V8 diff leak: HELP

[cobram@Channel1.Com (Cobram)]

 -=> Jackr illuminates us with <=-


 Ja> The smoking hot-exhaust in my V8 got bad enough that I took it to
 Ja> get  fixed.  (This is not a job for the likes of me.)  It's the
 Ja> right front  differential leaking.  It has a bad seal (which may
 Ja> be caused by  something else bad inside -- who knows?)  My regular

     Might not be, after chasing down my smoking headers, I found
     that my rear camshaft cover was leaking, it only hits the
     exhaust after a "hard" run at autobahn speeds, the rest of
     the time it's content to drip on the bottom cover.

 Ja> mechanic wouldn't  fix it because you need special automatic
 Ja> transmission tools.  He  referred me to an automatic transmission

     BTDT, no special tools, just looking under the V8Q scares
     away many mechanics without German iron experience.

 Ja> shop that wouldn't fix it  because of the exhaust and AWD
 Ja> driveshafts that have to be removed to  access the transmission
 Ja> and differential.  They recommended taking it  to the dealer. 

     Post the name of this place, so everyone can stay away. Sounds
     like an "Amco" type operation, they only want the Gravy jobs
     and don't usually take any work that might involve real
     (PITA) work.

 Ja> (GULP!)  My impression from the list is that the  dealer will only
 Ja> replace entire subsytems on this car, not repair  them, and my
 Ja> rear end is tightening up just thinking about the cost. 

     There are V8Q owners who've paid $800 plus just to change the
     tranny fluid at your friendly Audi Dealer.

 Ja> Does anyone have any recommendations on a shop (including a
 Ja> decent  dealer service department) that will do this kind of work
 Ja> on a V8 in  the area around Boston?  I'm in Waltham.

     A friend of mine has worked on a few V8's, and I consult
     him before I do anything on mine. His name is Mike and
     I think his shop is Boston Automotive or some such thing.
     He has just moved to a new location on L-Street.  I spoke
     to him this morning about your car, he said he'd be
     happy (not exactly happy, but he'll do it) to take a
     look at it, check the diagnosis you've been given, and
     do whatever the car needs.  His telephone is (617) 269-7799.
     Tell him Steve gave you his number. He knows his stuff
     when it comes to the high PO Euro.


 Ja>
 Ja> Silver lining: I've now taken it to two places and the repair
 Ja> costs  are still zero.

     Yeah, but no ones repaired anything yet!

     BCNU,

     Cobram@Channel1.Com

... If it's not worth doing, it's not worth doing well.
___ Blue Wave/386 v2.30