Mystery parts

[sagem57]

To refurbish my a4 I layed down a clean tarp built an engine stand and started removing components. Each part was cleaned rebuilt painted and set aside. I am now down to the engine block, Pistons crank and valves. Before I start in on them I thought it'd be a good idea to clean up the area first.as I looked down amongst all the paint chips, grease and dirt I thought I saw. A metal chip that would come off a drill. Since I hadn't done any drilling I picked it up only to find out that it was a spring. upon closer look I found a second and 3 tiny pushrods. I have no idea where they came from or if they even belong to this motor or one of it's components. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I included a penny in the photo for scale.

[Surcouf]

Sorry I could not resist...

But are these rods metals? Carbon? (starter or alternator? Even though they look very small for that)

Good luck! I am in the middle of my overhaul, and pretty sure I will not be able to find the right bolts when I will try to assemble it back together..

[sagem57]

I tried to scrape one with a knife and got nothing. Possibly steel. I had to disassemble the distributor because of all the rust including the fly weights maybe down in there? They are not from the starter that was done at a local shop

[ndutton]

Those look like mechanical fuel pump push rods to me but it makes no sense that there would be three of them laying around unless the previous owner kept making the same mistake over and over and over. Don't count on my guess.

As for the springs, no idea. I considered the oil pressure regulator and the distributor timing advance springs but neither look like yours.

[Dave Neptune]

I have no idea BUTT they could be diaphragm springs however no idea on the rods unless Neil was right and then why 3?

Dave Neptune

[Dave Neptune]

Want one

Surcouf, how do I get that shirt in an XL? I love it.

Dave Neptune

[ndutton]

Maybe exploded starter Bendix pieces? I dunno, never had one apart.

[Dave Neptune]

I have worked with "over riding clutches" on lots on different machines that look very similar. I just don't see an application for one in the A-4. In this case you would be missing one spring. Doubt the Bendix unit as they run on a twisted thread of sorts, no need for the clutch.

Dave Neptune

[ndutton]

Yeah Dave, I know what you're talking about. Automotive electric window clutches are the same except the 'bullets" are plastic, three of them in a hub.

I agree about the shirt, need one baaaaaadd.

[JOHN COOKSON]

Going Out On a Limb.....

Parts for the the ratchet in an old style winch? The old winches had the two metal cylinders with a spring between them. The little metal parts rode up and over a machined ratcheting base so the winch would only turn in one direction. The winches were made of brass or bronze and had a screw in the middle so you could take the spindle off the shaft for service.

TRUE GRIT

[sagem57]

I have the distributor o n the bench. Guess I'll take it apart and let you know what I find.

[Surcouf]

Surcouf, how do I get that shirt in an XL? I love it.

Dave Neptune

Many different versions of it on amazon... Just google “skilled enoigh to take it appart smart enough to hide”. There are bikers versions, Porsche version... we may need an A4 one?

[sagem57]

Took the distributor apart again to look for possiblities and ....nothing!
Called a friend of mine and discribed the parts to him. He thought the parts sounded too small and delicate to be part of this motor .sounded more like parts out of an electric switch or some kind. So I'm going to go with that for the time being and continue on with the rebuild. Thanks to all who chimed in and party on dudes !

[alcodiesel]

Like me you can start an orphan parts box. Stuff in there I have no idea where it came from but I just know the week after I throw it out I will find where it belongs.

[chapster5]

Any chance the spouse decided she wanted to mess with you ??

Chapster5