Just bought my first DSM and having a bunch of problems - Page 2

**Halon** · 05-22-2009

I said bigger issue. I consider a headgasket, worn rings, bent valves, hole in the piston, or a bad timing belt to be a bigger issue then replacing a radiator cap or flushing coolant.

s1ngletracker · 05-22-2009

I can help you out too, if you're ever near crystal. I've got a compression tester, no leakdown tester though.

NTobler · 05-22-2009

J'sGSX12- where you live bro? You in the area? My clutch went on me today, so I'm going to need a helping hand with that too!

s1ngletracker · 05-23-2009

snap, a lot of people buying used DSMs on this board are getting lemons!

**Halon** · 05-23-2009

If you're expecting a 15+ year old DSM priced under $2000 to be some kind of gem, then 99% of time you are just kidding yourself.

Don't give up on it, just work through it. It'll take time, but that's the fun of it!

**cmspaz** · 05-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by s1ngletracker

I can help you out too, if you're ever near crystal. I've got a compression tester, no leakdown tester though.

If it's a two part compression tester, chances are high that the part the screws into the spark plug threads has an air hose fitting. You just hook up a compressor to that and listen.

**Halon** · 05-23-2009

THey usually have a check valve though that lets the compression into the gauge, but not back out. So you'd have to modify that end to allow you to pass air the opposite way as was intended for that fitting.

At least that's how it is on both of my testers, I know because I've tried that

s1ngletracker · 05-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmspaz

If it's a two part compression tester, chances are high that the part the screws into the spark plug threads has an air hose fitting. You just hook up a compressor to that and listen.

Even if you could do it that way, relying only on your ear is not the best. You want to be able to know the % loss of your cylinders, and having a proper leakdown gauge will be able to tell you that. It probably isn't a good idea to overpressurize them either, idk. You'd want to regulate that.

It seems that people are not only not getting gems, they're getting cars with potential moderate to serious internal engine issues. Not blaming it on the seller or the buyer, its just unfortunate that these surprise problems come up, and certainly not fun to deal with if you've just purchased the car.

I bought my car for cheap, and while it certainly was not a gem, the engine is sound. Lots of little problems though.

**cmspaz** · 05-24-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halon

At least that's how it is on both of my testers, I know because I've tried that

You're right, now that I think about it, mine's that way too. I swear to god that's how I was told to do it, though.

123abc · 05-25-2009

It's amazing nobody notices leaks or over-heating before they throw the money on a car. Why not be as thorough as possible when taking a look at it?

A test drive for like 10 mins would show you the coolant over-flowing along with little leaks.

NTobler · 05-26-2009

I drove it for 30 minutes, no problems. Then I drove it 1 hr 30 minutes no problems home that night. But the next day i drive it for 10 minutes it over heats, but nice try abc123.

twack · 05-26-2009

ok well its been a few days any new updates or just waiting on the clutch

NTobler · 05-27-2009

Updates: Dropped the tranny (going to need help from someone to put her back up) Bought an ACT 2600 clutch. So I'm good to go AFTER I fix what I have no discovered. Turbo has a leak in her that drips down to the oil pan, making it look like it was an oil pan leak. Went to drain the tranny, and I think maybe 3 drops of oil came out (not an exageration). Now do I have to resurface my flywheel, or can I just clean it really well with brake cleaner and put her on? I'm really going to need a helping hand tonight when I put her back in, please, anyone in the area willing to help?

**JET** · 05-27-2009

You should really resurface the flywheel, usually about $25 and most Napa's do it. Be sure to tell them the correct height to resurface it to, as ACT's are different than stock.

NTobler · 05-27-2009

What height do I tell them to resurface it too?

**Halon** · 05-27-2009

http://www.roadraceengineering.com/c...ywheeltech.htm

NTobler · 05-28-2009

Thanks for the help guys, I ended up buying a new flywheel off a guy on craigslist. So I now have a ACT Light flywheel with a ACT 2600 PP with a ACT prostreet disc for a clutch set up. Put the tranny in last night but got to be to late to finish. This would go a million times faster if I actually knew what I was doing rather then looking it up and bugging this shit out for 15 people on here lol. After I bolt the rest of the tranny in, I'll be fixing the turbo leak. I'm in the business for a 3" exhaust system if anyone has one for sale, and a fuel pump (Looking for something around 255lph)