1999 Eclipse GS

[Checkers]

Hey guys, I'm new here, and don't currently own a DSM car. I am however looking very seriously into a 1999 Eclipse GS. I'm fairly new to cars in general, but am trying to learn. I've heard that the Eclipse GS has a problem with crankwalk, but the current owner swapped the engine out (What kind of engine, I'm not sure). Are there any other problems I should be looking for? I need the car to be fairly reliable, as I will be using it for my job (Delivering food). Have any of you run into serious problems? I don't mind taking time to work on the car, and spending money (As long as it's not a lot) is doable, but I don't want to have this car breakdown every week. Thanks guys, and I'm sorry in advance for any stupid things I say

 

[MoparDSM]

The GS has a 420a, a Chrysler motor. So I doubt there was a motor swap done and, no, that will not have the problem with crankwalk. I would make sure that the headgasket has recently been changed because those are sometimes a problem point. The transmission, especially in an automatic, is something to watch out for.

With any 2g you want to check for rust. Check under the hatch and strut towers. I've had two 99 GS's in the past, and neither had any rust, but sadly they are getting older.

All in all, I think 420as are pretty nice for dailies. If mine wasn't neglected by the previous owner it would never have left me stranded. That was a headgasket issue. Take care of the headgasket, do a timing belt and water pump, keep up on regular maintenance, and I don't think you'll be dissapointed.

Best of luck to you!

 

[BK85]

You might want to make sure that the timing belt was changed when he did that swap.

My signature photo shows a 420a motor in my GS. That is the most likely motor in your car. If he put a 4g63 in it, he could have bought a GST for less money.

BK85

 

[Checkers]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help. I have been really worried because I've heard a lot of bad things about the Eclipse, and DSM in general. I don't know what kind of motor he swapped it with yet, but I know the car was this guy's main interest, so I'm pretty sure he's taken good care of it. I know this is probably a stupid question, but where are the strut towers? I know the struts are part of the suspension, and when you say hatch, do you mean the hood? I'm sorry about the question, but like I said, I'm pretty new to cars. I'm sure I can figure out the timing belt with the help of google, possibly the water pump, but I know the head gasket is an important part. How exactly do I keep it in good condition? And BK85, this will probably be a dumb question as well, but how do you keep the engine so clean? Just wipe it down every so often? My car (Which was given to me, rather than a junkyard) has long since died and it looked like someone sprayed the engine with grime. Almost every engine I've ever seen has had atleast a thin coating on oil, dirt, exhaust, etc etc.

 

[MoparDSM]

The trunk hatch. You should check door sills etc, anywhere that might catch water and remain wet.

And the strut towers are located on the left and right side of the engine bay. I see that you are in NY, so rust is definitely something to lookout for. The NE is hard on cars. Sadly, this is relatively common for 2gs, and something you want to watch out for:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[Checkers]

Ok, thank you. If I see rust happening, what should I do? Also, what's NE?

 

[ktgurl87]

NE would be north east. If you find rust, you might have to do some body work or if it's real bad, then replace some panels.

The timing belt and water pump can be a little overwhelming for new car owners. I've messed with cars quite a bit and I still don't want to mess with anything timing related.

 

[Checkers]

Oh, that makes sense, thank you. I was expecting NE to be a car term or something. I'm sorry for all the questions, but the current owner also said the check engine light is on due to one of the sensors, but he doesn't know which one. I know around here you can't pass inspection if the check engine light is on, so I need to deal with that. I've looked into an OBD scan tool, but I don't know if that will even tell me what is wrong, and I know it won't tell me how to fix it. Also, I know the tool can turn off the light, but I don't want to take any risks, and plan on taking immaculate care of this car. Anyways, to sum it up, how do I find out what sensor is the problematic one? Also, what can I do to learn more about my car without damaging it? I don't want to risk just taking things apart and trying to remember how they go back together.....

 

[darkside motors]

Mopardsm is right the crank walk shouldn't be a issue but the 420a engines are famous for external oil leaks at the head gasket . And make sure that you check the compression on the engine. B4 you buy the car

 

[dalesmitsu]

Also, this goes for everyone. Not jut Op.

Look under the front bumper around the radiator supportnext to cross member that does rot out, with age.

 

[MoparDSM]

NE would be north east. If you find rust, you might have to do some body work or if it's real bad, then replace some panels.

The timing belt and water pump can be a little overwhelming for new car owners. I've messed with cars quite a bit and I still don't want to mess with anything timing related.

This

For someone who is new to cars, a timing job on these is a nightmare. 10lbs of crap in a 2lb bag, as one of my friends would say. Hopefully it has already been done.

 

[TotalEclipse21]

I have a 99 GS for you... Black and OZ edition.

 

[brian9397gsx]

i have a 97 gsx for you haha

 

[manny correa]

i have a 97 gsx for you haha

you told me you werent selling it just a couple weeks ago...

 

[Checkers]

Darkside motors, how do I check the compression?

MoparDSM, how much would it be to have it done professionally?



Also, on another note, the current owner says the check engine light is on because of one of the sensors, but he doesn't know which. Would an OBD scan tool tell me what sensor is the problematic one?

Sorry for so many questions guys, but I really appreciate all your help

 

[nothingfiction]

Darkside motors, how do I check the compression?

MoparDSM, how much would it be to have it done professionally?



Also, on another note, the current owner says the check engine light is on because of one of the sensors, but he doesn't know which. Would an OBD scan tool tell me what sensor is the problematic one?

Sorry for so many questions guys, but I really appreciate all your help

an OBD2 scanner will tell you the code(s)/problem(s)

You can get a compression checker at autozone, checkers, orielys, canadian tire, ect. shouldnt be any more than 30 bucks.

30 bucks and 15/20 minutes of your time or 60 bucks an hour at a shop. your call.
there's many write-ups on here how to check your own compression

 

[Checkers]

Ok, thank you very much. Doesn't sound too bad, and I'd rather do it on my own if there's not a high chance of me severely screwing up the inner workings of the car.

 

[nothingfiction]

To check your compression it's more or less like this...

Are you confidant in yourself that you can pull fuses/put fuses back in?
Are you confidant in yourself to change your own spark plugs?

if you answered yes to both of these, you can check your own compression no problem.

as for just getting a reading on an obd2 without having to buy a code reader, autozone does free code readings and will be able to help you.

 

[dalesmitsu]

Here you go

2GNT.com - Engine_Compression_test

 

[MoparDSM]

Honestly, no idea what a timing job would run. I've never tried to have a shop do anything. Usually they will pull the motor on this one, so you have all of the labor charge for that plus the parts. Labor varies around here from 60 - 90/hr.

 

[dalesmitsu]

Had mine done on my old 1997gs I was charged around 650 timing/water pump.
300 for parts 350 for labor.

Buy the parts yourself is best option, parts will be around 150 partsdinosuar.com is good place for oem timing kits and water pump. Prices are good for both the 4g63 and 420a.

 

[psx]

I love my Gs. A lot of dsm people wont even look our way because were non turbo. But as long
as you don't rice out and keep it clean. You're good (better than a honda anyways)