I swear to god I just might sell her. I mean we had the A/C go out on the hottest day of the year, the headlight switch melted on a pitch black gravel road in the boonies, I total it on my BIRTHDAY, and now this: I finally finish all the repairs, including replacing the faulty thermostat that was sent to me new. Everything was fixed, except this obnoxious rattle that occured sometimes at 3000 rpms. So today, there was no rattle, there was no issues, it was a good day. Took it to the insurance company and they cleared me as fully repaired! Annddd my quote was 30 bucks lower than previously quoted! On the way home I notice steam from under the hood! I pull over to a gas station, pop the hood and find the upper radiator hose popped off. Coolant's gone, on the ground. Coolant is expensive! Now I put the hose on again, and for the life of me I can't determine why it blew off! It has a small gasket inside and a metal clip that you push into place correct? I pushed as far forward as I could and I'm nearly positive that clip is going into its spot. I dont need a screw clamp right? Anyway, had a half liter of 50/50 mix in the trunk. Threw that in and got a half mile. Buddy brought me some more coolant so threw in another 2 liters of 50/50. The car is still overheating but the level is low. I just want to be sure the hose is on right! Its a new radiator, maybe the connector is of poor quality?

Regardless, this car has 180k on it. My dreams of a full engine rebuild (and upgraded internals) as well as bigger turbo, wire tuck and all that good stuff might be better realized on a younger car. Turbo is starting to become less high pitched and more WHOOOO (but this could be me). I'm just ready to torch the bitch. I'm not sure what would net me more cash, part out or sell as a unit. Its got a reconstructed title, an old motor and there are a few pieces like the exhaust I'd like to keep for the new car. (Exhaust has under 100 miles on it.) The old stock piece was cut wrong by the fabricators and is basically trash.

Sorry for the mixed up rant, just venting to the internet!

 

a car this old, you should join a roadside assistance group.

 

That's why I'm gettin' a truck after basic! Less bad **** seems to happen with a good ol' American pickup.

 

i just recently developed a little leak around that hose, should i remove the original clamp and buy a new screw clamp?

 

thats what u get for constantly making fun of my head lights.... ***

 

So your's has a screw clamp as well?

 

i think he meant it heas a spring type clamp ike yours but he was wondering if he should toss that an get the screw clamp... if ur asking... i would... use them both if u wanna be safe lol

 

Mine has that small clip that snaps into place, and it seems like a screw clamp would do nothing, but there also seems to be a nice notch for it to sit in and a hole in the core support to loosen it from... I'm putting one on and running with it.

 

That's why I always kept a small box of tools and zip ties in the trunk . U never know what's gonna happen next. I love Audi. Well mine was slightly moded tho.

 

Just put the screw clamp on, refilled the coolant system (AGAIN) and burped her. Thats all I can think of. Now only time will tell if she decides to blow it off again. And if she does, I'm probably going to sell.

Now the problem I face is finding the vibration source. At 3k rpm theres this really loud and intense vibration by the passenger side door area, but under the car. I've checked everything. I'm thinking its something to do with my new exhaust. I'll have to put the car up on ramps and check it all out, but not today.
Also I have a strange idle, it seems to be a bit low and it kinda wants to slow down a bit, stutter slightly and pop back up occasionally. It kinda idles around in that loop. At idle there's a vibration felt in cabin. I think it probably needs a new tune up, and its weirded out by less back pressure.