SVX Network Forums Live Chat! SVX or Subaru Links Old Lockers Photo Post How-To Documents Message Archive SVX Shop Search |
IRC users: |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
HELP - Supposed to buy this Friday...
Hello all,
I am supposed to be buying my second SVX this Friday. It has everything done to it I don't have the time or $ to do to mine (5 spd, PWR rad, etc. etc. on down through to the Stebro)... The seller went to safety it at the dealer today and came back with these observations... "Everything during certification inspection was ok except that; front engine is leaking a bit of oil, power steering is only pumping at half power - (as you may have noticed during test drive) needs further analysis, hood struts have to be replaced for certification." 1) Am I getting myself into something I can't handle - i.e. I have little money, time, or mechanical expertise.. 2) Should I demand these be done prior to the sale at his expense (doubtful that he would...) 3) Buy it anyway, swap with my current pump (affecting my hopeful near future sale), get struts from Canadian Tire (I remember a thread with $30 "options" and hope the leak is not a big deal.... Thanks for your responses...
__________________
Ben 92 Graphite LS-L Touring (136k miles) #4143 5 speed, ACT clutch, Sparco R-Speed shortshifter, Ecutune v1, Stebro exhaust, PWR rad, 18" Motegi Racing FF15 wheels wrapped in Falken Azenis, Alpine 9833 MP3/CD with Alpine 3ways in front, MSW G-lateral drop springs, ss braided brake lines, d/s rotors, 9005 headlight mod, Celcius mod 92 Ebony LS-L Touring (125k miles) #7328 smallcar shift kit, Panasonic MP3/CD, Remote starter with security For Sale: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...370#post501370 92 Claret LS-L Touring (Sold - 1998) The first car I ever drove. |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
the steering pump is the only thing I'd have looked at more. you want to make sure it's the pump and not something with the rack itself.
-Bill
__________________
Retired NASA Rocket Scientist Most famous NASA "Child" - OSIRIS-REx delivered samples from asteroid BENNU to Earth in Sept. 2023 Center Network Member #989 '92 Fully caged, 5 speed, waiting for its fully built EG33 '92 "Test Mule", 4:44 Auto, JDM 4:44 Rear Diff with Mech LSD, Tuned headers, Full one-off suspension '92(?) Laguna, 6 spd and other stuff (still at OT's place) My Locker |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
You need properly working hood struts to pass certification?? Would a chopped broomstick meet technical specs?
With the engine running have someone turn the steering wheel from side to side while you watch the steering pump pulley. If you notice "skipping" in the pulley, then either the belt needs tightened or the crank pulley is slipping.
__________________
Dave - 03 Baja - 92 SVX - 86 Brat - 08 OB 3.0 |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks for the replies so far...
I unfortunately live 4 hours away from the seller so I do not have access to the car to check the P/S myself. I have been planning for a few weeks now to drive there with a friend when all safety, etc. has been done, transfer title and drive it back. These new revelations have put a kink in that plan. Questions: 1) Could it just be an old o-ring in the P/S? Or would Subaru have figured that out on their own? 2) I've heard that a "small oil leak" is not uncommon with these cars and are often nothing to worry about - how can I verify this one is "nothing" pre-purchase? Answers: 1) Yes - hood struts are apparently necessary to safety the car in Ontario. If not a broomstick, you'd at least think a hockey stick would fly up here... Thanks again
__________________
Ben 92 Graphite LS-L Touring (136k miles) #4143 5 speed, ACT clutch, Sparco R-Speed shortshifter, Ecutune v1, Stebro exhaust, PWR rad, 18" Motegi Racing FF15 wheels wrapped in Falken Azenis, Alpine 9833 MP3/CD with Alpine 3ways in front, MSW G-lateral drop springs, ss braided brake lines, d/s rotors, 9005 headlight mod, Celcius mod 92 Ebony LS-L Touring (125k miles) #7328 smallcar shift kit, Panasonic MP3/CD, Remote starter with security For Sale: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...370#post501370 92 Claret LS-L Touring (Sold - 1998) The first car I ever drove. |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
I've heard of dealers giving a preliminary report that the steering rack or pump will need replaced. Many of these have been fixed by a belt or replacing the o-ring.
Mild front leaks are common on 1 year old Subaru's. $200 worth of parts and a good afternoon can fix them and get you a new water pump and timing belt. hehehe... a hockey stick... why didn't I think of that...
__________________
Dave - 03 Baja - 92 SVX - 86 Brat - 08 OB 3.0 |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
1) Could it just be an old o-ring in the P/S? Or would Subaru have figured that out on their own?
Yes, it could be the O-Ring. Subaru may not have figured that out. Many members have had the shop tell them that they needed a new pump when an O-Ring fixed their problems.
__________________
. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks Earl and Dave,
I just got off the phone with the seller and suggested he take the SVX back to the dealer to confirm what is wrong with the P/S before I make the trek and spend the $. He was reluctant and said he had driven it fine for the last 1.5 years with the slight pull on the steering and that another shop told him it was merely a pinched line...he's going to call me back - I offered to pay 1/2 the dealer labour to figure it out. Could it just be a pinched line? Doesn't seem like Subaru would make a fuss about safetying a car if that's all it was... Anything else you guys think of would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Ben
__________________
Ben 92 Graphite LS-L Touring (136k miles) #4143 5 speed, ACT clutch, Sparco R-Speed shortshifter, Ecutune v1, Stebro exhaust, PWR rad, 18" Motegi Racing FF15 wheels wrapped in Falken Azenis, Alpine 9833 MP3/CD with Alpine 3ways in front, MSW G-lateral drop springs, ss braided brake lines, d/s rotors, 9005 headlight mod, Celcius mod 92 Ebony LS-L Touring (125k miles) #7328 smallcar shift kit, Panasonic MP3/CD, Remote starter with security For Sale: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...370#post501370 92 Claret LS-L Touring (Sold - 1998) The first car I ever drove. |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
another shop told him it was merely a pinched line...???
Couldn't be the end of the world? Everyone of us svx men could replace a pinched line, and most of our wives and daughters could as well... with a little coaching. Where did all the craftsmen in the shops go that used to actually repair things?
|
#9
|
||||
|
||||
You're buying a 10-15 year old used car, even worse, an svx. If you don't have time and money for fix-its buy a newer Honda or something.
__________________
Brian |
|
|