Just bought my first DSM and having a bunch of problems

[NTobler]

Your correct I haven't done a compression test yet, I'm about to go read up right now on how to do it. Twack, I might take ya up on that offer lol.

[cmspaz]

It's really easy if you got a tester.

I'd do a leakdown, too, if you've got a compression test kit and a compressor.

[Kracka]

Not sure why a compression test came up, but worry about that after you get the issues fixed to keep things as simple as possible.

[Constant_Project21]

Sounds like a classic dsm to me. Since you're new, here's a fitting phrase to sum up owning a dsm, "shit happens." Less "shit" will happen if you keep up preventitive maintenence, and fix problems when they happen, not when you feel like it. All the stuff you got going on is easy to fix, the boiling coolant happened to me to when my temp sensor went out, car just overheats. Simple fixes, which everyone has pretty much covered.

[twack]

The only reason i bring up the sompression tester is because something i always check before i buy is the compression. It will answer many questions in my mind. I dont thijnk i would want to get into a sale where i knew little about the engine, then certain major problems can be addressed. But any badmouthing of the original seller is not needed like Constant said Shit happens with DSMs all the time Mike didnt try and and sneak anything on you. How much did you end up getting the price down to? Now if you want help doing your matinence were more then willing to help you out

[s1ngletracker]

I wouldnt assume this is a minor problem. I would verify your headgasket isn't bad before you go doing all this other maintenance. Hit the big problems first, and knock out the secondary smaller problems later.

[blageo23]

For the Overflow bubbling Im guessing its a radiator cap. Alot of people will tell you its a headgasket but in my experience its probably the radiator cap(plust that alot cheaper and quicker to replace)

For the Oil in the valve cover Id say its either a cracked valve cover, valve cover gasket or the gasket on the oil cap.

[J'sGSX12]

Thanks a lot, do any of you know anyone who lives in the area?
If you need help I would be game to come and help

[Halon]

Just my opinion, but a compression test is a great thing to do right off the bat. It's free to do (as long as your or someone you know has a tester). I'd like to know up front if there is a bigger issue. I personally wouldn't want to swap out all the antifreeze and oil with new stuff, then do a compression test and find out the head has to come off and I have to drain out all the new stuff I put in.


I'm not sure where Lakeville is, but if you're ever up around Blaine, stop by I have a couple compression testers.

[twack]

define big issue, to some of us a head gasket or a timing belt is nothing to deal with. But its definitly something i want to know going into a new car.