Prepurchase Inspection Syclone in Miami FL

Emmo

Emmo

Member
Hello everyone,

I'm looking to purchase a 1991 GMC Syclone in Miami FL, however; am from Atlanta, GA. Any recommendations for a solid mechanic familiar with the truck to check it out mechanically in Miami FL,

Many many thanks,
Peter Jensen

I can be reached on email at:
peter.jensen@ps.ge.com
 
Emmo

Emmo

Member
:D Thanks MyTyphoon93

Yep, it's the one in the autotrader as far as I can confirm. Right now I'm working over in Fort Myers, 7-12s on nights, but did manage to go see the truck yesterday, Sunday. I agreed with the guy I'd take it assuming the title was clean and a compression test was done. So when I came back here to the hotel I checked the carfax and it was clean. Mechanically the car drove and felt fine. The hood was faded along with the clading and the tailgate had a fairly big ding in it. The engine was clean, no oil leaks, belts, fluids, hoses, and all I could check were in good shape.

I'm going to actually use the truck and put miles on it so I'm hoping it's a solid bet. I can do most of the maintainance myself like brakes, radiator, and rear end; however; I'm a little weiry of working on the turbo or the transmission. The tranny did feel real well so it should be okay. My only real thought is I should have a compression test done. I called around town in Miami to the GMC dealers, but it's almost scary the quality of service and response I've gotten so far this morning. Hence the idea of the web forums. All they'll do is a safety check, which I can do, and really don't know what they're looking at.

I appreciate the reply, if you do know someone shoot me an email. I'm supposed to finish up work here in Fort Myers on Sunday night I hope and will be able to make it back to Miami,

Thanks again,
Pete
 
M

MyTyphoon1993

Active member
No problem, I sent you a pm with the name and address of a shop thats not to far away from me. If you need anything just send me an email or instant message me.
 
Emmo

Emmo

Member
Thank you sir,

Sounds good I called SS and they seemed pretty good and had an idea what was going on. I'll give it a shot. The owner will take it over some time this week and they'll give it an eyeballing. It drove strong, only thing I can think about is double checking the compression.

Any other suggestion or items that are a must to double check that a normal and thorough visual inspection wouldn't pick up? Thanks again. Will keep it posted...

Pete
 
Jimmy

Jimmy

Banned
Emmo said:
Thank you sir,

Sounds good I called SS and they seemed pretty good and had an idea what was going on. I'll give it a shot. The owner will take it over some time this week and they'll give it an eyeballing. It drove strong, only thing I can think about is double checking the compression.

Any other suggestion or items that are a must to double check that a normal and thorough visual inspection wouldn't pick up? Thanks again. Will keep it posted...

Pete
Click to expand...
Check the 10 amp fuse in the little black box behind the alt.If it's blown,chances are the IC pump is dead.

Pull off the oil fill cap with the engine running,if smoke pours out,it's got blowby (which the compression test will confirm)

Make sure the engine hasn't been run recently the next time you go see it.Stand behind the truck and have the owner start it.If it puffs out some blue smoke for a second,the valve seals need to be replaced (which is a good reason for you to ask a couple hundred bucks off the price)

Smell the tranny fluid.Burnt smell= trans getting ready to die.
 
Emmo

Emmo

Member
Thanks Jimmy,

I didn't know about checking the IC pump. Forgive me but what is an IC pump? Is it related to the emissions system?
Pete
 
GAShan

GAShan

Donating Member
Can I be any help? I know almost every truck in South Florida. I know the guys at SS, they are the only ones who touch my trucks besides me. Do you have a VIN, I can check my database and see what history I know. David and I can really give you a report.
 
Emmo

Emmo

Member
Thanks Gary,

I bought the carfax record and it came back clean for the 1GDCT14Z7M8800901 VIN, only 5 records. Two owners where the guy in Miami only bought it last Spring from the original owner. He had all the old emissions test from the original owner and had to get one when he registered it in North Carolina. Not yet transferred to Fla. Only had about 5k miles on it around 3 years ago. Could be a good sign or a bad sign that the truck sat so long?

We're supposed to get it checked out at SS either on Friday or early next week. Assuming the dont find anything major I should be good to go.

I'm hoping to double check all the fluids, hoses, and wiring. Then prep the truck to be a daily driver with no mods.
 
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