Hi all,
I just ran across an 85 trooper 4 cyl in really good shape body wise, new front end work, strong tranny, etc for $200! However, the lady who owned it let her kids use it and they didn't check the oil so it will have to be towed. A mechanic had bought from her and had it sitting in his back yard for some time and just wanted to get rid of it. I think it will make a great unit with a little tlc and some elbow grease!

What tell-tale signs can I look for to tell if it is a blown head gasket or cracked block. I am bringing it home today and will start checking things out. After having my 91 v6 for six months now it has definitely gotten in my blood!
If there are some posts on this subject would you please direct me to them?
Thanks! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
Mark

Mark, if the kids ran it without oil, it's probably got more issues than a cracked block or head!

You could check the radiator and if it's full of antifreeze, I'd think that everything is probably OK there. An engine with head/gasket/block issues is gonna lose its fluid fast.

If you can get it started and there's no external leakage or white billowing clouds of smoke coming out the exhaust, especially after warming up to operating temps, I'd doubt there's any issues with cracks or blown head gasket.

But I'd worry more about the bearings!

BTW the 1.9 in your '85 was also used in early S-10's so you may find a few of them in the junkyard for parts donors.

Cheers...........ed