Just bought my first DSM and having a bunch of problems

[Halon]

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]

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

[NTobler]

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]

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

[Halon]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.