Re: Reliable garage/mechanic in Connecticut?

[Dave Head <dhead@sundial.sundial.net>]

At 12:49 AM 12/20/96 -0500, you wrote:

>  Also, the owner says its only problems are--what else?--mechanical.
> Specifically, he's frank enough to cite: a faulty "fuel distributor," which
>is said to make it difficult to start when cold (but not impact driving
>performance when the car is warmed up; a dsyfunctional driver's side seat
>heater; an early leaking steering rack; a faulty electric window; and a
>bright-lights stalk that droops forward chronically. 
>
>  From my previous experience (and knowing about the archived tech messages)
>I have a clue about the rack, windows, and heated seat, but can someone
>educate me about this "fuel distributor"?  The owner quotes a price of
>$1000.00 for a fix (?Bosche unit).  What can I expect to be the natural
>evolution of a problem of this sort, difficulty of self-fix, consequences of
>going unfixed for a while, etc.?  Again, any help would be greatly
>appreciated.
>
>  I am really looking forward to being a Quattro owner again!  Yes, I'm
>familiar with the perils of ownership of a 5K version (which are greatly
>outweighed by the sheer pleasure of owning and driving one, especially in
>snowy climes!), but there just is NO substitute.  Thanks again, crew.  Later.
>

First off - It's rarely a fuel distributor problem. Not enough in there to
go wrong. Secondly, you can get one off one the the lists parts cars if
indeed that is the problem fer a hundred or two - work to replace is not
that difficult. Third, although the Bentley sez "do not open fuel distrib on
pain of death" I have removed, cleaned and reinstalled them w/no problem.

Overall though - yer buying a project car. If yer willing to wrench it
yerself and pick this thing up at a rediculously low price, go for it.
Otherwise, think strong about passing. It took me well in excess of $3K to
straighten out my "bargain" tq ($2100.00), plus a year of sweat and in a few
instances, blood. I still have a pressure accumulator, all HP hoses, a
windshield, and maybe a HVAC controller to replace - just as the interior is
starting to go. Be careful!
********************************AUDI FAN***********************************
                                       EMCM(SW) Dave Head  
87 5KCStq 182K miles and counting... 1.8 bar boost - Whee!
                                              Maitland, Florida
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