newbie needs some help please

Hi All,

1st time on the forum, and hopefully not the last.
I'm interested in buying an '89 Silverado from a car place where i live (hudson/florida)

i am from the UK and i have moved here about 6 months ago.I dont know
a thing about your trucks,so some advice would be good.

Its a 1500 89 Silverado. with 209,000 on the clock.its in great condition
I did test drive it there was a a slight shudder at tick over and a bit of
light smoke coming from the twin exhausts.But it felt strong when i put my foot down.

But after about 10 mins of driving a check light came on
sorry but i cant remmber what it said(it did not say what to check just a warning light)

Then i looked at the oil pressure gauge at it was not working..
I drove it back and told the guy at the car lott.

He switched the engine back on to see what it was,then he made a phone call
and said the guy that tradded it in said it needed a new water and oil gagues.

I could not hear any knocking sounds from the V8(350cu) engine while it was ticking over for 20 mins or so
The holly carb filter was a bit lose but all in all it looks a great truck

So what do you guys think ???
I have knocked down the price to $1750 but i have till tomoz to make up my mind.

sorry to ask you all this but i just dont know usa trucks,i am ok on BMWs/Lexus and most UK made cars..

Is there a way of checking the oil pressure other then the gauge ??


thanks

tezz

Update..

i just had another drive and there is play in the steering wheel about 1 1/2 each way..

the oil prssure gAUge goes up a very small amount
and the CHECK GAUGE still comes on is this to do with the oil or gas ??

tezz

Although those were good trucks, I would stay away from that one..from your description, something doesn't sound right and you may be getting stuck with a POS.
The shutter and smoke is probally from worn valve stem seals.
I would ve suspect of the oil pressure and would have it checked with a mechanical gage to verify it is within specs.
If it were me, I would walk away from that one and keep looking.

Thanks GMMerlin for the advice...
i think you are right but this truck is in great condition,i may get a friend
to have a look at it before i do anything.

Would you agree that if i cant hear any knocking or sounds from the engine
after it has been running for 1/2 hour the oil is getting around ??

i think i am trying to convince myself that it is ok :iceslolan

but i dont mind if i have to pay about $300 to get it going ok
but no more then that...

tezz

I've gotta go with GM sounds like a POS with some temp fixes to make it sell. If the mains are gone it will only loose oil pressure at first, the knock won't readily apparent until the damage is done.

If you really like the truck then definitely have a mechanic check it out before you spend any cash.

RUN! Don't buy this, that is alot of problems on a motor with alot of miles. If you do look forward to a engine rebuild soon.

___________
1998 Chevy Venture 82000mi
1988 Chevy Silverado 148000mi
1977 Chevy Scottsdale 20......275000mi pretty good heh...no rebuilds either!!


Matthew Brough

Well i took the advice of you all and left it on the lott..

but i just went by there and he has stuck it right back where you cant see it..

thansk to all that have saved me from buying a wreck :smile: