more of a hassle then a blessing.....

[not_boostworthy]

By some crazy turn of events... I was awarded a free 1990 Eclipse GS (N/T, AT). There is a buttload of issues involved...and im not really sure what course of action I should take.. Since I respect the opinion of anyone that owns a DSM (read: you guys) I'd like to lay it all out and get your feelings about it...

For starters, the tranny seems pretty much FUBAR. It refuses to shift into overdrive, and occasionally reacts in a manner I can only liken to a 'slipping clutch'.The only way to quell that problem is by letting it warm up for an extended period of time, and even then there arent any guarantees. There are some electrical problems...after I fired her up one morning, all of the accessories starting operating at half-capacity; eventually leading to a drained battery. The alternator rattles loudly and shakes pretty violently, and in conjunction with an extremely narrow belt being connected; also seems pretty sketch. Theres even a nice helping of painfully-loud valve tap to go along with the rest.

I know some of these problems arent all that horrible, but its feels like a slew of things to try and fix on a car that isnt really a platform Id enjoy working with anyways... ( Im looking for a F/I 1G...maybe AWD) and to top it all off....there is not title in my posession for the said car. It wouldnt be much of a hassle to procure one, but Its not a hassle that I think is worth the time or $$.

Any suggestions? Im anxious to be able to fulfill all my DSM desires....(at the onvious expense of blood, sweat, and probably some tears....)

thanks.
tj

 

[97spydagst]

if u fixed a few things maybe it could be a nice dailey driver but by the sounds of things id proably try to sell the car since it aint even turbo or 5 speed it wouldnt be a good start for a monster my o.2 cents

 

[Sotarts]

By some crazy turn of events... I was awarded a free 1990 Eclipse GS (N/T, AT). There is a buttload of issues involved...and im not really sure what course of action I should take.. Since I respect the opinion of anyone that owns a DSM (read: you guys) I'd like to lay it all out and get your feelings about it...

For starters, the tranny seems pretty much FUBAR. It refuses to shift into overdrive, and occasionally reacts in a manner I can only liken to a 'slipping clutch'.The only way to quell that problem is by letting it warm up for an extended period of time, and even then there arent any guarantees. There are some electrical problems...after I fired her up one morning, all of the accessories starting operating at half-capacity; eventually leading to a drained battery. The alternator rattles loudly and shakes pretty violently, and in conjunction with an extremely narrow belt being connected; also seems pretty sketch. Theres even a nice helping of painfully-loud valve tap to go along with the rest.

I know some of these problems arent all that horrible, but its feels like a slew of things to try and fix on a car that isnt really a platform Id enjoy working with anyways... ( Im looking for a F/I 1G...maybe AWD) and to top it all off....there is not title in my posession for the said car. It wouldnt be much of a hassle to procure one, but Its not a hassle that I think is worth the time or $$.

Any suggestions? Im anxious to be able to fulfill all my DSM desires....(at the onvious expense of blood, sweat, and probably some tears....)

thanks.
tj

I'd get:
New battery. $40 - $100
Replace alternator belt. $15 - $20.
Replace thermostat (you mentioned it takes a while to warm up). $5 - $15
Replace spark plugs and maybe wires. $5 - $50
Replace the air filter. $20 - $40
Replace the transmission fluid (that solves problems many times) or have it filtered by one of those machines at PepBoys or something. You can buy the oil and do it yourself or have the shop filter/flush/clean the transmission for $90 probably.
Change engine oil with synthetic (but synthetic is more fluidy, so you might see drippage). Walmart sells 5-quart jugs of synthetic fluid for $17 or so. Although conventional oil will be fine. Don't forget the filter.
Might have to replace the alternator. Probably around $70 with core deposit.

Plus cost of the title?

All this could be achieved for few hundred and have a decent daily driver if you don't have any other car yet (of course if the transmission is not shot).