Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
#1
Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
Del sol fanatic have owned 3 so far lol, i just found a 97 vtec which is super rare for $2500
The ad says it has 202k, new head gasket, timing belt, water pump, seals, tensioner, oil pan gasket, distributor and wires, drives great but has a leaking steering rack
Its also about 2 1/2 hrs away from where i live, since its a vtec i would not doubt that there was some heavy driving on it therefore i want to know if there was a way to determine the condition of the engine especially at 200k
I do plan on paying for a shop to do a pre purchase inspection
The ad says it has 202k, new head gasket, timing belt, water pump, seals, tensioner, oil pan gasket, distributor and wires, drives great but has a leaking steering rack
Its also about 2 1/2 hrs away from where i live, since its a vtec i would not doubt that there was some heavy driving on it therefore i want to know if there was a way to determine the condition of the engine especially at 200k
I do plan on paying for a shop to do a pre purchase inspection
#2
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
No real way of telling the condition without taking it apart and inspecting...
Only thing you/shop can do is a cold/hot compression test to determine how healthy it is at that particular moment. I guess if the owner would allow it, you could remove the valve cover and at least get a look at the valvetrain and t-belt to see their condition. The belt should be new, so that's easy to determine. As far as the valvetrain, you can usually determine if the oil was changed regularly if the metal has a golden hue to it as opposed to a dark brown.
But seriously, for $2500(say you get it for $2100ish) and clean, unmolested, not rusted original DOHC DelSol is a great deal. You can always rebuild the engine yourself or just get a swap down the line for cheap.
Only thing you/shop can do is a cold/hot compression test to determine how healthy it is at that particular moment. I guess if the owner would allow it, you could remove the valve cover and at least get a look at the valvetrain and t-belt to see their condition. The belt should be new, so that's easy to determine. As far as the valvetrain, you can usually determine if the oil was changed regularly if the metal has a golden hue to it as opposed to a dark brown.
But seriously, for $2500(say you get it for $2100ish) and clean, unmolested, not rusted original DOHC DelSol is a great deal. You can always rebuild the engine yourself or just get a swap down the line for cheap.
#3
Re: Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
Found out the car was bought in Cali and stayed there for a decade before coming to OR, the car had the timing belt break so the engine was rebuilt, has a LS tranny in it with catback
Got it for $1900 yay, my 4th del sol lol and this would be my 3rd that i own at the moment so time to sell my 97 si
Been looking for a 97 vtec for a while so i took your advice and grabbed it as they are super duper rare
Got it for $1900 yay, my 4th del sol lol and this would be my 3rd that i own at the moment so time to sell my 97 si
Been looking for a 97 vtec for a while so i took your advice and grabbed it as they are super duper rare
#4
Fish Twig
Join Date: Nov 2005
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Re: Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
Take it to a shop to have it compression tested and leakdown. You'll have something on paper to show owner and also might not be held liable.
#6
Re: Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
Checking spark plugs for fouling, Oil cap and dipstick for coolant in oil. Use dipstick to retrieve oil from oil pan, put on a piece of aluminum foil and heat foil with lighter..if sizzles and pops .equals coolant in oil.
Do a power balance test. A block test for headgasket. Some damn many test and that's just for engine. Really, the seller needs to be tested as much as the engine/car... an honest seller will let these test be performed as long as it's by a competent person/mechanic.
#7
Re: Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
Yes i did purchase the car already, should i still have those tests done?
The owner works in a shop and restores mopars for a living
The owner works in a shop and restores mopars for a living
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#8
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
#9
Honda-Tech Member
#10
Re: Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
If the radiator's coolant level doesn't drop and the reservoir's level doesn't rise then the head gasket should be okay. monitor both daily for the next week or two.
Power balance test is free and easy..pull fuel injector harness off instead of spark plug wire (no coil pack on 6th gens):
#11
Re: Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
I can look into doing the test, the spark, the ignition wires looked new and were NGK however. The only obvious problem and was a problem mentioned to me at sale was a power steering leak.
#12
Re: Checking for engine problems on b16a2 buying used
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