So a little modern history, about two weeks ago I installed new O2 sensors, new plugs new wires, new fuel filter. I put it some of the AutoRx oil cleaner ran it for 1000 miles and not put in Lubro Moly syn. I also ran a tank of jectron through and then promptly ran out of gas. I have replace some, not all, of my vacuum lines.
Some known problems, the car was side swiped a while back which resulted in damaged control arms and maybe a damaged front driver's wheel bearing maybe something else. The wheel was turned when the car was hit, FYI. I am missing one crankcase breather hose, but it's here and will go on today.
Now, the car runs like crap! Simply put it feels like some kind of drag brake is on the engine, it doesn't really pull hard, revs come slowly all that. I let off the throttle and it just slows quickly. It has stalled on my two or three times this week alone while stopped at a light. It revs sort of funny and all that.
Any suggestions???
Bryans12v
10-09-2003, 03:06 PM
Black Sunshine
10-09-2003, 03:28 PM
Threw some codes right then, O2 sensor, insuficcient gas (duh...). I cleared those and nothing has come back since... over a week now. I sort of think it started then, but could have been before. I've been so busy and tired that I don't really remember.
However, after I did the O2 sensors and all that she ran great!
nbevins
10-09-2003, 06:36 PM
Wondering because I want to switch to synth before I hit 100k. Just want to do it right though, and hope to have no regrets! Have heard how baaad things can happen :\
moribundman
10-09-2003, 06:58 PM
Auot R/X is supposed to be used over a few tousand miles, possibly twice in a row.
What kind of oil have you been using so far, how often have you changed the oil and filter, and how many miles a year did drive? City? Highway?
If you take a valve cover off, you can get an idea if your engine has varnish and buildup. If the engine is clean, then I wouldn't bother with Auto R/X. After switching to synthetic, you may want to make the first oil change a bit earlier, though.
nbevins
10-09-2003, 07:13 PM
I hate that stuff (where did my oil go). I have been using Kendall 10W40 for about the last 20k. Car has 94K miles. I hope I don't regret switching! I heard it could loosen up deposits and clog oil passages! :(
nbevins
10-09-2003, 07:15 PM
But always looks "dirty" 2000 miles into the change?
Black Sunshine
10-09-2003, 07:31 PM
But it wasn't intentional. I decided to switch to synth after putting in the AutoRX clenaer.
MM120
10-09-2003, 07:36 PM
All the junk at the bottom of your tank may've followed the last bit of fuel you had through the injectors. It's pretty common when you completely run out of gas. The tiniest spec of dirt could clog the injectors orifices.
moribundman
10-09-2003, 07:37 PM
The darkening of the oil does not indicate that it leaves deposits behind. In fact, I have heard teh argument that oil that does not darken leaves all the gunk behind! Kendall is a very good oil, and 3k miles oil changes are excessive for the 12v. I'm pretty sure your engine is clean. I'd just switch to synthetic. Make sure the oil meets VW 502.00 (or the older VW 500.00). Don't worry about dirt coming loose because of the synthetic. If you are really paranoid, Auto R/X is a viable option.
nbevins
10-09-2003, 07:53 PM
I am planning on getting Amsoil 10W40 and mabye doing the first change shortly after (1K miles?). I am kind of more paranoid about the auto rx stuff, but what do I know(not much). I guess its sort of a gamble...
moribundman
10-09-2003, 08:28 PM
The Amsoil 10W-40 sounds like a good choice, but I wouldn't dump it after only 1000 miles. How about after 3000? And thereafter change it every 7500 miles.
If you want to get more information on oil and Auto R/X, and if you want to talk to oil fanatics, then you should go <a href="http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi">here</a>.
zeems
10-09-2003, 09:19 PM
...(mobil1 10w30), but I'm interested in this AutoR/X stuff because there is visible gunk/buildup when I look through the oil cap opening. I've never heard of this product, would you mind sending me a link to some relevant information?
Thanks,
moribundman
10-09-2003, 11:14 PM
If you look through the oil filler opening you're looking at a splash shield that is above the camshaft. It wouldn't be unusual if that splash shield had some varnish on it. You'd really have to take the valve cover off to get a good look. That's the only way to find sludge...
PS: I wouldn't use M1 10W-30. Its HTHS (high temperature high shear) is lower than Audi requires for our engines. Find an oil that meets this spec: VW 502.00 (or the older VW 500.00)
The only Mobil oil that meets that spec would be M1 0W-40. That's what I'm using right now, but I think it's thin sauce.
Other oils to check out:
Lubro Moly 5W-40
Pentosynth 5W-40
Red Line 5W-40
Amsoil 10W-40<ul><li><a href="http://www.auto-rx.com/">auto-rx.com</a></li></ul>