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Advise n 88 4cyl purchase (Page 1/1) |
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fierofrenzy
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JAN 16, 07:38 PM
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Hi people.... its been a while but I'm back because i know the value of this site and the great people that are involved in it. Heres whats up. i looked at an 88 4 cylinder 5 speed today that was in overall very good shape. Body and interior VG, and the undercarrage is spotless. Even the dew wipes are fine. It does have one somewhat major issue though. Looks like either the timing chain or gear is totally gone. The engine will crank fine, but will not start. The owner told me that when he looked into the engine through the oil fill hole in the valve cover, the rocker arm(s) were not moving at all. I hear no clanking or metal to metal noise at all. Im really interested in buying this car, but I definately dont want an issue thats a super headache to repair. I have replaced a water pump on an 86 4 banger in the past. So, what are the best ways to determine the exact problem ? Once again, I appreciate all the advise you have to offer.
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fieroguru
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JAN 17, 06:59 AM
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I would verify movement (or no movement) of the rockers through the oil fill while cranking. That is pretty definitive to a bad timing gear. If they do move, then I would check for spark. The 88 is a waste fire DIS setup and could have issues. From there, verify fuel and compression.
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fierofrenzy
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JAN 17, 11:57 AM
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No rocker movement according to the owner. Is this 4 cyl. a non interference engine ? Buy that , I mean the valves will not hit the pistons ( or vise virsa ) when the timing chain or gear jumps of time.
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fieroguru
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JAN 18, 10:38 AM
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The 2.5 is a non-interference motor. If it was an interference motor, the check of spinning the crankshaft and pistons while the rockers (and valves didn't move) would result in ether locking the engine up or some bad mechanical music.
If the timing gear is stripped, that could be one of many other issues with the engine (low oil pressure, blow by, oil burning, rod knock, etc), so it would be best to factor in engine replacement to the go/no-go purchase price.
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