Can a regular mechanic identify Problems on a 2g GS-t?

[Lucky_Luke]

I'm currently in the process of looking for a nice 2nd generation gs-t. From reading various articles on this site and other sites, I want to make sure that I get a clean one that hasn't been abused by some foolish racer. Once I find one I like, I plan to bring it to a mechanic to get it checked for $100 before buying it. <p>My question is can any regular mechanic find problems on a 2g gs-t, like identifying crank walks? Or do I have to go to a special mechanic who has experience with eclipses?
Thanks for the Help!

 

[Black91TSiAWD]

It all depends on who you go to really, any mechanic can check for leaks and spot broken/failing parts, but for checking crankwalk or finding out other little common dsm problems is gonna take a little better than average mech who knows a thing or two about more than just a V8.

 

[interex]

ooooo "crankwalk". The loosest term on DSMTuners.

 

[GSpikeX]

Honestly your best bet is to make friends with someone local who knows about Dsms because they should be able to identify the common problems, any mechanic can spot a leak and charge you 100$ but it wil take someone with years of the experience to really help you out spotting portential probelms.

 

[210 dsm]

It all depends on who you go to really, any mechanic can check for leaks and spot broken/failing parts, but for checking crankwalk or finding out other little common dsm problems is gonna take a little better than average mech who knows a thing or two about more than just a V8.

i agree

 

[99gst_racer]

Any mechanic should be able to service a DSM. These cars aren't that special or unique.
A DSM specific mechanic will simply operate quicker and more efficiently.

The most important part about hiring out labor/services, is finding someone you trust. Times are tight, and there's alot of crooks out there these days.


PS - Checking crank end play is common knowledge for all mechanics working on all engines. It's hardly DSM specific.

 

[matthewdesigns]

Jump on a local board and find out where the best shops are...you should have no problem finding a reputable DSM specialist in SoCal.

 

[Defiant]

You could always try Road Race Engineering, if starting at the top doesn't bother you.

 

[TalonTsi31]

just make your own list and check it to. in adition to bringing it to a mechanic
smoke- white=rings/oil, bluish=turbo seals, black=rich
cv shafts= excesive wear? rusted <- these tend to be a problem
lifter tick or any noise from the head
flying dip sticks
and basically just the way you would check any car outside of that.
plus i also agree make friends with roadrace engineering

 

[christ]

You could always try Road Race Engineering, if starting at the top doesn't bother you.

+1

If you're that concerned about getting a car checked by a knowledgeable DSM mechanic, you're close enough to to make a trip to RRE. I have the luxury of living a mile from them.

 

[Pirrofab]

I do realize a shop will do some of this but hopefully I can help you somewhere. I also realize not all of this can be performed in a driveway or parking lot without some tools but its just some areas to look at or ask the person selling the car. If I had to pick 3 things it would be compression test, turbo play and the overall condition of the vehicle.

Ask and check for receipts on service work performed. = always a plus but rare
Compression test
Is the title on the vehicle clear? Reconstructed/ salvage or clean?
When was the timing belt service preformed?
Head gasket sniff test- if tools are available
Turbo shaft endplay (up/down, in/out)
Idle Issues/ driveability?- Vacuum leaks/ boost leaks
(checked with carb clean or boost leak tester and soapy water)
Unusual exhaust smoke - white, blue, black, gray, sweet smelling
Overall condition of engine fluids?
Cv boots torn, axles make noise on hard turns
Unusual tire wear?
Engine acces belts cracked and dry rotted?
Ease of shifting?
Does the hatch leak water?
Do all the power options work?
If you have emissions inspection is the check engine light on?

Good luck with the car search. I love my dsm, I bought my car with a bad clutch and thats the only time it left me broken down and I was aware of the problem when I purchased it over 2 years ago and it now has over 192k on the clock and I got it with 157k and I drive it hard