So I'm a poor college student with a very very low budget and I've been looking for a late 80's pickup to be my new vehicle. I came across a Craigslist add for an 84 pickup (add doesn't list engine model) that leaks oil and water and has "quite a few issues" but the poster is only asking $500. I'm aware that this would be a project car and require a lot of work and a lot of beers to coupe with the frustration. I have the space, I have the time and I can get the tools required. But what I don't have is the knowledge and this is where I need advice. As a newbie mechanic who dreams of being knowledgeable, is this a bad idea? Should I avoid this truck and save up for a project less daunting? I'm open to all advice and really appreciate any input you have for me.


http://bellingham.craigslist.org/cto/4343765110.html

 

Also, I'm aware that the leak could be a head gasket or timing chain issue or could be a bigger problem of a cracked block. If I go look at the pickup, is there a way to tell what the problem might be?

 

82 an 83 have square headlights, that is a 81 or older truck. It is what would be considered a first gen truck if it was a 4x4. It is a 2 wheel drive. I see where he says photo is not this truck.

Several newbies with your experence have tackled the motor and done well. Only way to learn. Without knowing more about the truck and seeing it, I dont have suggestions.

You would need to do a compression check to get an idea of the motors condition and see what the timing chain guides look like and if it has gotten into the timing chain cover. That you need to pull the valve cover off to see.

 

You have the space, time and the internet, why not? If it's in similar condition to the one pictured on CL it's worth more than $500 in parts. At least go look at it. It probably won't take long to sell.

 

Thanks for the input guys. We got a little bit of a snow storm in town so I have to wait for that to clear up before I can check out the yota. My biggest concern is how to determine if the leak is due to a cracked block. I'll definitely be avoiding this project if that's the case. Replacing an engine is more of a project than I'm prepared to deal with.

 

Replacing engine is sometimes easier than a lot of other repairs, in my opinion.. If it were a cracked block, I wouldn't hesitate to get it cheaper, and find a good used, or even save for Engnbldr/22reperformance/LCE rebuild components.

 

Wouldn't an engine replacement increase my costs, required tools and required knowledge? Is it possible to rent an engine lift? I'm not sure I know anyone who owns one and I definitely do not want to buy one.

 

It may increase your cost a bit, depending on the route taken. Do some research and weigh the pros and cons. One con I wouldn't forget, is that you have no knowledge of the history and maintenance. And starting new/rebuilt gives you experience and a baseline for future maintenance history.

 

It is easier to swap motors then it is to replace a head gasket in my opinion. Quicker too. I have bought motors for $1100 and I have rebuilt a motor and I have $700 into it, but that isnt counting a head as I had a good one. If I had to buy a head it would of been about the same.

Either way you go, you will learn something. More satisfaction rebuilding it and hearing it fire up for the first time, draw back is that you are the warranty, so you always hope you did it right. Just follow directions in manual and you will be alright.