Noisy lifters cont.

[SOP8920@Siena.edu]

Hi folks,
   This afternoon I cruised down to Pep Boys and bought some of that Gunk Valve
treatment. I popped it in and drove around for a while, then had my oil
changed. At the shop, I noticed a treatment they offered to remove deposits
and sludge from the engine, so I had that done as well. Due to the ridiculous
rate they charge for syn. I went for the regular dino. 
   I noticed that the lifter noise seemed reduced by quite a bit. I'll have to
play a bit more and see if those additives/treatments really did anything about
it. I had hoped that it would dissappear entirely but that was not the case.
Perhaps if I continue the regimen for a few oil changes I'll see an
improvement.
                             
BTW:

First Sears and now Quick-Lube. I'm really trying to anger the Audi gods.
Beware of oil-change shops. What complete monkey-lads! This is the last
time (I've vowed) that I'll take my car into that place for an oil change. 
The guy calls me over and starts going over their bogus maintaince report.
He says, 

Him: "Well we couldn't check the transmission fluid on this car because
it doesn't use it."

Me: "What transmission fluid? Do you mean the differential fluid level?"

Him:"Some cars use transmission fluid, others use differential fluid. 
     Your car is front wheel drive and THERFORE doesn't have a differential."

[Jaw drop and big dumb look]

Me: "Um.. no, this car is all wheel drive and has two differentials."

[I couldn't believe that he didn't think I knew what type of drivetrain my OWN
car had.]

Him: "Sir, your car is front wheel drive and therefore doesn't have a
      differential."

Me: "Okay.. this car is ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, it has two diffentials. One in the
     front and one in the rear. It also has a place to check BOTH of them. 
     Trust me.. I don't want you to check it, it is fine. I just had it changed
     a little while ago."

Him: "uh.. okay. That's just what they told me.. Front wheel drive and no
      differential."

[He proceeds to talk to the guy in the "hole" about whether my car is FWD or
AWD]

I couldn't believe the moron. What the heck does FWD have to do with the
differential fluid? Last time I was there.. they told me that the bolts were on
too tight and they couldn't get them off to check the fluid.

Next time.. I'll do it myself (unless it's 20 below, then I'll take the time to
bring it to my mechanic.)  Sheesh! What the heck was I thinking. I *hate*
having to pace the "waiting room" like an expectant father. And I thought my
exam this morning was stressful.

                               -Osman (feeling stupid) Parvez
                                89 200q (156K miles)
                                Siena College
                                Albany NY