How to check if engine is good with no tranny

[ryanx99GS]

Going to go look at a 92 Laser RS AWD tomorrow that a guy has for sale but it has no transmission. Guy bought it as a parts car and doesn't know any information about the motor, however he says it turns freely by hand. Is there anyway to get the motor to turn over without the transmission hooked up? Do all I need to do is hook up the starter? Any information would help, thanks.

 

[bryanwheat]

The starter bolts to the trans, so that won't work. It is kind of a shot in the dark unless you can do a leak down test on it and look at the bearings.

 

[ryanx99GS]

The starter bolts to the trans, so that won't work. It is kind of a shot in the dark unless you can do a leak down test on it and look at the bearings.

Grrrrrrr, gotcha. So a leakdown and pulling the pan is the best option? I mean, hes selling it for only $500, no tranny and no title. If anything I was going to use the motor for a 98 GST I planned on getting. Might just be worth the chance.

 

[Miasma]

I just got my 4g64 long block for $100, using it for 4g64/63 hybrid, deals can always be made.

I would drop the pan and inspect for any metal flakes, check for crank movement, take off the valve cover and inspect inside the head.

 

[TallestHERETIC]

You can do it "caveman" style. Bring a flashlight, too.

Look for a caramel or milkshake color when you remove the oil cap. Also look for black soot, sludge or carbon deposits in the valve cover. Also take notice of any strange fuel smells that might be hidden away or recently cleaned. Take out the dipstick and take a small whiff. If you smell or see coolant, walk away. If you find anything I just said, walk away. This engine is busted. Safety and sanity isn't worth $500.

Try taking a look at the spark plug condition if you can, too. It tells you how the engine was running before its now "for sale" status.

 

[ryanx99GS]

Okay thanks for the input everyone!

 

[MALaCasse]

Don't let him try to sell you a car with a "running" engine. It isn't running so bargain with him like it isn't. That's how you get good deals. If they want to prove it runs then they will get it running. Otherwise it's a shell with a core in it.