fledis

iTrader: (1)

I'm looking at buying a FD project car, but would like some input on how much of a project it might be. The car is in good shape based on the pics, has ~70k original miles and stock its whole life. The seller has owned the car since '97 and replaced the tranny ~5 years ago. There is a current problem, per the owner, w/ the tranny/clutch, but he isn't sure what it is. Here is how he describes the problem....

"The car ran fine when I last drove it. I set the car up for winter in the garage. During the winter I would start it and back it in and out of the garage to move the tires and let the engine run. In time the car seemed to react sluggishly, moving slow when in gear. The next time it moved even slower. Eventually it would not move at all. The car was not driven beyond backing it in and out the garage as the problem developed."

The seller states that the clutch will fully depress, the tranny will shift into all gears with the car off and the car will roll if pushed.

Does anyone have an idea of what might be going on?

The seller also mentioned a small coolant leak that will leave a spot on the garage floor. He said the spot is at the front of the car, but isn't sure where it's coming from. He said the car still has the original hoses and that could be where the leak is coming from.

I will be drving several hours to pick the car up and tow it home, but would prefer not wasting my time for something that might be a little more work/$$$ then I care to get into. I'm a decent hobby mechanic, but most of my experience is on 2jz's. I did own a '87 TII that was modded, but that was over 15 years ago. I'm prepared for tranny/clutch work, but don't really want to get into any motor stuff.

Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to PM or email me at fledis@aol.com
Thanks in advance.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

Internet diagnosis is a crap-shoot but......
As for the "moving" issue, my first suspect would be the clutch slave cylinder. Not expensive, but not something you can easily change out in a parking lot to allow you to drive it home either...especially this time of year.

As for the coolant leak, I agree, it's probably a coolant hose but that could be anywhere. On an all original motor, those should be replaced anyway. My first suspect among them would be one of the two turbo coolant lines.

fledis

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the input. I'm hoping it's something simple like the slave.

ByeByeSti

if your getting the car for a nice price then its worth the risk man. i picked mine up dirt cheap, and i mean dirt cheap. and i didnt care that much if something broke on it just cuz of the price i got it for.

fledis

iTrader: (1)

Well, it's not dirt cheap, but it's a good deal....especially if it's only minor fixes. I could replace the motor and tranny and still come out under loan value. Just hoping not to do that.
Please keep the ideas coming, I 'm supposed to go get the car tomorrow.

RenoCYM

If it's the slave cylinder you would not only see some residue on the floor under the car, the pedal feel would be funky, could just be some water in the clutch hydro lines. I'd try bleeding the clutch system first and see if that helps. It could also be a bad clutch install and something inside there is funky, like the throw-out bearing/shaft, springs, who knows? You'd have to open it up to find out.

Definately get new hoses, and if it's been sitting for awhile check the water pump for small leaks/seapage