RE: 87 CGT-questions

[Aleksander Mierzwa <alex@matrix.com.pl>]

Jon wrote:

>1.	When starting the car, the manual instructs you to give it gas,
no matter what the conditions.  I live in the North East and >was used
to driving fuel injected cars that were not supposed to be given gas on
startup, no matter what the outside temperature >was.  Are my fellow
CGTer's giving it the gas or not?  Am I making it harder to start by not
giving it any gas?

I'm not giving my 5K any gas when starting, yet it starts very well,
just like one would expect from fuel injected car.

>2.	I have noticed that the oil needs to be topped off usually every
month.  I do a lot of highway driving.  I was told when I >purchased the
car that the head gasket was leaking slightly but that it was nothing
critical for the moment.  That was almost a >year ago and now I'm
wondering if I'm risking a major repair if I just keep adding oil rather
than changing the gasket.

With a head gasket leak causing so much oil to vanish, you probably also
have lots of oil in the coolant and probably the coolant is leaking into
the cylinders as well. I wouldn't delay the repair, as it can cause some
more serious problem (like warping the head). I haven't done this job
yet and it doesn't look easy.

>4.	What are people using to clean and lubricate the retractable
antenna?  This will be the first winter conditions this car has >seen in
about 8 years and I'm afraid that it will wind up jamming and breaking
as a result of the road grit and grime it's subjected >to.

The manual for OE radio says to use engine oil as a lubricant. As I was
informed on this list, it's a very bad advice, as it will attract grease
and dirt. Indeed, my OE antenna failed just recently (broken cable).
I've bought an aftermarket replacement and the manual for it says not to
lubricate the antenna at all. 

>5.	I'm getting a terrible noise from my right rear brake.  I was
told that the pad was okay but I'm skeptical.  It sounds like a >loud
moaning sound (no, there's no one back there) that runs through the
whole car.  It really is terrible.  It happens when I am >lightly
breaking.  Pressing harder makes it go away.

Pads are usually visible without even removing the wheel. If they are
OK, you may have badly worn/scratched/warped rotors.

Aleksander Mierzwa
Warsaw, Poland
mailto:alex@matrix.com.pl
87 Audi 5000CS turbo (mine)
88 Renault Medallion wagon (mom's)
91 mountain bike (just in case both cars broke at the same time :-)

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