uryourword

I just bought this 88 model 80 with 175k miles on it. The cars previous 2 owners spent boatloads of money on maintenance. I got it for $850, due to the high miles, cold start problem, and cracked windshield. Once started, it runs excellent, good consistent power without any hesitation. Idles excellent. What causes this cold start problem? I plan to start with the spark plugs, change them that is and examine if the old ones are wet. If so, possible leaky f.i.? Next I will change cold start valve and/or feul pressure regulator. Any advice would be appreciated because these parts do not come cheap.

uryourword

Just took another spin- took about 8 tries to start. Cranks fine, but only begins to "grab" after 3rd try. Feul pump seems louder than before. Is a feul pump supposed to buzz/hum loudly? Please help!

Chest Rockwell

Yes, it's normal for the fan to run after shut-off. The fuel pump in my mother's '88 80 also buzzes.

I believe you're on the right track for the cold-start. It could also be the coolant temp. sensor, thermo-time switch, or incorrect air-flow sensor rest position.

Geza

they leak (when the car sits) as they get old and fuel pressure goes to nothing - takes some time for the fuel pump to build back pressure so the car will fire up.

uryourword

Thank you for the input. I'm going to check the injectors tomorrow. I believe they are original, never replaced that is.

Doug Ramage

A VAG tuner said the mechanical injectors had a useful life of about 80,000 miles, and cleaning was a waste of money. I changed mine on my 1989 90q at around 100k miles - they are Bosch and much cheaper from motor factors than Audi about 60% less).

uryourword

Today was a good day for my little 80. I tried starting the car differently. Instead of waiting for the feul pump to stop buzzing, you know, after you first turn the key 1/2 way, I turned the key all the way without stopping halfway. In this manner, the car started in only three tries, with a lot less cranking. It did rev up at 2k for the first few minutes though, I could not get it down until I started to drive. In other news, I inspected all of the plugs today and found them dry and in good order. Tips were light gray. Autolite Platinums-are these good plugs? I re-installed them convinced they'd be fine through the winter. My other discovery while rotating the tires today was that the front right 'wishbone', where it mounts the chassis has some movement. Does anyone know how involved it is to replace these bushings? Are they expensive? BTW, this car has the weirdest 'brushed' looking silver paint job. In the sun it looks like stainless steel. Lastly, I got a new windshield today from Safelite. $300 installed-ouch.

Walt D

I bought four from Carlsen Motors(the famous Linda will help you). I never installed the bushings, ended up tightening up the bolts and that solved a front end knock.

88 Audi 90 FWD 5 cylinder