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wilhaney
New User
Feb 4, 2009, 7:38 PM
Post #1 of 7
(1630 views)
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I'm used car shopping and having many sellers telling me the a/c needs to be charged. How would I know if there is something more serious and expensive wrong with the a/c..
also if a car has a small oil leak the worst is real seal, the least worry would be valve cover gasket. Where else could it leak and is rear seal the only serious place to be leaking? and how do you know it's the rear seal? And how long will it run with a rear seal leak?
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 4, 2009, 7:54 PM
Post #2 of 7
(1629 views)
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Wil; I guess it depends on if you are concerned if you have a/c or not. However, many vehicles must have the a/c compressor in place for the serpentine belt routing. If the compressor takes a dump due to the lack of refrigerant/lubrication, you'll end up having to replace the compressor just so the belt will turn the more important things. In some cases, you can reroute the belt without the compressor, but some, you cannot. Sooooo....
Oil leaks can be a black hole. Yes, the rear main seal is expensive. On most newer cars, the transmission has to be removed to access the seal. Oil pan leaks can get expensive, depending on the vehicle. Some, are very easy, others, the engine has to be lifted or removed. On timing belt driven engines, camshaft, oil pump, and front crankshaft seals are a weak spot. Oil leaks in that area can ruin a timing belt. Again, some are easy, some are a nightmare.
Long story short, try a find a car that doesn't have any already existing problems. Usually, if it does, the previous owner hasn't taken care of the car.
Loren
SW Washington
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wilhaney
New User
Feb 4, 2009, 8:25 PM
Post #3 of 7
(1628 views)
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good advice...I'll buy a car with no oil leaks and with the a/c blowin' coooooold....
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 5, 2009, 8:31 AM
Post #4 of 7
(1625 views)
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Just to add re A/C boost: If the car really needs that it needs to be examined as to why also and decide to fix or a boost can last. As Loren said running low it can cause lack of lubrication and wipe out the compressor. If quiet when OFF and you don't want to deal with that now or at all - unplug the compressor and tie away the plug end out of harms way is better than leaving it clicking on when too low,
T
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wilhaney
New User
Feb 5, 2009, 5:59 PM
Post #5 of 7
(1613 views)
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Like I said I'm calling private party ads for a used car and so many say the a/c needs a charge and car has a small oil leak...I'm just going to stay away from them..I'm not looking for a fixer upper.........
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 5, 2009, 6:11 PM
Post #6 of 7
(1612 views)
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Buying from a private party, unless you know them, is risky in itself. I've always felt buying from a new car dealer is safer....at least you have someone to yell at if there's a problem. Yes, you'll generally pay more, but...
Unsure of your emission laws, but in WA, the vehicle has to pass emissions prior to registering. Regardless of where you purchase the vehicle, I'd recommend that you make darned sure that it will pass before you buy it. Some dealers are exempt from that law, and can license the car without the emissions test, but I'd still have it tested, even if not required. That test, alone, will tell you alot about the condition of the engine.
Loren
SW Washington
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wilhaney
New User
Feb 5, 2009, 6:15 PM
Post #7 of 7
(1608 views)
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good idea...i'm just short on cash that's why I was trying private party but I make take your advice. Dealers don't usually sell junk....
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