Looking at an 87 Pulsar to purchase...

iamchocolatemilk · Apr 1st, 2004, 08:57 PM

Alright, before all you guys scream "newb" and "use the search button," I just want to let you guys know that I've been reading all about these cars non stop since I saw one for sale. I've spent atleast a few hours on here reading about simple mod's and stuff, and then equal time on car classifieds trying to find a decent deal...Anyways...

I think I've found one that might be for me. It's an 87 so it has the MUCH better looking body style, and only has 83,000 miles on it, but the owner (in an email) said that it doesn't run well at all. It's about $300 and It's relatively close to me so I'm really interested. He sent me pictures and both the interior and exterior look awesome considering the price, and there's no rust. Back to engine trouble...The email said:
"...The engine starts and runs but there appears to be something messed up in the upper end. Stuck valve or something. It does not run good and clatters. It is not a rod knock..."

What do you guys think? Is there something that these engines are really prone to? I'm sort of a Ford Focus guy (I know, shame on me) in the sense that I'm on their forums all the time, but just turned 16, and there's no way I can afford one. Worst case scenario, are engines for these cars available for relatively cheap? This car looks amazing for the price, that's why I'm interested.

Thanks so much for your guys help!

minute rice sentra · Apr 1st, 2004, 09:07 PM

That's sounds like a pretty nice deal, but you need to find out what engine's in there before we can help you, there's two possibilities, E16i(comes in the stansard pulsar) or CA16DE(comes in the SE pulsar), the first is a single cam (with silver valve cover)1.6 liter with TBI (looks like it's carbed), and the CA is a twin cam 1.6 liter (with two red valve covers) and has MPFI.

iamchocolatemilk · Apr 1st, 2004, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minute rice sentra

That's sounds like a pretty nice deal, but you need to find out what engine's in there before we can help you, there's two possibilities, E16i(comes in the stansard pulsar) or CA16DE(comes in the SE pulsar), the first is a single cam (with silver valve cover)1.6 liter with TBI (looks like it's carbed), and the CA is a twin cam 1.6 liter (with two red valve covers) and has MPFI.

Ah, sorry about that. I meant to include that in my first post, anyways it is an SE with the twin cam.

Thanks!

minute rice sentra · Apr 1st, 2004, 09:18 PM

hmmm... ok I'm gonna guess the hydraulic lifters are somehow messed up, I'm still learning about the CA so I'm probably gonna hafta hand this to someone else. It really sounds like a good deal though, especially if it's an SE. I'd still see if he'll lower the price another $50 or so since the engine is "messed up" but if he won't budge, still grab it.

iamchocolatemilk · Apr 1st, 2004, 09:44 PM

Thanks! Anyone else have any knowlede with the CA engines...?

My dream originally was to get a 240sx and do the SR20DET sway some day, but after Super Street or whoever did that article on it, prices spiked waay to much. Sidenote: how much does a CA18 cost...?

Thanks

MyClunkyAss12er · Apr 1st, 2004, 09:45 PM

the SE models are very rare! expecially the ca16de equiped ones. though this engine is not as powerful as its sligtly larger brother the ca18de it has a different gearbox with ratios that make it almost on par in performace with the ca18de. snap it up and if the engine is messed up just swap in a ca18de/det. i doubt it is beyond repair though as this engine has proven its self very reliable.

minute rice sentra · Apr 1st, 2004, 09:55 PM

CA's can be had for cheap if you keep your eyes open, I snagged my CA18DET off ebay for $375 + $130 for shipping and it's in better condition than I thought, and Myetball grabbed a CA18DE for $200 if I remember correctly and from the pics it looks like it just came straight from the factory. There is also more aftermarket support out there for these motors than what people think, and 300+ reliable hp from the DET's is becoming a common sight.

Myetball · Apr 1st, 2004, 10:08 PM

Well, If it's ticking and runs like crap I'd be leaning towards a bad head gasket. Basically, you're looking at a minimum $300 to fix it. That's if you do the work yourself. It will probably end up being more. Still a helluva deal. You'd end up with a real nice car for $600-800. With the relatively low miles you shouldn't have to worry about the bottom end going out....as long as you treated it right and run some good oil (mobile one or royal purple).

I did get my swap for $200, about 90% of the parts needed to do the swap anyways. Of course by the time I'm done it will end up being way more than that.

Been rethinking my swap project. I'll post more info tomorrow on my "Death of B11" thread when I get some pics of my newly repaired and running B11. Yes it's done and doesn't look too bad.

minute rice sentra · Apr 1st, 2004, 10:14 PM

hmm...yeah, head gasket's gonna suck, but still a good deal. I'll be waiting to hear more about this "rethinking my swap"...

iamchocolatemilk · Apr 1st, 2004, 11:26 PM

$300 for a head gasket sounds pretty spendy, I've never heard of the parts costing that much...Is there something unique about this engine that makes it cost so much? For $300 i could get a E16 or another CA16 couldn't I..?

Thanks so much for all your help guys.

Myetball · Apr 2nd, 2004, 12:15 AM

Well, it's not just a head gasket...if it were only that simple. You'll find that the head gasket set for a CA is gonna be near $150. Then there's the machine work on the head. Most shops will charge in the neighborhood of $125+. No point in replacing the head gasket without a valve job and head resurface. Then there's all the other junk like oil, coolant, filters, and anything else you find needs to be replaced as you go. Oh, and any time you take off the head you would be seriously in need of mental health care if you don't replace the water pump...but that's only like $25. $300 is a bit of a lowball estimate for a CA head job.

Unless you stumble across a deal like mine or minute rice sentra's, a CA motor is gonna cost alot more than $300. However, going with a used motor is risky since you don't know if it's gonna need work. Investing $300-400 in a top end job will ensure you have a reliable car for a long time.

Gsolo · Apr 2nd, 2004, 12:25 AM

or I can build up a CA20DE for you

Sounds like your CA16DE could have had a lifter colapse. basicly the lifter is shot if that happened. although i've never heard of it happeneing on anything except 300,000 mile chevys. supposedly i've heard that the ca's hyrdraulic lifters weren't very good but i've never had or seen any problems nor has anyone else i know of. if you end up with a new engine you would probably be well off looking for a good CA18DE from an 88-90 pulsar se. good luck!

gERVs · Apr 5th, 2004, 10:02 AM

i would definatatly swap that out for a ca18det, or at least a 18de, since the motor is bad