Thread: I found a P38, but do I want it?

Originally Posted by 4X4V8

Went to see an 01 HSE today. Really very tidy cosmetically, but I think it has a few problems. I remember reading here about likely slipped liner symptoms, but failed to find the threads aft a search.
The engine was warm when I arrived. Before starting it,, the coolant overflow bottle was empty. Engine oil looked ok and underside of oil filler cap dry.
Engine fired up, quiet and smooth. -PAMJ- vin number, high comp I think?
The coolant overflow stayed empty. I slowly released the cap and some coolant started to trickle in via the small inlet pipe. Very watery green coolant, slightly bubbly. I revved the engine a little, more coolant squirted into the bottle via the inlet tube.
Of course I damn well forgot the tests or tell-tale signs of slipped liners I've read a 1000 times ... but I put my palm over the top of the bottle as I revved the engine, which resulted in pressure pushing on my palm as revs rose and vacuum when revs dropped... does that mean anything? Or simply the water pump doing its job.
EAS was in off-road height setting when I arrived, very stubborn about lowering. Height button lock was not on, foot off brake, doors etc closed. Bookmark symbol on climate control screen, later disappeared. Couldn't get the trip computer to cycle through by pressing the 'i' button on the left stalk.
Owner has fitted new radiator, o-seals and blend motors and new EAS compressor, valve block and ECU.
The car drove well - didn't drive it far though. Let it idle when I got back and oil smoke started to rise from the rear of the block - leaking valley gasket?
The car was washed and lacquered to an inch of its life and looked in the main very good. I want to make an offer, but part of me thinks it will be a world of pain...

What was he asking for it?

About $8.5k. Too much with the problems it has. I think the radiator may have blown with a pressurised cooling system thanks to slipped liners. I don't know for sure, but if it is, I don't have another $8-10k for an engine re-build.

Perhaps topping up the coolant prior to starting would have been a good idea... Was the owner aware of it?

Did it run very smooth and quiet?

Was there any water spits or steam from the exhaust pipe?

Is this the eBay one in Sydney with 165,000km on it?

Cheers
Keithy

Sounds like it could have a lot of issues. Low/no coolant, pressure and bubbles doesn't sound good. Smoke from the valley gasket is a big his job to replace too. 8.5 for a car with the potential problems this car may have is a bit of a gamble. If your set on it, why not ask the owner if he will agree a price based on a mechanics report?

Possibly a blown head gasket, you would need to fill the coolant up when cold or at least not hot and check for bubbles entering the overflow tank from the bottom front.
As Keithy already suggested, did it idle ok, or was there a slight miss?
Any steam or water spits from the exhaust?
If he has done the blend motors, it might just need the faults cleared to get rid of the book symbol. You can do that yourself if you have a faultmate or similar.
Have a look at the drivers side carpet where it goes up from the floor towards the dash, any signs of coolant or damp carpet there? That would indicate hearter o rings leaking and might explain the coolant loss.
If it's a really nice looking rig, you may want to take it on and sort the issues yourself...at least that way you know what's been done to it!
Otherwise give that one a miss and keep looking.

From your explanation it does not necessarily point to any problems apart from lowish coolant.
I would top it up to the correct level and let it tickover until you are happy the engine is up to temp and the system has pressurised completely, check the top hose has gone hard. If no dramas then take the car for a good run, find some long hills and give it some wellie. If the temp gauge stays put in the middle stop the car and have a look to see if you can see small coolant leaks anywhere. Check around the water pump and the throttle body heater. The coolant level will rise when hot, thats normal.
You need to check the engine not vin number for compression ratio, 59d low, 60d high

Originally Posted by wayneg

From your explanation it does not necessarily point to any problems apart from lowish coolant.
I would top it up to the correct level and let it tickover until you are happy the engine is up to temp and the system has pressurised completely, check the top hose has gone hard. If no dramas then take the car for a good run, find some long hills and give it some wellie. If the temp gauge stays put in the middle stop the car and have a look to see if you can see small coolant leaks anywhere. Check around the water pump and the throttle body heater. The coolant level will rise when hot, thats normal.
You need to check the engine not vin number for compression ratio, 59d low, 60d high

Thanks, that gives me the confidence to go look again, with a bit more knowledge of what to look for. We'll see what happens...

I would also make sure it is stone cold when you get there.

Low water level also points to a not very good owner imo. What else have they not done / covered up etc.

To be honest however if you have any doubts which you appear to have, I would walk away. There is every chance it will be a total money pit.