Thinking of purchasing a 1988 Festiva, a few Questions....

[muleskinner]

This person I'm buying it from says he has worked on the top end of the motor (head, valves exc.). He says it needs a valve adjustment & a carb rebuild still. When it runs the valves knock. Would that be the case? It just needs a valve adjustment?

Also when and if I get the Festiva, I have to drive it over 300 miles to get it home. Would it be ok to drive it that far if it needs a valve adjustment?

[Festy46]

Valves that are out of adjustment make a ticking sound, kind of like tapping a screwdriver blade on the valve cover. If the valves are too tight, they may not be closing all the way (especially the intake) and that could cause a possible "knock" sound. Since the guy had the head off, the valve timing could be off and that could give you a knocking sound, too. Does the car idle smooth at about a 1000 rps? If it doesn't there's a good chance the valve timing is off.

If the engine is making a noise other than the ticking sound I described above, I would not start out on a 300 mile trip without confirming what is causing the noise.

[Huli]

Re: Thinking of purchasing a 1988 Festiva, a few Questions....

Driving with bad valve knock is bad!
Ever seen a umbrella turn inside out? Same idea.

Easy to adjust if that is the problem. Check compression before anything to make sure he put the top end on correctly. If the timing cover is off, check the belt for correct TDC alignment.

Is the guy part of this forum?

[muleskinner]

I'm not sure if it idles smooth at 1000rpm. I will have to ask the guy. I will have to ask him if it's ticking or knocking also.

So your saying it would be ok to drive it 300 miles if its just making a ticking sound?

Thanks

[muleskinner]

Is the guy part of this forum?

No he is not as far as I know.

[Festy46]

Anyone that does a valve job would know you would need to adjust the valve lash if it had mechanical lifters (which the '88 should have) before installing the valve cover. I think the guy put it together and found a problem and he's now trying to unload it claiming it just needs the valves adjusted. My best guess is he has the valve timing messed up.

If it's just ticking and running smooth otherwise, you should be ok. Mechanical lifters make a slight ticking sound even when adjusted correctly.

[georgeb]

After a valve job the lash is less because of removal of material from the valve and seat. The valves must be adjusted prior to use. Inadequate or no lash will cause the valve to not seat resulting in burnt valves. I would not drive it.

[muleskinner]

I think festy is right. I think after puting it back together he ran it and relized he messed something up and now is trying to unload it on some un expecting shmo.

I think I'm going to pass on this one. I am still looking for a Festiva however.

I used to have a Festiva several years ago untill my ex totaled it.

Does anyone on here know where I can purchase a Festiva? They are hard to find!

Thanks.

[Prafeston]

Location would help!

[lessersivad]

A location would be helpful.

DOH! Too late.........

[muleskinner]

oops!

I live in the South western part of Ohio.

I'm willing to travel 200 miles to buy one!

[Prafeston]

Price is steep on this one!

And now I realize it's on the complete opposite end of the state!

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/3624699225.html

[muleskinner]

Price is steep on this one!

And now I realize it's on the complete opposite end of the state!
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/3624699225.html

That's a great one. but yes the price is steep.
Thanks for the post!!

[Tyler11]

Ha, I was thinking about buying this one too...think I might pass now too. Kinda thought it as was odd that he didn't finish the job...also thought it was odd that he had to rebuild the top end at 112,000 unless it was not taken care of.

[muleskinner]

Ha, I was thinking about buying this one too...think I might pass now too. Kinda thought it as was odd that he didn't finish the job...also thought it was odd that he had to rebuild the top end at 112,000 unless it was not taken care of.

Good move.

I found an 89' one in Canton Ohio It needs alot TLC in areas but the motor is solid!