A4 driveline shudder / synthetic oil / Rain-X nightmare

[Chris & Karen Newbold <cnewbold@eznet.net>]

Trying to conserve bandwidth here, so bear with this composite
posting...

====> Re: A4 driveline shudder

As another data point, my '93 90 exhibits the same "double-
hiccup" on moderately-hard 3-4 and 4-5 shifts. I think it must
have something to do with the smushy motor mounts they use in
the V6/5-speed driveline...

====> Re: Synthetic oil

I've followed all the flak both for and against... Over the
weekend, I changed the oil and replaced with Mobil 10W-30.
I'm convinced this stuff's worth it. The lifters don't hammer
anymore under heavy throttle while cold; the engine seems quieter
and smoother too. It also feels stronger.

I dunno if the extra smoothness and such really has anything to
do with the Mobil 1 or if it's all just psychological. Might
also be because I just put 1200 straight hiway miles on the car
and blew out all the carbon...

====> Rain-X nightmare

About a year ago I started using Rain-X on my windshield. I
gave up after about four months because it isn't really effective
at speeds < 50 MPH and using wipers just hastened the demise of
the application.

Now (eight months later) I've got the *NASTIEST* film/slime/goo
on my windshield. Even at mid-day, it's downright dangerous trying
to see through the smearing (let alone at night)... 

I've tried glass cleaner and light (and later, heavy) scrubbing
with Bon Ami. No dice. This s**t just won't come off. Any one
have any bright ideas (besides replacing the glass or reapplying
the Rain-X)???

-Chris