A4 Problem

Just bought an A4 1.6SE and whilst sitting in traffic (in the rain) I have noticed a fine steam/mist coming from the top of the bonnet! Checked engine compartment and all is well, it appears that the bonnet is being heated by the exhaust manifold to a temp which is vapourising the rain!

This is a little disconcerting and I am also worried about the paint on the bonnet going dull. The VW/Audi specialist who recently replaced my faulty coolant temp sensor reckons that a heat shield is missing.

I have spoken to 2 main dealers today and they have checked the parts lists but both reckon that there shouldn't be a shield there! One of the dealers even suggested that it is a common ocurrence????

Ok this one is a little strange but would appreciate advice/comments.

Cheers Matt

Matt, Depending on the outside temperature and the humidity, you can generate "steam" with your breath - still, you'd have to eat a lot of spicy food to burn the paint off the hood with your breath ;-) If you can put your hand on the hood without getting burned then you shouldn't be alarmed - wait until the middle of the summer (assuming you're in the Northern Hemisphere here...) and try that after the car has been parked in the sun for a couple of hours......ow! Follow the care instructions in the Owner's Manual and give it a wax every now and then. The paint is baked on to the car during manufacture at temperatures higher than the summer sun-generated ones. Now if you can't put your hand on the hood without serious burns...ok, sorry 'bout that - it's too hot. You might want to ask the "VW/Audi specialist" what shield, _EXACTLY_, he thinks is missing, or was he just "spitballing" and, at the same time, both demonstrating his ignorance and scaring you? If he confirms that, he'd be one "specialist" to steer clear of in the future (= you just learned a cheap lesson), or if he produces a part #...well....stick with him for service. Cheers! Steve Sears

1987 Audi 5kTQ - when the steam comes out from UNDER the hood....that's when I'm alarmed (BTDT) 1980 Audi 5k - fan plug came out once....got a bit steamy then. oops. 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes - naturally "steamy"....D.K.W. once stood for Dampf Kraft Wagen = Steam Motor Vehicle (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)