Knocks when started, is this a problem???

[Jeremiaheaster]

OK, the 1994 80 I am thinking of buying is in the shop right now getting a pre-purchase inspection. I noticed today that when I start it there is a faint knock that lasts about a half second and then everything is smooth. Many less than new cars I have had do the same thing so I expect this is normal. Its only noticable if you are listening for it. I almost don't think its worth mentioning but I can never have to much experienced imput. Any thoughts?

 

[cruiserdan]

Does it do it on every start?

 

[Jeremiaheaster]

started it three times, noticed it twice. the first time I think there was to much traffic noise to hear it. Is this just normal noise before the oil lubes everything up?

 

[cruiserdan]

A bit of a rattle on a cold start is not uncommon. You should not get that on a hot re-start.

What kind of oil filter does it have on it?

 

[jamisobe]

Might be your fan/fan clutch making noise.

 

[jamisobe]

If it was a nod rockin' it would stop so quickly.

 

[RVBtruck]

Probably not going to be rod knock, just cold start piston slap or tolerances are loose allowing some noise on start up until oil get around. Not usually a problem, just showing age/mileage.

 

[Jeremiaheaster]

Ok just got the report from my mechanic:

>>>The startup knock I mentioned didn't concern them.

>>>Compression test was good across the board.

>>>No head gasket leaks and they confirmed it has been replaced.

>>>They Noticed a small amount of oil in distributor and said I should pull it and replace the seal.

>>>The suggested new wires, spark plugs and hoses (I've never seen a shop that didn't recommend this, lol)

>>>The noticed a small oil leak near a plug on the front side of the motor (said it wasn't a big deal)

>>>They noticed a small amount of oil at the rear main seal. Not a lot but it was slightly wet so its more than just dry seepage. No oil drops on ground under vehicle during inspection though. They quoted me $812 to replace the seal.

>>>They also pointed out the beginning signs of seepage from the top outside edge of the radiator.

Because of these things the guy dropped his price to $7400 and he is still replacing the windshield.

How did I do? I will be paying for it on Monday evening so if I need to pull the plug on this I'll need to make the decision by Monday.

 

[cruiserdan]

How many miles on the truck? Does it have diff locks?

 

[aslan1]

i own one that i just bought. i paid 6000 for mine with 104000. how many miles does yours have. also does it have lockers?

 

[Jeremiaheaster]

177,000
All service records kept, one owner
Factory Lockers
Excellent body and paint (northwest car-no salt/sun)
Leather with good/fair interior
Aftermarket stereo with nice sub

 

[cruiserdan]

One of our local club members picked up a 93 over years ago with locks and about 165,000 on it for ~6,700 bucks.

I wouldn't pay that much for it but most of us here are cheap bastards.


New head gasket and locks are big plusses. A new windshield is worth a couple hundred bucks.


It could still be a good deal.

 

[MoGas]

He forgot to mention that the head gasket has been replaced too.

If it were me, I'd like to know if whoever changed the gasket did any head work and if they used an OE or aftermarket gasket.


Dave

 

[Jeremiaheaster]

Dave-I'm getting that information as a condition of sale. I assume you would want an aftermarket gasket considering all the problems with the OE, right?

FWIW--I want to get a good price but I am also not interested in ripping anyone off.

 

[cruiserdan]

Wrong.

You want the new OEM gasket.

 

[Jeremiaheaster]

Thanks Dan, I'll check it out.

 

[Romer]

To expand. The original headgasket had a design margin issue that was corrected in the newer version you buy. A head gasket that lasts 150,000 would not bee considered defective in my book, but the new design will last much longer.

If its aftermarket run. Don't use aftermarket standard parts on your truck. The Autozone thermostat is much cheaper, but it's a piece of crap.