Hi,

I recently acquired a 92 S13. The engine turns but will not start. The previous owner said it over-heated and then stopped running while he was on the highway. No further details were provided. There appears to be some oil on the back of the motor and I'm going to do a compression test this weekend.

Over the years, I have done simple things (water pumps, alternators, timing belts, etc..,) but I'm a bit new at diagnosing this sort of issue. I was going to start by checking the plugs and try looking for water in the oil.

I'm thinking may be a warped head, but I would greatly appreciate any suggestions (or steps) on the best way to diagnose this type of malfunction.

Thanks!

 

if its the head gasket pick up a new engine

 

If it is the head gasket, where can I get one that cheap?

Thanks!

 

ahh horse poo! If it's the head gastket pull the motor, strip it, have it machined, put new pistons and rings in it and boost the dog poo out of it.

 

THE UNIVERSAL ANSWER TO ALL YOUR PROBLEMS.

 

 

hehe...sounds pretty simple This is more cost effective than a SR20DET?

For now, let's say I just want to keep the car running at minimal expense until I can save enough money for the turbo...

Thanks!

 

if it is the head gasket it will cost you 100 bucks plus your labor or more money for someone elses. for 300 bucks you can easily find an s14 ka to put in your ride or an older engine for less. Then use your current motor to slowly build up a badass powerplant as you get the resources to do so. That would be the way I would go.

More cost effective than SR? No, but the same is vice versa. All depends on what YOU like more, truck power or pussy car power. haha.

 

Some updated information:

I compression tested the engine and here are the results:

150 - 110 - 60 - 90

I pulled off the valve cover and didn't notice anything obviously wrong. The oil did have a very odd smell...

The dipstick didn't have any water on it for what it's worth.

So, what should I check next?

If it is the head, where is a good place to pick up a low mileage KA to get me around town while I'm building the turbo.

Thanks!

 

thats a head gasket. any time you have good compression, but two low ones are side by side, its a headgasket. just bc its bad doesnt mean you will hav ecoolant in the oil. just replace the motor, its alot cheaper than doing a HG job.