misledxcracker Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 So as some of you know, I traded in my old coupe for an El Camino. The coupe was on it's way out, the suspension was shot, the engine started making horrible noise, the AC quit on me, and the transmission was on the brink of grenading Well, just my luck, the El Camino's pretty much in the same boat too. And it's literally a boat! So earlier this week, I was driving down the street and I saw a EA82 GL sedan, 3AT SPFI, 190K. It's parked at a dealer's lot, and they want $200. They just told me it didnt run, and they just planned on selling it to a wholesaler. I was able to tinker around with the car for a bit, we hooked up a battery to it, and attempted to start it. It makes a whirring noise, even a few seconds after turning the key off. I think it's the starter, but I'm not sure. It's a fast whirring noise, sounds kinda like an electric motor. Timing belt maybe? Can't be too hard to get it running I'd assume. Also, there's a fair bit of black crap in the coolant (didnt LOOK like oil) and also when I popped the oil cap, there was slight condensation, but the oil itself looked fine. Not to mention someone drained the diff fluid and filled the ATF twice But wow, the ATF doesnt reek of gear oil. It surprised me... I can get a 5 speed wagon that can't be titled for $300... so either way, I'll have spare parts. (I'm in Arizona, I take what I can get) What do you guys think? I really need to get out of this car payment on the El Camino, and need something that gets a TAD better than 15MPG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucky92 Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 Remember how much you hated the AT in your 3 door?? Why do you think this is going to be any better? Just hang in there until a running driving one..without as many issues comes along..we all know they do. There is always the "it could just be this" thing...but because its not running there could be many more things wrong..and you could end up dumping more money ito it then you can really afford. Just my cent and a half:grin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted April 22, 2008 Author Share Posted April 22, 2008 Remember how much you hated the AT in your 3 door?? Why do you think this is going to be any better? Just hang in there until a running driving one..without as many issues comes along..we all know they do. There is always the "it could just be this" thing...but because its not running there could be many more things wrong..and you could end up dumping more money ito it then you can really afford. Just my cent and a half:grin: Why is it better? 25MPG versus 15MPG. Also, like I said, I have a 5 speed donor in the works, once I get it. What EA82 Subaru doesnt have an issue from time to time? I got a well maintained coupe with 93K, and look what happened to it. I'm in the sticks of the desert, Soobs don't come around much in these parts. And either way I'm sinking money somewhere, whether it be the El Camino or the Soob.... PLUS I'm paying payments on the El Camino. :-\ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucky92 Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am not compairing this sedan to the ElCamo.. I was compairing it to your 3 door. What I am saying is..if you are panning this for a DD..maybe just hang in there for alittle while longer.Besides it not running..how do you know the tranny isnt toast? Or some electrical nightmare isnt going on somewhere. I know you are trying to find something better with better gas mileage..But dont get too anxious. If this was going to be for a project and not a DD right away I would say jump on it..But between the 2 cars ..there's $500 .then there is the other items that you know you should do ..Timing belts etc. then your labor..Its gonna add up quick to..coulda bought something better.. ( I hope you know I have been in your same shoes not to long ago ..I know exactly what you are feeling..I am only saying this cause I care) Have you even thought about looking for something New gen ..like a Gen 1 lego..they can be had on the cheap. Just dont want to see you jump into something and regret it thats all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted April 22, 2008 Author Share Posted April 22, 2008 I can't afford to get another car of a higher value. Never really have been able to, not at the moment anyway. $200 will sink me for a couple weeks. I'd rather have the EA82 because I'm familiar with it, it'll bring me good MPG once I get the thing running and running right... the tranny could be toast, sure... but there's no telling whether my current car will blow or not either. Plus, if I only drove to work and back for two weeks on the 3AT... and managed the $300 somehow... I'd have a 5 speed within 120 miles. I know you care, and I appreciate it I just don't want to end up paying the car payment I have... having the thing blow up or something... and then be out of a car period. My EA82's have never seen more than three days downtime, except when I got a small punch wedged into the axle roll pin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s'ko Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 take the el camino to a dry cleaner and have them shrink it... then you will get a brat. But seriously. It's kinda up to you. Sounds like that are both potential money pits. On a different note, what part of AZ are at now? I might be traveling there sometime soon with Crabman to pick up a motor. Might be able to transport some parts to you. Let me know what you need and what you can afford. BW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted April 22, 2008 Author Share Posted April 22, 2008 What's up Bosco. I'm out in Bullhead City, outside of Laughlin. They're both money pits, but for some reason I think fixing the Soob will be cheaper in the long run, I'd just like to figure out why it's not starting and making that weird whirring noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy FitzGibbon Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Does the engine crankshaft actually move when you hit the key, or not? From your description, I can't tell. The whirring noise could be the starter not engaging the ring gear, or maybe the fuel pump. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatchsub Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Im going to side with Connie on this one and say that you dont want to be going from one money pit to another. There could be many things wrong with the subaru that you dont know about. What is so wrong with the elcamino? They should be very easy and cheap to get parts for. Since you already have it i would fix it up and if its left a bad taste in your mouth, find out what you can get for it and sell it and use that money to buy a better car. If i remember right from another post you payed a little over a grand for it. Wait till you have that money back then find something that isnt a 200 dollar non runner. Ive been there many times myself and talked myself out of it cause i didnt want another headache. Just trying to save you from more headaches too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zukiru Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 broken timing belts make a whirring sound also. FYI when you turn the key have someone check if the cranks turns and pull the disty cap and see if the disty turns this should help with your answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted April 23, 2008 Author Share Posted April 23, 2008 $12 in gas (about 4 gallons in this part of town) and 30 miles later, it's empty again. I'm going to get the Subaru most likely, I can't tolerate the gas mileage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellets Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Good ole Bullheadcity. I used to live in golden valley az. at that time only the riverside was in laughlin. I had to go to bhc twice a week. Hottest place ive ever been. He is right there ain't nothing near. Even Kingman didn't have much. I used to go to Victorville ca. to get parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Good ole Bullheadcity. I used to live in golden valley az. at that time only the riverside was in laughlin. I had to go to bhc twice a week. Hottest place ive ever been. He is right there ain't nothing near. Even Kingman didn't have much. I used to go to Victorville ca. to get parts. Kingman has a lot of resources now, but not nearly as much as Victorville does. Yeah, it's pretty lame out here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatchsub Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Get a nice 10 speed? That only really works if you dont have a big commute. I think this summer im going to riding a bike alot more cause of gas prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Get a nice 10 speed? That only really works if you dont have a big commute. I think this summer im going to riding a bike alot more cause of gas prices. If it were in the wintertime, I'd say yeah. I don't know how well I'd fair in my work uniform riding a bike in 125 degree heat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatchsub Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 put your uniform in a backpack and wear biking cloths. Then change when u get there. You got a shower at your workplace right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted April 26, 2008 Author Share Posted April 26, 2008 No shower at my workplace. But we have slot machines... Sometimes I lose, sometimes I win Yesterday I won The sedan's coming home today. Pics to come.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted May 6, 2008 Author Share Posted May 6, 2008 So I bumped up my own thread. The sedan is home. It's a 87 GL SPFI 3AT with power windows, locks, mirrors, the whole shebang minus the sunroof. Even has the cool luggage rack on the trunk which looks NICE! I know the TTIWWOP deal... I'm working on that. But... she's got a blown head gasket, most definately. Not to mention a few other things, I thought EA82 steering racks were supposedly pretty tough, well.... after my coupe having a blown rack, so does the sedan. But for $200, and in AZ, who can complain? So anyways, I've been searching about head and the head gasket information... and one thread I read that the heads do NOT have to be milled on the NA variation, and I can just switch head gaskets? Fill me in here... I've DONE head gaskets before, but I did them on a motor that I kind of put together with no idea whether it'd hold or not. I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions, so I'll just use this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted May 7, 2008 Author Share Posted May 7, 2008 Argh, passenger side head dropped a valve seat The piston got dinged, but not too bad. Should I be overly worried about a tiny rough spot when I rub the cylinder wall? What all should I be looking for before I start shelling out money? I should take pictures of the carnage, I'll try to ASAP. Guess I've gotta start looking for heads... or get mine fixed, but it has the usual cracks in between the valves... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Argh, passenger side head dropped a valve seat The piston got dinged, but not too bad. Should I be overly worried about a tiny rough spot when I rub the cylinder wall? What all should I be looking for before I start shelling out money? I should take pictures of the carnage, I'll try to ASAP. Guess I've gotta start looking for heads... or get mine fixed, but it has the usual cracks in between the valves... That's a bummer. But N\no biggy. Considering you're finances, I don't think reususing the block would be bad. Get a used head. Check both heads for true surfaces. They Might not need milled, but they have to be checked. These motors are tough, she'll run great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted June 2, 2008 Author Share Posted June 2, 2008 Reusing my old thread. I saw a wagon nearby for sale ($300 with no title, SPFI 5-spd) and asked if I could do a compression check on it, to see if the motor is any good. #1 was 125psi, #2 was 50psi #3 was 130psi, and #4 was 125psi. The wagon has supposedly sat for three years, without running. Is this motor usable? If not, I'm going to part out and eventually junk the sedan, and get another vehicle... there's no Subarus around here otherwise. And the original block in the sedan has blown rings Oil seeping all over the cylinder walls... Argh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s'ko Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 hey. get me a list of parts that you might need and how much you are willing to spend. I will be going to Phoenix on the weekend on July the 24th. I can swing by and drop off some stuff for you. I might even be able to get you an EJ18 w/ECU and harness for less than $100.00. spend another $400 or so for the adapter plate, and the exhaust headers and other misc stuff and you have a good working EA car. Ohh and you will have to get the harness stripped but we can talk about that one. BW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted June 2, 2008 Author Share Posted June 2, 2008 i'd actually just like an EA82 to drop in... i dont have that much $$ to spend on an EJ swap of any sort. hoping that the compression problem is something silly, but i dont know... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daeron Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 *optimistic*thought* could it be a bad timing belt, leaving one cam immobile, keeping one valve cracked open? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted June 3, 2008 Author Share Posted June 3, 2008 I didnt think a timing belt could cause those compression readings... I don't know whether I should get it or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.