Re: 89audi 200 won't run

[DeWitt Harrison <de@aztek-eng.com>]

On Thu, 24 Jun 1999 11:15:09 EDT, Roxanne wrote:

>I recently purchase a 89 audi 200.  It ran fine for about 3
>months and then the trouble started.  A roaring noise started
>in the rear.  I had the fuel pump replaced.  It ran fine for
>about 2 weeks then the roaring started again.  While driving,
>the roaring going on,  all of a sudden it lost power and
>stoped moving.  The motor then cut off.  I turned the switch
>and it cranked right up, move a few feet, lost power, engine
>cut off.  The engine will start but it will not move or
>contine to run.  I have taken it to the mechanic and he does
>not know what is wrong.  Please Help.

It is my understanding that the inside of the fuel tank of the
100/200 cars of this vintage were treated with a protective
film coating which peels off after a number of years. Pieces of
this film then block the pump's integral filter screen on the
underside (inlet) of the pump (which lives in the tank.)
When the flow of fuel is thus blocked, the pump makes a
lot of noise and may not be able to move enough fuel to
operate the engine beyond an idle.

Some folks deal with this by pulling the fuel pump and
cutting out the inlet screen. I have also seen reports that
the coating debris that continues to peel is then pumped
through the lines only to plug the main forward fuel filter
in turn.

My recommendation: As a start, test the fuel flow after
the fuel filter by operating the fuel pump. If the flow is less
than a gusher, pull the pump and filter to check on
the clogging issue. Checking for a faulty fuel pump relay
is another avenue of attack if a peeling tank coating is
ruled out. If it is the tank, I don't know whether the inside
can be stripped clean or whether a new tank is need.

DeWitt Harrison
Boulder, CO
88 5kcstq