how to check out a non running 2nd gen

[cohomology]

hi y'all,

 

I am about to check out a non-running 2001. Seller claims that vp44 is bad. 

 

It has a swapped 56 block together with a 5 speed with around 150k. I am wondering how would I be able to tell the health of the engine, as apparently test drive is not possible. Or, should this truck be absolutely avoided?

[Mopar1973Man]

If you have a compression gauge and a starter you should be able to do a compression test o verify cylinder health. Injection and injection pump is a separate story. So while the injectors are out you can have them pop tested. Since there is no VP44 you need to open the gear case remove the gear or install a VP44 before the compression test. 

[JAG1]

24 minutes ago, cohomology said:

hi y'all,

 

I am about to check out a non-running 2001. Seller claims that vp44 is bad. 

 

It has a swapped 56 block together with a 5 speed with around 150k. I am wondering how would I be able to tell the health of the engine, as apparently test drive is not possible. Or, should this truck be absolutely avoided?

When looking for a truck I avoid anything that won't run or has been messed with and is not original. But then again I'm the guy that will pay probably too much when there is a real nice one. Which I just did 3 mos ago Then again..... I'm amazed how nice of a truck I found though

[Me78569]

A non running truck is worth scrap value..... period.  

 

 

[Dieselfuture]

^^^^^ agreed, I would only offer what you think you can sell it for and remember time you'll put in it. It sounds like someone's unfinished project that they gave up for a reason. 

[cohomology]

thank you guys for the input. I guess I will pass on this one.

[jlbayes]

Do not trust anyone these days with these trucks. I've never seen such a shady group of owners.

[Mopar1973Man]

90% of the trucks that are for sale on Craig's List scare me. Most of them driven hard, put away wet and abused. Then once the bill is too high to fix it properly the owner gives up and sells the truck. So now you find an awesome deal on the Internet you better beware it most like got a secret or complete failure. 

[JAG1]

The cream puff I just bought was the only truck amongst 4 that was all original and taken care of for reliability. Others looked abused and modified to satisfy hunger for power.

[SilverMoose]

20 hours ago, JAG1 said:

The cream puff I just bought was the only truck amongst 4 that was all original and taken care of for reliability. Others looked abused and modified to satisfy hunger for power.

The same with me.  I got mine from my brother who did good maintaining it.  I bugged him for years to sell it to me.

 

L8tr

D

[Dieselfuture]

I paid around 15k for mine with 120k on it and few aftermarket parts and thought it was a decent deal. I bet I spent another 6-7k on it in passed 6 years witch is not bad at all. And every time I check prices on similar trucks I'm still able to sell it for what I paid for it, maybe more. Not a lot of vehicles you can do that with.