Snow

I spotted a 1988 grand wagoneer for sale not to far from me, and since
I'm planning to replace the car sometime next year, I would consider
replacing it sooner as this sounds like a good deal.

1988 Grand Wagoneer, 4WD, V-8, 166,000 km's for $1200. claims it needs
tune-up and exhaust work.

That's 166,000 km and $1200 Canadian.

Any thoughts on this? I'm planning on going to look at it next week and
decided I should ask and find out if there is anything I should specifically
look at (know about before going). What are some of the common
problems/repairs for these wagoneer's?.

Tia
Snow...

Earle Horton

These things are rust magnets. Unless you like in the dry, desert-like part
of Canada I would suggest passing up this opportunity.

Earle

"Snow" <snowbalspam@spamrogersspam.com> wrote in message
news:%LCNa.73028$2ay.44373@news01.bloor.is.net.cab le.rogers.com...
> I spotted a 1988 grand wagoneer for sale not to far from me, and since
> I'm planning to replace the car sometime next year, I would consider
> replacing it sooner as this sounds like a good deal.
>
> 1988 Grand Wagoneer, 4WD, V-8, 166,000 km's for $1200. claims it needs
> tune-up and exhaust work.
>
> That's 166,000 km and $1200 Canadian.
>
> Any thoughts on this? I'm planning on going to look at it next week and
> decided I should ask and find out if there is anything I should
specifically
> look at (know about before going). What are some of the common
> problems/repairs for these wagoneer's?.
>
> Tia
> Snow...
>
>

Lon Stowell

Snow wrote:

> I spotted a 1988 grand wagoneer for sale not to far from me, and since
> I'm planning to replace the car sometime next year, I would consider
> replacing it sooner as this sounds like a good deal.
>
> 1988 Grand Wagoneer, 4WD, V-8, 166,000 km's for $1200. claims it needs
> tune-up and exhaust work.
>
> That's 166,000 km and $1200 Canadian.
>
> Any thoughts on this? I'm planning on going to look at it next week and
> decided I should ask and find out if there is anything I should specifically
> look at (know about before going). What are some of the common
> problems/repairs for these wagoneer's?.

The transfer cases and 4wd components. Watch out for
tuneup and exhaust work, could be a euphemism for a
blown head gasket. Should be easy to check. If you
can pull a valve cover do so, otherwise use a dental
mirror to look for crud indicating less than loving care,
but a fresh oil change. Other than that, replace the exhaust
stuff and tune it... that is very low miles for that old
an engine.

Snow

> The transfer cases and 4wd components. Watch out for
> tuneup and exhaust work, could be a euphemism for a
> blown head gasket. Should be easy to check. If you
> can pull a valve cover do so, otherwise use a dental
> mirror to look for crud indicating less than loving care,
> but a fresh oil change. Other than that, replace the exhaust
> stuff and tune it... that is very low miles for that old
> an engine.

What methods are there to checking a head gasket problem? besides running it
for a few minutes and then checking the oil for contamination.

Where would I look for this "crud" ? Any other areas I should becareful of
when if I go to see/ inspect it?

Thanks Again.

Snow...

Earle Horton

"Rust proofed annually?" Hmm, if it was hot oil, then this vehicle has a
chance. If it was undercoating, chances are good on the other hand that the
undercoating is just holding rust in place. Look under the floor mats.
Crawl around underneath. Bubbles in the paint are the most conspicuous
clue. It is best to assume that there is nothing at all underneath bubbles
in paint. For $1,200 Canadian though, if you can't see through the fenders
or floorboards this might be a good deal. ;o)

Earle

"Snow" <snowbalspam@spamrogersspam.com> wrote in message
news:AFJNa.70479$x4o.10309@news04.bloor.is.net.cab le.rogers.com...
> The seller claims it has been rust proofed annually, if it has he should
> have the paper work for that and also the vehicle will/should have the
> stickers indicating that. If I go and look at it I will be taking along
my
> inspection mirrors, magnets, stethoscope and I'm going to try and borrow a
> small fiberoptic probe. I am certain that I will find almost all if any
> rust this thing has.
>
> Snow...
>
> "Earle Horton" <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote in message
> news:be70lr$1r30j$1@ID-147790.news.dfncis.de...
> > These things are rust magnets. Unless you like in the dry, desert-like
> part
> > of Canada I would suggest passing up this opportunity.
> >
> > Earle
> >
> > "Snow" <snowbalspam@spamrogersspam.com> wrote in message
> > news:%LCNa.73028$2ay.44373@news01.bloor.is.net.cab le.rogers.com...
> > > I spotted a 1988 grand wagoneer for sale not to far from me, and
> since
> > > I'm planning to replace the car sometime next year, I would consider
> > > replacing it sooner as this sounds like a good deal.
> > >
> > > 1988 Grand Wagoneer, 4WD, V-8, 166,000 km's for $1200. claims it
needs
> > > tune-up and exhaust work.
> > >
> > > That's 166,000 km and $1200 Canadian.
> > >
> > > Any thoughts on this? I'm planning on going to look at it next week
and
> > > decided I should ask and find out if there is anything I should
> > specifically
> > > look at (know about before going). What are some of the common
> > > problems/repairs for these wagoneer's?.
> > >
> > > Tia
> > > Snow...
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Lon Stowell

Snow wrote:

>> The transfer cases and 4wd components. Watch out for
>> tuneup and exhaust work, could be a euphemism for a
>> blown head gasket. Should be easy to check. If you
>> can pull a valve cover do so, otherwise use a dental
>> mirror to look for crud indicating less than loving care,
>> but a fresh oil change. Other than that, replace the exhaust
>> stuff and tune it... that is very low miles for that old
>> an engine.
>
> What methods are there to checking a head gasket problem? besides running it
> for a few minutes and then checking the oil for contamination.

A compression check works pretty good, but you have to
check all 8 cylinders.
>
> Where would I look for this "crud" ? Any other areas I should becareful of
> when if I go to see/ inspect it?

The crud will build up under the valve covers if the vehicle
hasn't had good oil changes. Some sellers do an oil change
just before selling, so clean oil isn't that reliable an
indicator. You might be able to see crud by just looking
around the fill hole, and if there is a pluggable type
PCV, check that.

For $1200, even canadian, don't expect concourse grade.

c

"Snow" <snowbalspam@spamrogersspam.com> wrote in message
news:CIJNa.70492$x4o.27711@news04.bloor.is.net.cab le.rogers.com...
>
> > The transfer cases and 4wd components. Watch out for
> > tuneup and exhaust work, could be a euphemism for a
> > blown head gasket. Should be easy to check. If you
> > can pull a valve cover do so, otherwise use a dental
> > mirror to look for crud indicating less than loving care,
> > but a fresh oil change. Other than that, replace the exhaust
> > stuff and tune it... that is very low miles for that old
> > an engine.
>
> What methods are there to checking a head gasket problem? besides running
it
> for a few minutes and then checking the oil for contamination.
>
> Where would I look for this "crud" ? Any other areas I should becareful of
> when if I go to see/ inspect it?
>
> Thanks Again.
>
> Snow...
>
>

Usually a bad head gasket will cause bubbling in the radiator. Also, you can
pull the spark plugs and inspect them. A blown head gasket usually shows one
or two plugs that are washed out and have no carbon deposits. You may even
see a green tint from antifreeze.

Chris

Lon Stowell

c wrote:
> "Snow" <snowbalspam@spamrogersspam.com> wrote in message
> news:CIJNa.70492$x4o.27711@news04.bloor.is.net.cab le.rogers.com...
>>
>> > The transfer cases and 4wd components. Watch out for
>> > tuneup and exhaust work, could be a euphemism for a
>> > blown head gasket. Should be easy to check. If you
>> > can pull a valve cover do so, otherwise use a dental
>> > mirror to look for crud indicating less than loving care,
>> > but a fresh oil change. Other than that, replace the exhaust
>> > stuff and tune it... that is very low miles for that old
>> > an engine.
>>
>> What methods are there to checking a head gasket problem? besides running
> it
>> for a few minutes and then checking the oil for contamination.
>>
>> Where would I look for this "crud" ? Any other areas I should becareful of
>> when if I go to see/ inspect it?
>>
>> Thanks Again.
>>
>> Snow...
>>
>>
>
> Usually a bad head gasket will cause bubbling in the radiator. Also, you can
> pull the spark plugs and inspect them. A blown head gasket usually shows one
> or two plugs that are washed out and have no carbon deposits. You may even
> see a green tint from antifreeze.

And if really bad, a milky look to the oil on the dipstick after
a short drive.

Dave

subscribe to
FSJ-List@yahoogroups.com here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FSJ-List
or search on egroups.com for full size jeep
Watch out for RUST RUST RUST
rust will usually hit the left frame and gas tank housing. Those would be
the first places to look out for.
and check the other areas well, bottom of doors, fenders, 1/4 panels,
tailgate, etc.
Other problems will be fluid leaks, defective fuel tank level sending units,
switches, rotten vacuum hoses, etc.
Usually the engines are very strong and long lasting, but if it was abused
they can die an early life.
I am on my fourth Full Size Jeep in about 23 years, and they are
affectionate creatures that sometimes love your attention. lol
--
later,
dave
82 Wag Ltd. 360 auto (to be retired!) anyone interested, whole or parts?
RUSTED OUT
88 FSJ-GW 360 auto (Alive Again)
88 XJ 4.0 auto
Chicago

"Snow" <snowbalspam@spamrogersspam.com> wrote in message
news:%LCNa.73028$2ay.44373@news01.bloor.is.net.cab le.rogers.com...
> I spotted a 1988 grand wagoneer for sale not to far from me, and since
> I'm planning to replace the car sometime next year, I would consider
> replacing it sooner as this sounds like a good deal.
>
> 1988 Grand Wagoneer, 4WD, V-8, 166,000 km's for $1200. claims it needs
> tune-up and exhaust work.
>
> That's 166,000 km and $1200 Canadian.
>
> Any thoughts on this? I'm planning on going to look at it next week and
> decided I should ask and find out if there is anything I should
specifically
> look at (know about before going). What are some of the common
> problems/repairs for these wagoneer's?.
>
> Tia
> Snow...
>
>

TJim

I've got a question... Where the he77 do you mount tow hooks on those
things?? I haven't seen an ides yet that seems secure with the exception of
some guys who fabbed their own bumpers using "C" channel.


"mark" <blevinsm@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vggnk78h6vhre3@corp.supernews.com...
> Tia,
>
> I have an 89 GW and absolutely love it. I have 138,000 miles on it and it
> is mostly stock with a mild lift and some larger tires coming this fall.
>
> Some things to look for...
> rear window that does not rise and fall as it should (electric)
>
> frame rust around the gast tank shield-drivers side at the rear wheel
>
> the usual body rust spots
>
> You can find everything you ever wanted to know about Grand Wagoneers at
> http://www.ifsja.org/index.shtml . There is also an email list where you
> can get some very knowledgeable help with repairing or modifying these big
> Jeeps.
>
> the price sounds reasonable if the body is in decent shape. These big
> jeeps go like stink in the snow with good tires.
>
> Good luck and let me know if you have any specific questions, email me
> directly if you wish
>
> Mark Blevins
> 89 GW
> '50 Ford 8N
> 80 ALfa Romeo
> blevinsm at charter dot net
>
>
> "Snow" <snowbalspam@spamrogersspam.com> wrote in message
> news:%LCNa.73028$2ay.44373@news01.bloor.is.net.cab le.rogers.com...
> > I spotted a 1988 grand wagoneer for sale not to far from me, and
since
> > I'm planning to replace the car sometime next year, I would consider
> > replacing it sooner as this sounds like a good deal.
> >
> > 1988 Grand Wagoneer, 4WD, V-8, 166,000 km's for $1200. claims it needs
> > tune-up and exhaust work.
> >
> > That's 166,000 km and $1200 Canadian.
> >
> > Any thoughts on this? I'm planning on going to look at it next week and
> > decided I should ask and find out if there is anything I should
> specifically
> > look at (know about before going). What are some of the common
> > problems/repairs for these wagoneer's?.
> >
> > Tia
> > Snow...
> >
> >
>
>