rhesus

I'm looking at an 86 951 with 100k on the clock. I just had the PPI done and everything looks pretty good except one thing. The compression test results were:

1st time:
135, 120, 135, 135

2nd time:
130, 125, 135, 135

I talked to the mechanic and he said the test was done at WOT with all plugs removed. He told me it wasn't really anything to worry about and he has his own shop and works on Porsche/BMW exclusively (and sounded like he knew what he was talking about). It looks a little low to me -- anything to worry about?

Other than that the only problems were really a few weeping hoses and some minor sound from the torque tube/driveshaft bearing.

Everything else sounds like it's in good condition so I'll be taking a trip to check it out & possibly buy it this weekend. He's asking 9k.

Gator_86_951

Can you get a leak-down?

hosrom_951

Was the engine warm when the compression test was done?

As for the noise from the TT, if it turns our to be the bearings is a major PITA and time consuming.......

rhesus

Probably can't get a leak down but I thought you only needed one if the difference between cylinders was large (~15%)?

Sam Lin

Unless the body and interior are pristine, that's way high for that mileage and compression.

Leakdown is a far better test.

Sam

Cyrus951

9k sounds high for an 86 with 100k and those numbers.
Is the paint original, and interior pristine?

Cyrus951

uh, yeah, what Sam said..

Gator_86_951

I was going to say the same but I didn't want to get slammed by the "9k isn't too much" group I have seen here before. As for whether to get a leak-down relative to the percentage... like sam said, on an older motor just get the leak-down. Better test. What is common to check when you get a PPI on one of these cars?

rhesus

Yeah the asking price is a little high, but the belts, rollers, water pump, clutch, and power steering rack were all replaced within the last year or so

JonM..

wow, that car sounds like it has some problems, you ought to take a look at and drive mine, or are you still "working things out with your land lady"?

TurboTime

Just my $.02 - wait for an '88S or '89 and try to get it for ~$10K.
Of course, I am a bit partial ;o)

porshhhh951

no way I would pay 9k for a 86....sorry. If it's what you want then get it but, the car sounds like its not perfect and a 86 asking 9k it should be.

By a 88 or 89 for around 9. If not then by a 86-87 for 7-8k in pretty good condition.

Cyrus951

Take him down to 7500 and see if he bites.

TurboTime

The market in CA is a little higher than in other parts of the country. But we have the "rust-free" samples to choose from. ;o)

I've noticed that CA prices average around $1K higher than in other places. I agree with Cyrus951 on the $7500 bite. Never know until you ask.

Remember the line in Python's Life of Brian: You must haggle....

Ian Carr

WARNING! When i did the test it was

135,135,115,125

The rings are gone and i now have two scored cylinders

TO CHECK!!!

Put oil inside the cylinder that has a low presure, if the presure goes up itll be your rings(the oil would seal up any leak around the rings). If it stays down it would be a valve problem

hope this helps

-Ian