Re: Post-Thanksgiving Winter maintenance for the 100 S

[Aleksander Mierzwa <alex@matrix.pl>]

At 17:28 28.11.98 -0800, Timothy Penasack wrote:

>1. Oil leak from the front seal (Again!) - 2 years ago when I joined the
>list I an oil leak from the front seal. I had the seal replaced plus a new
>T-belt and idler pulley installed by a Euro shop in Stoneridge, NY about
>18-20 months ago. Well it looks like the leak is back.  Assuming that I
>didn't get another bad seal put in, are there any ideas out there for other
>reasons for the leak?  Its not that bad yet. I haven't been able to measure
>the loss yet.

On high mileage engines the seal sometimes wears a groove in the
crankshaft's sealing surface. On some engines (dunno about your V6) it is
possible to install the seal a little bit deeper so it contacts undamaged
surface. It is also possible that the crankshaft has been scored by
uncompetent mechanic who did the job last time.

>2.  Transmission service - What does this entail for the automatic?  I heard
>change the fluid and clean the filter. Anything else?

I'm not familiar with automatic transmission used on late 100s, but if it
does have a separate differential lubrication like old 5Ks do, CHECK THE
DIFFERENTIAL FLUID LEVEL

>3.  Coolant change - The owners manual says to not change the coolant.
>Anybody disagree with this and why?  ( I live in New Hampshire now - so the
>winter could get bad)

Yes, for once, I disagree with that :-)
a) The coolant is subjected to chemical breakdown. There are several
coolants available on the market which, according to manufacturers, are
good for 100k miles or so, but it still leaves the second reason:
b) Over the time, various sediments accumulate in the cooling system and,
in the extreme case, can block the radiator. 
It is generally advisable to change the coolant every 2-3 years. As to Audi
manual saying not to change the coolant, well, the service booklet for my
5KT says you don't need to ever change the ATF unless you use the car in
"severe conditions" (!!!). Seems like they were willing to increasing their
profits by selling hundreds of transmission rebuild kits.

>Anybody else got other recommendations for pre-winter service?

When was the brake fluid last changed?

Aleksander Mierzwa
Warsaw, Poland
mailto:alex@matrix.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 :-)