Does not idle correctly, boggs, kicks back and jumps the revs

[AnkurJ0217]

I am contemplating on whether i should purchase this 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-Turbo. The car has 93k miles on it. The price was $4900 (this was after negotiating, orig was 5,995). The car has a Service Engine Soon light that came on. Also...when idling in Park/neutral...the car idles roughly 750-1000 varying constantly. It moves up and moves down every second. Then when you put it in Drive/Gear it drops down. The rpms then drops tooo low, boggs, and kicks the revs back up. When driving on the road and accelerating, while accelerating, the car drops rpms a little and the car jerks and continues accelerating. The mods on the car is a Greddy Type S bov and intake (the previous owner ). I **think** the type S bov is recirculated back into the intake because it has a rubber wire connected to the bov and runs into the intake manifold. I am not sure whats the deal because when the car drives and when i let go of the gas...i hear a it little sound that sounds like the bov venting so im not sure. It has a stock intercooler piping and stock location of MAS unit. I do not know what the problem is...do you think its serious? I also hear a ticking noise, sounds like its coming from the timing belt areaaaa but it goes away once revved. BTW, if the bov is vented into the atmosphere, should we be able to hear it vent while in neutral or park right? because i certainly did not hear it while in either. IDK whether i should get it or not...its a very clean car...nothing wrong with exterior or anything. Its got the factory chrome 5 spoke wheels. But im afraid that if i buy the car i would have to dump $500 within the first week of having it because of engine problems. I do know that i should change the timing belt since these are interference motors. Im willing to do all necessary maintenance like spark plugs, timing belt, brakes...but i hope there isn't something seriously wrong with the motor. Any explainations? Thanks. -Ankur J.

 

[dr_fatkins]

There are always dangers in buying used cars so there is never a garentee you will not have to dump $500 dollars into any car you buy. If I were you, I would bring the car to a shop you trust that is familiar with turbo cars. We can try to diagnose your symtoms over the internet, but that is not the way I would buy a car with known problems.

The idle and stumbling issues could be as simple as a leak in the intake system from a loose hose clamp or you could have an engine on the verge of grenading itself.

Proceed with caution and keep in mind that maintenance you mentioned will alone put you way over $500 if you pay someone and $300+ if you do it yourself.

 

[AnkurJ0217]

I generally do all the work myself...i work in my school garage..have all the tools you need and parts are just a call away from being delivered...I'm not worried about regular maintenance and what not...im afraid the whole engine is gonna blow..but if there are ideas of what could possibly be wrong...i would be more than happy to see them listed....i would love to bring a master mechanic with me to check out the car but i don't know any who will but i reallllllllllllllllllllllllllly love this car.

 

[munguiaoh]

run the vin to see the history of the car, check compression, everything else will just be a major tune-up.

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did you found this post helpful. give me some points.

 

[AnkurJ0217]

I checked the history online at carfax..but my account recently ended....when i did check the history...everything was fine....no accidents...had two owners..mostly owned in Old Bridge, NJ...everything is clean...it was driven 16k a year...but idk....the car just doesnt idle right. Thats all it is....im hoping this doesnt explode in my face (literally) if i purchase the vehicle. I would love to do a compression test but i have to purchase it first

 

[munguiaoh]

I would love to do a compression test but i have to purchase it first

dude, go to one of those lend a tool auto parts, and borrow the tool to do compression checks. the gentle that is selling you the car won't mind, if he knows nothing is wrong, it doesnt take but a couple of minutes.

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donate points

 

[AnkurJ0217]

dude, go to one of those lend a tool auto parts, and borrow the tool to do compression checks. the gentle that is selling you the car won't mind, if he knows nothing is wrong, it doesnt take but a couple of minutes.

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donate points

Buying it from some used car dealer...i dont know any stores that lends auto tools around here......got any in mind that are nationwide?

 

[munguiaoh]

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker

sorry i cant be more helpful.

if your buying from a dealer, will it come with a warrenty?

 

[AnkurJ0217]

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker

sorry i cant be more helpful.

if your buying from a dealer, will it come with a warrenty?

Its ok. It doesnt come with a warranty...its just buy as is deal. i asked the guy whats the guarantee..hes like none....once i take the keys and sign the title..theres nothin to it. If the engine blows as im pullin out of the dealer..hes not responsible.

 

[AnkurJ0217]

I think it could be a boost leak somewhere if the idle drops while accelerating and you feel a jerk while accelerating hard. but idk if i should purchase the vehicle. SO SAD. They are realllllllllllllllly hard to find especially in good running condition.