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Car Purchase Prep
Topic Started: May 14 2013, 11:02 AM (637 Views)
Aaron_37
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Hey there everyone,

So I've got a solid lead on a 1987 Forsa Turbo that is a couple hours away from me. I'm set on purchasing it because of how rare they are, but I want to ensure it makes the trip successfully. I just loaded up on maintenance/cleaning supplies from the local auto parts shop and put in a big Rock Auto order for tune-up parts. I don't know how well it has been treated or what lies underneath the valve cover. Here's my schedule of post-purchase pre-driving maintenance. If you think of anything I'm missing, let me know. Keep in mind I might not have time/electricity/hose for larger jobs. This is just to get it drive-ready and ensure it runs smoothly.

1. Charge battery and clean battery terminals.
2. Tension drive belts and check all wires and hoses.
3. Add half can of Seafoam to gas tank and half can to oil crankcase.
4. Anti-seize, gap, and torque new spark plugs.
5. Install new spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor.
6. Replace PCV valve and air filter.
7. Replace wiper blades front and rear.
8. Check tread, tire pressure, and re-torque lug nuts.
9. Lubricate pedals, adjust parking break, and pedal free play.
10. Check all fuses, fusible links, heater, radio, and lights.
11. Top up coolant, oil, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Once I get it home, I can obviously do more labour and time intensive things like complete fluid replacements, deep cleaning, and some electrical work too. Thanks much!
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scubaman
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scubaman

dont go overboard with the Seafoam. Just change the Oil to a good 5W30 and filter before u take it on the road. When and if u start adding seafoam, start with 1/4 bottle or less and change the Filter again soon after that first application. Then keep doing that for several oil changes. You dont want to dissolve too much at a time it will possibly kill ur engine.

u made no mention of checking the gear oil, which of course could be nice and nasty.
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Aaron_37
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Ah yes, I'd forgotten about the gear oil. Maybe I'll bring some empty milk jugs or something so I have a place to change fluids... that way, I can do a proper transmission and oil change before getting it on the road. You bring up a good point on the Seafoam, especially if things look ugly and sludge-ridden under the valve cover. Perhaps a half can is a bit overzealous for such a small engine, considering these things only need 3.5 quarts of oil in the first place. Thanks very much for your input!
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scubaman
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scubaman

i hear pennzoil synchomesh being used for manual. I have an auto so i have no experience with Synchomesh.

here is more Pennzoil vs other opinions - click here

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metromizer


It's hard to know... If the car has been parked for a long time, you will need to do a complete inspection to see what works and what doesn't, tire condition is a biggie.

If the owner says it only been parked for a short time, tell him you plan to drive the car home. After you make your deal, before leaving his place, ask him "What would YOU DO to this car before driving it 200km?" Good sellers typically don't want the new owner to break down on their way home, and AFTER the deal is done, are more likely to share some of the questionable things about the car.
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Aaron_37
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metromizer
May 14 2013, 01:25 PM
It's hard to know... If the car has been parked for a long time, you will need to do a complete inspection to see what works and what doesn't, tire condition is a biggie.

If the owner says it only been parked for a short time, tell him you plan to drive the car home. After you make your deal, before leaving his place, ask him "What would YOU DO to this car before driving it 200km?" Good sellers typically don't want the new owner to break down on their way home, and AFTER the deal is done, are more likely to share some of the questionable things about the car.
Fortunately, I believe it hasn't been sitting that long. Plus they are having to transport it from where the husband works (outside Vancouver, BC) to their family home (Nanaimo, BC), and I'm pretty sure they will be driving it. He's apparently mechanically inclined, so I doubt they're clueless as to what's under the hood and going on with the car.

I'm sure once they see the big pile of tools and parts in my trunk that I bring up with me, they will open up if they have any concerns about the car prior to driving it. Hopefully they won't me camping out outside their house for a couple hours and getting it all shined up once I fork over the cash haha. My backup plan will just be purchasing a BCAA membership and getting it towed if something goes horribly wrong on the way home. Here's hoping everything works out okay though!
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cwatkin


Those are all good ideas and suggestions. I would definitely get it running and drive it a bit. Drain the transmission and have 2.5 quarts of Synchromesh on hand. DO NOT use gear oil as this can really eat up the synchronizers. If the fluid looks really NASTY, replace it with the cheapest motor oil money can buy. Drive it home, drain again, and then use the good synchromesh. I have done this on a couple and the oil usually comes out pretty nasty and I wonder if I should do this again. Geo Glenn and others suggested this and I think it is a good idea.

I would make sure you have a new timing belt, water pump, radiator hoses, thermostat/gasket, etc. on hand and make sure you can change them on the side of the road if needed. If you don't know when they were done, use the spare parts as replacements whenever you really get into the car and you can keep the old ones in a box as extra spares in the future. It is sometimes hard to find parts for these cars in stock and if you plan to do any distance driving, you may find yourself becoming familiar with some strange town for a few days while you wait for the parts store to get something in. The Duralast water pumps from AutoZone carry a lifetime warranty and are about the cheapest I have found at $35.

Conor
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Aaron_37
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cwatkin
May 14 2013, 05:56 PM
Those are all good ideas and suggestions. I would definitely get it running and drive it a bit. Drain the transmission and have 2.5 quarts of Synchromesh on hand. DO NOT use gear oil as this can really eat up the synchronizers. If the fluid looks really NASTY, replace it with the cheapest motor oil money can buy. Drive it home, drain again, and then use the good synchromesh. I have done this on a couple and the oil usually comes out pretty nasty and I wonder if I should do this again. Geo Glenn and others suggested this and I think it is a good idea.

I would make sure you have a new timing belt, water pump, radiator hoses, thermostat/gasket, etc. on hand and make sure you can change them on the side of the road if needed. If you don't know when they were done, use the spare parts as replacements whenever you really get into the car and you can keep the old ones in a box as extra spares in the future. It is sometimes hard to find parts for these cars in stock and if you plan to do any distance driving, you may find yourself becoming familiar with some strange town for a few days while you wait for the parts store to get something in. The Duralast water pumps from AutoZone carry a lifetime warranty and are about the cheapest I have found at $35.

Conor
Perfect, thanks for the pointers on the transmission fluid. I'll be sure to get a synchromesh fluid for it. Radiator hoses... there's another thing I've forgotten. AutoZone is unfortunately not a Canadian-friendly franchise, but I'm sure I can find some parts at the local shop. If not, there's always Rock Auto! :)
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