Possible DSM owner!!!Need some Experienced DSM Help

[narib2001]

Hello,
My name is Brian.I just started an account here because i came across a deal from a friend of mine.He has a 91 Tsi Talon that he is going to sell to me for very cheap,of course it has its problems.It has been parked for awhile and when he went to start it it would not.It just cranks.He said he believes its the ECU because the lights on the instrument panel do not self test.He also told me the car leaks coolant.He said it is either the lower rad hose or head gasket.Are any of these common problems for a DSM?The car is also automatic but im gonna get the car for $200 or so.Im not gonna be modding it much if any at all i just want to know what possible problems could be happening from this?Thank U

 

[Matt300ZXT]

Hell for $200 take it! If you can't get it to run, part it. You can easily get right to the headgasket on these cars, or any inline motor really. If it looks like that's the prob, fix it. Also the capacitors on the ECU leak a lot on these cars, they may have leaked and fried his ECU. If so, replacements are dirt cheap. Swap it out if that looks like the problem, and a few other things here and there and have you a nice car to play with.

 

[K_Hill]

ECU's in 90 models are bad for having the caps leak.. Go and crank the car over and see if its getting spark. If its getting spark make sure its getting fuel. Look and see where the coolant leak is coming from. IF its not the headgasket then it will be a fairly easy fix. For $200 that is a steal. Buy it!!

 

[narib2001]

Ya thats what he told me the capasitors leak.Even if its a head gasket thats no problem.Give me a good time to do the timing belt,etc as well.I was wondering i saw on a thread that someone put a MT ECU in his auto car.Is that possible?My friend was gonna give me some parts for the car too and he has a spare 5 speed ecu.

 

[Nelsons91AWD]

Yea for $200 i would buy it, WORST CASE it will be too expensive to get on the road and you make over double what you paid for it parting it out.

www.ebay.com = your friend

 

[K_Hill]

Let me tell you in advance. If you buy a cheap DSM you will need quite abit of $$ to get it to run near perfection and be reliable again..

 

[nsxwidebodied]

yes, it does not sound that bad, but for $200 i will buy it, and if for some reason you cant fix it you can re-sell it, for more, of you can allways part it out