DJ's adventures in A2 land

I’ve just bought a used high tone horn from eBay for a tenner for DSM to carry out a twin horn conversion, as it’s so easy and yet so useful for announcing your presence to fellow motorists who rely solely on mirrors (if that) before changing lanes.

In other news, Based on this tyre test, I picked the winner and ordered 4 x Michelin Primacy 4 in 185/60 R15 H (84) flavour for the new wheels. Their RRP is £100 a tyre but I managed to bag them for under 70 quid each from Black Circles

I haven’t heard of anyone else here running this tyre so I’ll report back in due course - but my rationale for forking out for them is the test-winning marks for dry braking, fuel consumption and noise (the latter always a concern in the A2 as road noise is one area where the design shows its age, especially on six speed cars where the engine note is quieter than standard). Also Michelin tyres are well known for lasting high mileages with minimal performance degradation as they wear, which I like as it encourages you not to change them until they actually are worn out. In addition to all this, I suspect the chrome pepper pots will look even more stunning on Audrey with her lustrous piedmont red paintwork than they will on this new silver A2 (I don’t have a name yet so will just call it Akoya for now), even if I move Akoya on eventually, I’ll probably keep the wheels and hence will most likely see the full mileage they offer even if Akoya is moved on in due course.

So other than the above, that’s all the work on Akoya done as everything else I’d want to do (suspension including lower arms, oil pump chain & tensioner, full long-life service etc.) has already been done - it really is a fully sorted car! It will now be interesting to drive the two cars back-to-back, with their very similar specs and modifications. I wonder which of them I’ll like the most? I wonder if I can find justification for keeping both and revelling in having two of the top ATL A2s around?

Either way, I had better stop here with the spending while Akoya is at DSM until I know whether she’s a keeper - I found myself looking up the invoice for Calix engine heater kit that Audrey has and thinking what excellent value it is at £160....

Picture of Akoya from Paul’s advert:

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The Michelin tyres you've bought are excellent, I have them all round on my insignia and the wet and dry handling and grip is the best I've experienced yet, you have made a very wise choice @dj_efk David I know you won't be disappointed.
 
Just a quick one to share that the fruits of starting this thread on affordable engine oils arrived today:
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This has been analysed by a lab and found to be practically identical to the Quantum oil that Audi used as per @depronman ’s posts - This lot cost me less than 60 quid for 20 litres and as a bonus, rather than the messy carton the whole 20l comes in when you buy Quantum, this arrived as a box of four very pleasing to the eye tins, just as I remember Duckhams or Castrol oils did back in the early 80s (the tins of oil were the overriding memory of my dad’s garage).

So now, as I previously bought a small job lot of Mann 719/7x oil filters for £6 each, I have all I need for the next 4 oil changes between the two A2s, with plenty left for top-ups. This means I can gently flush the dirt out of Audrey’s engine by performing another change at the end of the summer.
 
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Although I'm sure this oil is fine, especially if you change annually, I must point out that there is more (lots more actually) to a VW (or any other) Oil Certification than an analysis of the blend.
Good starting point though.

Mac.
 
Although I'm sure this oil is fine, especially if you change annually, I must point out that there is more (lots more actually) to a VW (or any other) Oil Certification than an analysis of the blend.
Good starting point though.

Mac.
Thanks Mac, the original intention once the “flushing period” is over was that I’ll revert back to approved / expensive oil, but as this stuff has been compared to a sample of approved oil and is essentially the same in composition, it may just be a permanent move.

I think to be sure, I need take a sample of the oil that comes out now and a sample of Mannol once drained in the new year and compare the analysis of the two at similar mileages.
 
Just had Audrey in the garage to correct a few faults that developed:

1) Leaking screenwash bottle - pipe had come adrift, now fixed;
2) Hissing noise under acceleration - Turned out a plastic clip had worn through the metal boost pipe?! Anyway I'm now in need of replacement parts
3) Intermittent hot start problem: Sometimes two or three turns of the key needed before it fires up, problem only manifests if you've turned off and try to restart within 20-30 minutes - They are still unsure but a scan revealed an implausible signal error code from the cam sensor so a likely candidate.
4) Aircon service - This restored operation to the system after passing a pressure test.

100 quid for all this. I really can't wait to get into my own workshop with pit - only a month now!

If anyone can help with points 2 or 3 above then follow this LINK.

Thanks all!
 
3) Intermittent hot start problem: Sometimes two or three turns of the key needed before it fires up, problem only manifests if you've turned off and try to restart within 20-30 minutes - They are still unsure but a scan revealed an implausible signal error code from the cam sensor so a likely candidate.
I've seen this symptom a few times before. Sometimes you're not even lucky enough to get an associated fault code. However, a replacement cam shaft position sensor cures the problem.

2) Hissing noise under acceleration - Turned out a plastic clip had worn through the metal boost pipe?! Anyway I'm now in need of replacement parts
I've seen this before, too. The clip doesn't allow the engine to swing enough under acceleration and engine braking. Either the clip breaks, or the clip wears a hole in the pipe, or both. Unfortunately, the metal version of this pipe, exclusively used on the TDI90, isn't always easy to find. The reinforced plastic version, used on the TDI75, is identical in its shape and can probably be used successfully until a replacement metal version can be found.

Cheers,

Tom
 
Amazing. Thanks Tom. I have bagged a genuine cam sensor on eBay for 65 of the Queen's finest, so that's one issue sorted.
 
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Update on Akoya, my other TDi90 that @PaulA2 used to own:

With Audrey still being needed by my brother in law for a few months longer I’ve asked DS Motorsport to crack on with the couple of jobs outstanding (replacement of the harsh suspension springs with standard SE ones and also the twin horn conversion) ready for the car to be collected and pressed into use later this month.

Since Paul’s ownership Akoya has picked up a set of platinum leather & alcantara sports seats in place of the non-lumbar heated swing leathers. I intend to reverse this and achieve my long-held ambition of putting platinum back in Audrey (hence restoring the latter back to the same interior colour scheme @Special edition Dave had in it during his ownership by effecting a swap between the two cars, once I’ve figured out a way of installing heat pads into the platinums - Any ideas on who could do this for me?!

Once thing that bugged however was the rear cup holder had also gone walkies since Paul’s ownership - such a high spec car deserves one! Assuming Akoya's interior beyond the seats is also swing grey, I have been on the lookout for a replacement to restore this travesty. Hence those of you who saw the one in Latvia in the spotted section can now rest assured you know who bought it!!

It arrived today. The condition is OK although it is obviously used and was filthy! A good clean later and it’s still slightly sticky to touch (although not as bad as it was), I’m thinking the soft touch paint might be responsible for that though and so although the cloth keeps coming away dirty when I apply a few drops of elbow grease, that could actually be the paint starting to break down, so I’ve left it as-is, any thoughts gang?

It should be good enough that when in the car's interior it looks good and in keeping with the rest of the interior, the photos here make it look worse than it is. For what I paid to secure it and get it here, I'm happy and am looking forward to installing it when I get the car, hopefully later this month.

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Once I have Akoya on the road, I'll be in the unique position to advise people on the MYP six speed gearbox thread what the practical differences are betweem the MYP (in Akoya) and PTW (in Audrey) - hopefully that will help guide TDI90 owners as to which to go for at least. Looking forward to having a "dedicated" A2 of my own in the family, whether that is Audrey (which I really would like back in my care, but swapping insurance etc. might be hassle until it expires) or Akoya.

In Audrey news - My replacement boost pipe and clip scored from an eBay breaker for 50 quid delivered arrived today and is in excellent used condition.

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How easy is this to change? I assume just the bottom engine tray has to come up first - or does the bumper / other parts need to be removed for access? I'm weighing up whether to get the garage to do or do it myself in my new workshop - Audrey also needs an oil change and I assume an air filter - A brake & clutch fluid change or bleed is needed to as the brakes don't inspire confidence at the pedal and the clutch biting point is near the floor and feels spongey.

Also, my new genuine Audi camshaft position sensor (another eBay score at 65 quid posted) turned up - however having done 500 miles in Audrey recently, I've not had the hot start issue occur on me once! So one to keep an eye on and perhaps replace when it occurs.
 
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Update on Akoya, my other TDi90 that @PaulA2 used to own:

With Audrey still being needed by my brother in law for a few months longer I’ve asked DS Motorsport to crack on with the couple of jobs outstanding (replacement of the harsh suspension springs with standard SE ones and also the twin horn conversion) ready for the car to be collected and pressed into use later this month.

Since Paul’s ownership Akoya has picked up a set of platinum leather & alcantara sports seats in place of the non-lumbar heated swing leathers. I intend to reverse this and achieve my long-held ambition of putting platinum back in Audrey (hence restoring the latter back to the same interior colour scheme @Special edition Dave had in it during his ownership by effecting a swap between the two cars, once I’ve figured out a way of installing heat pads into the platinums - Any ideas on who could do this for me?!

Once thing that bugged however was the rear cup holder had also gone walkies since Paul’s ownership - such a high spec car deserves one! Assuming Akoya's interior beyond the seats is also swing grey, I have been on the lookout for a replacement to restore this travesty. Hence those of you who saw the one in Latvia in the spotted section can now rest assured you know who bought it!!

It arrived today. The condition is OK although it is obviously used and was filthy! A good clean later and it’s still slightly sticky to touch (although not as bad as it was), I’m thinking the soft touch paint might be responsible for that though and so although the cloth keeps coming away dirty when I apply a few drops of elbow grease, that could actually be the paint starting to break down, so I’ve left it as-is, any thoughts gang?

It should be good enough that when in the car's interior it looks good and in keeping with the rest of the interior, the photos here make it look worse than it is. For what I paid to secure it and get it here, I'm happy and am looking forward to installing it when I get the car, hopefully later this month.

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Once I have Akoya on the road, I'll be in the unique position to advise people on the MYP six speed gearbox thread what the practical differences are betweem the MYP (in Akoya) and PTW (in Audrey) - hopefully that will help guide TDI90 owners as to which to go for at least. Looking forward to having a "dedicated" A2 of my own in the family, whether that is Audrey (which I really would like back in my care, but swapping insurance etc. might be hassle until it expires) or Akoya.
If tend to agree David. Either live with it or take the lot off and Re paint. Glad you’ve secured one ??
 
Yes it would, if I had the time, greatly benefit from a strip and re-paint in volico paint - it would then be as-new.

However I am in the midst of moving house and with three young kids it's not a job I could make time for, sadly. As said, it is slightly better in reality than the photos make it seem so good enough and certainly better than nothing - which is the current situation!

EDIT: Thanks to @simon martyn below for the shout - will try in due course!!
 
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Right gang, I’m going to attempt to change Audrey’s boost pipe myself I think; can I just check that the pipe in question is in the same location as the green hoseshown in the bottom left of the engine bay (under the auxuliary drive belt) in this pic stolen from @timmus TDi120 thread? Should I be able to access / replace it and the clip easily from underneath - having first removed the under tray?

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At approximately 6000 miles since it was last done, she is also due an oil and filter change plus an inspection of the air and cabin filters. MOT due next month too.
 
The silver eagle has landed! Today I collected Akoya from DS Motorsport in Coventry and drove home to Axminster - first impressions are that this car looks good for one that’s covered half of its actual mileage of 190,000!

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I’m over the moon with how good the chromed pepper pots look against the silver paint to my eyes and the interior is very nice, albeit the alcantara part of the front seats are rather worn ( not too bad, just not up to my standards), so this will need sorting in future.

Off to fill up and then straight onto the M6/M42/M5 and then the final 20 miles on A roads. Not surprisingly the two cars - both remapped six speed TDI90 ATLs - drive very similarly overall. The biggest difference is in the two different gearboxes and specifically 3rd gear: in Audrey, 30mph is 1800 RPM which is perfect for my driving style in urban areas; you can drop down or accelerate around this speed as traffic conditions dictate and you’re always in the right gear. The same speed in the same gear in Akoya is 2000 RPM - an engine speed which sounds a little busy to my ears and makes you want to exceed the speed limit by a few MPH and change up into 4th, although even then the revs drop to between 1500 - 1600, which then feels a little too low.

Other differences noted were:

- Akoya’s engine vibrates the whole car noticeably more than Audrey’s at tickover. What could be the cause?

- The new Michelins on this car produce noticeably less road roar than the 4-5 year old Dunlop’s on Audrey

- I like the A1 steering wheel, feels nice in the hand

- I struggled to get comfortable for a while with Akoya’s seats, they seem harder to sit on / in somehow - that may be because the lumbar support function has been powered to maximum and then hasn’t been connected when installed as part of the swap with the heated non lumbar swing sports leathers the car originally had in @PaulA2's ownership - which didn’t have lumbar and hence the wiring is not there. Incidentally I note that the climate panel, although in perfect nick, is not a heated one, so this has been swapped at the same time as the seats.

- The headlamps need adjusting upwards, they’ve been converted to HID (something that I’m told is technically illegal) and I can see they’d be very powerful when pointing further than 20 feet in front of the car on dipped beam.

- I like the rear parking sensors! Useful as rear vision in the A2 isn’t great and when parking in the dark when I got home they helped a lot.

- the RNS stereo with Nav is wasted on me, I’m happy with Audrey’s Concert and my phone’s googlemaps app! Both cars are equipped with Bose.

- I do not like the earlier style of cruise control fitted to Akoya, the later type that Audrey has is much more intuitive to use. Can anyone explain how to use it properly beyond just getting to the speed you want and engaging it (I.e. temporarily slowing down / speeding up using the stalk)?

- I cant wait to try the rear cup holder I’ve bought out as this was dearly missed when I bought a bottle of water too big for the dash holders when fueling up! I can then have a go at tidying this up by removing the scratched soft touch finish paint with meths - Akoya’s handbrake surround needs the same treatment too.

- The wiper on Akoya is noticeably slower than Audrey; I wonder if a new earth is needed?

As an additional note, driving Akoya has confirmed my suspicion there is something amiss with Audrey’s gear change - specifically moving the lever fore and aft is stiff (but not side to side which is fine), as Akoya is much more pleasant to change gear in. Does anyone have an idea how to go about fixing this?

As I parked up, I noticed a journey average of 58.5mpg showing on DIS which is exactly what I’d expect from Audrey - albeit in the case of the latter DIS under reads by about 10-12%.

Tomorrow I’ll have a good rummage through everything that’s filling the boot and back seat from the purchase, I know Craig threw in some spares but I’m not sure what!

Overall - Looking forward to having my own A2 that I don’t have to share going forward, although I will be getting Audrey back in 3 months time and I then have to choose one and sell the other!
 
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