Thinking of buying a Grand Wagoneer, any ideas??

I spotted a 1988 grand wagoneer for sale not to far from me, and since I'm planning to replace the car sometime next year, I would consider replacing it sooner as this sounds like a good deal.

1988 Grand Wagoneer, 4WD, V-8, 166,000 km's for $1200. claims it needs tune-up and exhaust work.

That's 166,000 km and $1200 Canadian.

Any thoughts on this? I'm planning on going to look at it next week and decided I should ask and find out if there is anything I should specifically look at (know about before going). What are some of the common problems/repairs for these wagoneer's?.

Tia Snow...

Reply to
Snow
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These things are rust magnets. Unless you like in the dry, desert-like part of Canada I would suggest passing up this opportunity.

Earle

specifically

Reply to
Earle Horton

The transfer cases and 4wd components. Watch out for tuneup and exhaust work, could be a euphemism for a blown head gasket. Should be easy to check. If you can pull a valve cover do so, otherwise use a dental mirror to look for crud indicating less than loving care, but a fresh oil change. Other than that, replace the exhaust stuff and tune it... that is very low miles for that old an engine.

Reply to
Lon Stowell

What methods are there to checking a head gasket problem? besides running it for a few minutes and then checking the oil for contamination.

Where would I look for this "crud" ? Any other areas I should becareful of when if I go to see/ inspect it?

Thanks Again.

Snow...

Reply to
Snow

"Rust proofed annually?" Hmm, if it was hot oil, then this vehicle has a chance. If it was undercoating, chances are good on the other hand that the undercoating is just holding rust in place. Look under the floor mats. Crawl around underneath. Bubbles in the paint are the most conspicuous clue. It is best to assume that there is nothing at all underneath bubbles in paint. For $1,200 Canadian though, if you can't see through the fenders or floorboards this might be a good deal. ;o)

Earle

Reply to
Earle Horton

A compression check works pretty good, but you have to check all 8 cylinders.

The crud will build up under the valve covers if the vehicle hasn't had good oil changes. Some sellers do an oil change just before selling, so clean oil isn't that reliable an indicator. You might be able to see crud by just looking around the fill hole, and if there is a pluggable type PCV, check that.

For $1200, even canadian, don't expect concourse grade.

Reply to
Lon Stowell

Usually a bad head gasket will cause bubbling in the radiator. Also, you can pull the spark plugs and inspect them. A blown head gasket usually shows one or two plugs that are washed out and have no carbon deposits. You may even see a green tint from antifreeze.

Chris

Reply to
c

And if really bad, a milky look to the oil on the dipstick after a short drive.

Reply to
Lon Stowell

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search on egroups.com for full size jeepWatch out for RUST RUST RUSTrust will usually hit the left frame and gas tank housing. Those would bethe first places to look out for.and check the other areas well, bottom of doors, fenders, 1/4 panels,tailgate, etc.Other problems will be fluid leaks, defective fuel tank level sending units,switches, rotten vacuum hoses, etc.Usually the engines are very strong and long lasting, but if it was abusedthey can die an early life.I am on my fourth Full Size Jeep in about 23 years, and they areaffectionate creatures that sometimes love your attention. lol

Reply to
Dave

I've got a question... Where the he77 do you mount tow hooks on those things?? I haven't seen an ides yet that seems secure with the exception of some guys who fabbed their own bumpers using "C" channel.

Reply to
TJim

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