken
at the rear of the transmission but that's all we can tell at this stage.  they will
dismantle the heat shield to get to the transmission and a proper diagnosis.

i just hope that it isn't the torsen.  any ideas out there....

having said that, having a look at the car on the hoist i have to say that audi
can certainly put their cars together.  the s2 now has 38km's on the clock and
underneath it looks just like new.  fantastically put together, and beautifully
engineered...

btw, i had a chat to the service people about the rs2 i told you folks about last
week.  there are 2 rs2's around town and so i asked how reliable they'd been. 
the service manager said that they'd both had problems with nz's petrol.  we
don't have premium unleaded here (98ron), only 96ron unleaded.  this causes
the cars some problems apparently.  one of the owners runs avgas 1 fill out of
every 4 to "clean the motor out".

oh and the other owner has "chipped" his rs2 to 340hp stage.

-dave
'93 s2
'90 ur-q