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Of vacumn valves and all things plasticky


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#1
aundi

Posted 03 December 2004 - 11:39 AM

aundi

    6th Gear

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Just discovered that all my vacumn valves in my 1.8T has gone kaput.
Replaced all 4 of them for RM58 each at EM excluding the valve regulator
which alone cost RM288.Total damage RM520 for 5 plastic knobs the size of
our Prez. thumb.If this is not daylight robbery and sheer profiteering
what is?Even your generic astro remote control selling for rm20 inclusive
of retailer,wholesaler and manufacturer mark up has 10 times more plastic
content than the 5 items rolled into one. I just cannot understand the
quality of the plastic used in the engine compartment by Audi or is it our
weather again. Take for example the dip-stick holder and handle.I am sure
you guys have experienced it just breaking off while you were checking
your engine oil. To rub salt into the wound the guys in EM wanted to
charge me rm100 for installing the vacumn valves which my friendly
neighbourhood mechanic took all but 10 mins to install.

#2
boggysv

Posted 03 December 2004 - 11:53 AM

boggysv

    Fast & Furious

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my wire brackets melted to it's housing
(lucikilly it still came off with some brutal force)
and they can seal off water, so my connectors are rustingFrown

#3
DavidT

Posted 03 December 2004 - 12:20 PM

DavidT

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Aundi,

Yes these parts frequently "dry" up and crack causing air leaks. I've
lost count of the number of times I've changed mine. Your car is chipped?
You only mentioned the valves. Wait till your hoses start leaking...
which I suspect may already be because they usually go before your
valves.

I just had my dip stick and holder changed... cost me a sum of RM40+
including installation. I think you got ripped off... I also had it done
at EM.

#4
primus2211

Posted 03 December 2004 - 01:54 PM

primus2211

    Road Warrior

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Hi Guys,

Just changed one of the valve as well. Curiously enough, has anybody
tried sourcing for a metal units e.g. in the line of what we can get for
the DV's?

Would be grateful if anybody have some info on this. Regards!Big Smile

#5
Phibes

Posted 03 December 2004 - 02:37 PM

Phibes

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For those who actually open their bonnet themselves:

a) Condition your Hoses and lines with specific Silicone spray or other
things available (JakeG? ideas).. be careful what you use and where you
use it

b) Keep them clean sometimes they will get splashed with things that can
slowly eat them away.. as well as engine blowback is acidic

c) Drying out is the biggest issue (see "a and "b") next to pinching or
abrasion (see below)

d) Besides removing allot of things that have hoses connected to them
(don't try it if you don't know what or how)I have also closely inspected
as many wires and hoses I could find and rerouted some to avoid abrasion

e)and last but not least.. (especially for those damn window washer
plastic lines) where ever your hose or vacuum line is rubbing against
something and can not be moved (or removed ;-) take another piece of hose
the same size and material (like the the old ones you just replaced) and
cut it long ways down the middle and wrap this around the hose or line you
want to protect, where you want to protect it.. it will stay in place and
can be easily removed to inspect and clean the hose it is protecting. Try
to avoid electrical tape.. it is inconvenient to apply, it is a mess and
after it falls off it only leaves a mess.

as far as inserted plasticky things and plastic brackets etc.. be creative
when one breaks if possible and super glue does work if used right and if
the piece your repairing is not subject to allot of force or shock.. and
especially for little bracket, holder, clip thingy's don't be afraid to
climb around some half cuts with your trusty 10 in 1 screw driver/torx in
hand ;-)

But whatever you do .. PLEASE STOP GETTING RIPPED OFF BY DEALER SHOPS AND
INDEPENDENT WORKSHOPS!!


Peace

#6
JakeG

Posted 04 December 2004 - 11:52 AM

JakeG

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Been trying to compile topics and solutions under my Tropical Heat
Management article to be published later, but yes.. there are ways to make
em plastic lasts longer.

What I notice (and proven by those members who chipped their vehicles) is
that the no-1 detriment to engine plastics is under-hood temperature. For
A4's the rubber seal around the battery compartment lip seals against the
hood to create a 'dead space' and temperature there reaches above 135 deg
(the limit on my mercury thermometer the last time I've checked)..which is
why your dipstick tip always go first, in addition to the valves, the tube
to the brake servo etc. In addition the exhaust manifold sits below the
dead space too contributing to the heat buildup there.

When plastics get hot, the degrade and become porous with cracks. Water
molecules then enter and the hydrogen ions degrade the molecular bond
further making it solid and crumbly (sort of like 'saturated' butter
vs. 'unsaturated' margarine).

I think silicone may be a good protection against the latter degradation
stage but some way must be found to reduce under-hood temperatute..