been looking for an esprit

[CB154]

Hi,

I have been looking round for an esprit and have seen a few. however I saw one which was in great condition ran smoothly. however on the test drive sitting at some lights the temp guage wud rocket up. did this everytime we came to a stop. is this an issue ? it was an 88 turbo version s3

[lawrence5]

Mid engined cars are tricky to cool - my mate has a switch to put the fan on in his 84 turbo.

So you looking at last of the Guigaro's then ?

[dodgey_rog]

lawrence5 said:

Mid engined cars are tricky to cool - my mate has a switch to put the fan on in his 84 turbo.

So you looking at last of the Guigaro's then ?

It can't be an 88 unless it was at at a dealers for a while. That would be the first of the Stevens shape?

[GKP]

The temperature should hang around the low/mid 90s c when ticking over. If it goes up significantly (with or without the fans kicking in) then most likely the radiator is fubarred and will require a recore.
This in itself isn't a big issue, but getting the radiator out of the car can be a right pita with rusty/siezed rawlnuts and other fixtures etc

Have the Esprit checked by a knowledgeable specialist before committing to buy to give you an idea as to what you're letting yourself into...

[dodgey_rog]

GKP said:

The temperature should hang around the low/mid 90s c when ticking over. If it goes up significantly (with or without the fans kicking in) then most likely the radiator is fubarred and will require a recore.
This in itself isn't a big issue, but getting the radiator out of the car can be a right pita with rusty/siezed rawlnuts and other fixtures etc

Have the Esprit checked by a knowledgeable specialist before committing to buy to give you an idea as to what you're letting yourself into...

A friend who bought one said exactly the same, turns out it was the common problem that most or all Esprits face is loads of crap blocking the rad, once cleared it seemed to have resolved the problem.

[CB154]

apologies yes it is indeed one of the first of the Stevens shape. it overall seems in good condition, drove like a dream. just want to make sure of things before parting with cash. any other pointers to look for.

[bojangles]

My car does not run hot ever.. If it is runnin hot it is not normal and it indicates a problem.
Many cars may have the problem but it is not normal behaviour.

Not only is the cooling system repair not cheap... the damage to the enginge may be even more costly.
You need a good explanation from the seller about this issue. It should have gone in to get fixed the first time it happened. It is nothing to live with.

Bruce

[kylie]

CB154 said:

apologies yes it is indeed one of the first of the Stevens shape. it overall seems in good condition, drove like a dream. just want to make sure of things before parting with cash. any other pointers to look for.

If you get another opportunity to view it properly, check to make sure the fans are actually running, sometimes these can fail as well, additional to a radiator flush. Full service notes, check what should have done against its mileage.

Get underneath the rear and see if the seals are still good. You will know by running a finger looking for oil leaks. Tire wear and fuel smells, compression check. Otherwise look on LEW's site which is quite good.

[CB154]

does anyone know of someone in the SE london / n kent area who is willing to perform an inspection of a possible purchase and give you the facts if things are wrong ?

[toyroom]

WARNING! Don't want to be a drama queen, but....before you part with any cash always remember....never buy a car with coolant problems. On the hottest day of the year after standing in traffic, my V8 NEVER goes over 95.

However.... My car used to do this all the time. I do't know if the 4 cylinder engine uses the same system, but the fault was the temperature guage sender (£10) I replaced this and there was never another guage problem.
The coolant was another issue. The reason that the temperature guage came under scrutiny was that even when fully warm, the heater was freezing! Turned out to be a heater rad full of crap from the leaking cylinder liner issue (common on older V8 engines).
Is the heater working? (does it get hot?)
Is there any creamy scum in the water tank or the oil filler cap?
Is ther any oil (little tadpole things) in the water?
Is there loads of rusty dust in the water tank?
Is ther an appropriate amount of antifreeze/rust inhibitor in the water (coloured and smells musty)?

If these answers are: No, Yes, Yes, Yes or No (in that order) Then either walk away or get ready for a big bill (engine rebuild £6,000($$9,000))Heater replacement (quoted as six hours but took 45 hours on my car (fortunately the dealer kept his word but this could have been £3,000 ($4,500) The heater radiator is a NIGHTMARE to replace as it needs dash out and loads of other stuff.

So, could be a twenty dollar fix but could also cost the price of the car to put right. I don't want to rain on your parade (and I don't think that 4 cylinder cars are quite the problem a V8 can be but my car had both the expensive AND the cheap faults. The engine issue cost ten grand to fix (fortunately paid for by Lotus (can't praise them enough)) and Heathcliffe actually said the words: "Never buy a car with coolant problems"

Check the list above and ask, ask, ask before you decide....sorry.

[toyroom]

I've just looked at this post again...listen to your doubts. Like women (or men) and houses; cars are almost never unique. ie...There'll be another one along any minute!
Ask yourself why you have posted? Do you need reassurance or confirmation of your fears?

[Autocross7]

My car is a federal 88' and I have only had cooling issues when the following had problems...

1)Relay for the fans played out. Easy cheap to correct
2)There was a def. hose leak. Easy and ceap to correct
3)Water pump failed... this also procuced a leak. Fairly straight forward to repalce...

I bought my car with mid 40's mileage (do not go for the low milage in my opinion as it shows the car has been sitting to long) and the above described were all OEM from the factory parts -ie: Old. I love the 88 (I am one of the few who may say it is my favorite). I like the lack of little ducts and intakes on the front and the reverse saddle shape below the door sills.

So... I'd say be real sure about the cooling issue as stated above, it can be simple... it can be a real pain.
Also, if the car is federal (K Jetronic injection) read up on that as well. It is near bullit proof but it is not as easy to diagnos issues that may come up as the post 88' cars with EFI.

Drive topless!!!
Cameron

[CB154]

toyroom said:

I've just looked at this post again...listen to your doubts. Like women (or men) and houses; cars are almost never unique. ie...There'll be another one along any minute!
Ask yourself why you have posted? Do you need reassurance or confirmation of your fears?

totally understand your point here. This is the first esprit i would have bought and am therefore cautious as I want to get one that is going to give me enjoyment as opposed to anything else. I understand that these like other cars of this type have the faults and I fully expect to pay for things along the way but just want to make sure I start with good foundations (to use your house quote) I am going for a second look soon and am taking all your points with me so that I can get a better picture and if i should just walk away.