Re: 86 5kcdtq heater and assorted queries

[rjandrew@post.cis.smu.edu (R Justin Andrews)]

Welcome! this list is a great resource but take all of the advice you
get with at least 2 grains of salt...
> New to the list and to Audis.  I have several questions concerning these
> cars.  My model is a 1986 5kcdtq with 260,000 km showing, it is in excellent
> visual condition but some of the systems are tired and need renovating.  As
> a result I request the assistance of this wise and obviously experienced
> group:
Check your heater control valve under the hood it is vacuum actuated...
probably not working but you might be able to set it in constant heat 
mode...
> 1. Climate control.  My system is without a working A/C compressor and was
> working in default mode providing hot air through defrost vents and
> footwells.  While driving the other day there was a brief period of warm air
> from the center and side dash vents followed by cool air from the defrost
> vents.  Now the cool air has taken over and I no longer have warm air
> circulation.  Any suggestions?
Not sure but make sure you do this it will do wonders for handling/ride
also get a good 4 wheel alignment when you are done.. not just in spec
but nominal settings..
> 2. Am replacing the front and rear shocks.  have located a set of '92 front
> struts and am wondering if these will work on my '86 5k.

Yes, clutch is getting ready to kick bucket so to say... Find a good Sachs
kit and do the pressure plate, throw our bearing, pilot bearing, and rear
main seal while you have it out...
BTW, you can drop the tranny out w/o a hoist engine removal is harder than just
dropping the tranny..
> 3. Clutch seems to need an extraordinary amount of pressure through pedal.
> Is this the norm or should I start looking for a clutch kit and a hoist to
> borrow?
Definately needs motor mounts do the trans mount while you are at it...
check the rear end mounts also....
Check the carrier bearing support also...

> 
> 4.  When removing my foot from the gas pedal while driving the driveline
> seems to "jolt" after it stops pulling.  I am suspecting that the engine and
> tranny mounts and suspension mounts and bushings are finished (the car has
> 260,000 km on it).  Are there any obvious trouble spots that may relate to
> this problem.
That's not too bad...
One other thing of great importance....
When was the timing belt done last???
If this breaks you will be sinking down at least $1000 if you do the work
yourself.. This will bend valves! Better play it safe and do it
along with the waterpump/ idler pulley and crank/cam seals while you 
have it torn down...

> 5. I gather that the Bentley manual for this car is a must have.  I have
> found one Canadian seller offering it for $159.95 (approx $105 US) is ther
> any cheaper sources?
> 
> Thanks in advance for any help.  I am enjoying following the daily
> conversations and must say that I have absorbed an incredible amount of
> information on these cars in a very short time.

You will love your Audi if you maintain it...
There are some people who drive and fix what breaks but this is not
maintaining a vehicle these are the type of people that don't want 
to pay for a CV boot that has been split to be replaced and end up
needing to spend 3x the amoutn of money on a CV joint...
Alignment and then you need to buy tires...
etc, etc, espescially cam belts... 
Cheap insurance when you look at what it costs if it lets loose!

> 
> Best Fishes,
> Al Moss    email: ifish@oberon.ark.com
> Campbell River, BC 1986 5kcdtq
> 
> 
HTH!
Rich Andrews
rjandrew@post.cis.smu.edu