- Sep 7, 2009
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We get asked this about once a week, I figure a 'common thread' would be better than the haphazard threads we generally end up with.
Make sure the car has a completely cold engine when you show up. Many 'knocks' and rattles only exist on the first cold start. First thing we will do is check for a blown head gasket, which generally results in coolant in oil or oil in coolant.
First, open the hood and take off the radiator cap (again, engine must be cold!). You want to see clear-ish fluid. Radiator fluid comes in many colors depending on make/model, but it should not be opaque, poop brown, milkshake brown, foamy, or chunky.
Take off the oil fill cap and look for the same milkshake looking fluid. If you see anything like this in the coolant or oil then walk from the deal.
Here's a pic of oils mixed with red coolant just for a comparison, notice the milkshake colors and the 'foam' at the separation points:
( http://www.bobistheoilguy.com )
While you're in the engine bay, go ahead and smell the rest of the fluids. Yes, smell. Power steering, transmission, and brake fluids tend to give off sort of funky odors when 'abused', whether due to it never being changed or otherwise. Smell the fluid in a newer vehicle so have an idea of what is normal. Now, this isn't necessarily something to walk away from, but if the PS or brake fluid is dark black and stinky I would keep that in mind during negotiations. Transmission fluid is usually very dark, but it should not have any burnt smell.
Look for any shoddy wiring work. Some manufacturers (Ford) use electrical tape, but if you see anything that reeks of unskilled home mechanic... Walk.
Check the date on the battery. If it's more than 6 years old then it's due to be replaced.
Look at the bolts and area on the top of the fenders and radiator supports for thick paint or paint overspray, it's a tell tale sign of poor quality accident repairs.
Alright, we're ready to start the car. Leave the hood open, and roll the windows down. Now, go listen to the engine. Engines are noisy, there are a lot of moving parts and belts. A little bit of intial start up rattle can be considered normal, but any 'knocking' or anything you can 'feel' in the car is not normal.
While it's warming up go ahead and open the trunk and look for the same type of overspray, or bolts that have been messed with. Pull the trunk carpet up and smell for mold/mildew indicating past leaks. Remove the spare if needed.
Look under the car at the pinch seams to see if it's been improperly lifted.
Ok, that's it for now. I will be back later to add more.
Make sure the car has a completely cold engine when you show up. Many 'knocks' and rattles only exist on the first cold start. First thing we will do is check for a blown head gasket, which generally results in coolant in oil or oil in coolant.
First, open the hood and take off the radiator cap (again, engine must be cold!). You want to see clear-ish fluid. Radiator fluid comes in many colors depending on make/model, but it should not be opaque, poop brown, milkshake brown, foamy, or chunky.
Take off the oil fill cap and look for the same milkshake looking fluid. If you see anything like this in the coolant or oil then walk from the deal.
Here's a pic of oils mixed with red coolant just for a comparison, notice the milkshake colors and the 'foam' at the separation points:
( http://www.bobistheoilguy.com )
While you're in the engine bay, go ahead and smell the rest of the fluids. Yes, smell. Power steering, transmission, and brake fluids tend to give off sort of funky odors when 'abused', whether due to it never being changed or otherwise. Smell the fluid in a newer vehicle so have an idea of what is normal. Now, this isn't necessarily something to walk away from, but if the PS or brake fluid is dark black and stinky I would keep that in mind during negotiations. Transmission fluid is usually very dark, but it should not have any burnt smell.
Look for any shoddy wiring work. Some manufacturers (Ford) use electrical tape, but if you see anything that reeks of unskilled home mechanic... Walk.
Check the date on the battery. If it's more than 6 years old then it's due to be replaced.
Look at the bolts and area on the top of the fenders and radiator supports for thick paint or paint overspray, it's a tell tale sign of poor quality accident repairs.
Alright, we're ready to start the car. Leave the hood open, and roll the windows down. Now, go listen to the engine. Engines are noisy, there are a lot of moving parts and belts. A little bit of intial start up rattle can be considered normal, but any 'knocking' or anything you can 'feel' in the car is not normal.
While it's warming up go ahead and open the trunk and look for the same type of overspray, or bolts that have been messed with. Pull the trunk carpet up and smell for mold/mildew indicating past leaks. Remove the spare if needed.
Look under the car at the pinch seams to see if it's been improperly lifted.
Ok, that's it for now. I will be back later to add more.
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