Logo
FULL SITE MENU

Purchasing Aq171: how not to get cheated

P

pietro

Contributing Member
Hi all,
as said in my last thread I went and check tha pair of AQ171 I would like to purchase
Engines look ok, new fuel pumps, new starter, new impellers...then I browsed some forums and found that 171 is an interference ohc, and that when something happens to the timing gears or belt you may be sure that the pistons will hit valves causing major damages. Now what can I do to be reasonably sure that the engines do not have any of these issues, and are there others typical issues on 171 to be inspected before buying?
 
I believe that your thread title should read; "How to make an educated purchase!"

As with anything like this, or similar, the onus is on US, my friend!

That's where forums like this one will help you.


.
 
pietro said:
Hi all,
as said in my last thread I went and check tha pair of AQ171 I would like to purchase
Engines look ok, new fuel pumps, new starter, new impellers...then I browsed some forums and found that 171 is an interference ohc, and that when something happens to the timing gears or belt you may be sure that the pistons will hit valves causing major damages. Now what can I do to be reasonably sure that the engines do not have any of these issues, and are there others typical issues on 171 to be inspected before buying?
Click to expand...

With an interference engine you always take the risk of valve damage if the timing belt breaks or jumps a few teeth from its correct setting. Other than making sure that the belt is new (or has very few running hours on it), that the valve timing and belt tension are both correct, and that the timing gears are spotless (that is, no corrosion/pitting/scale) there is little you can do, Except of course, for purchasing a non-interference engine instead. :)
 
If you can hear them start and run??? That'd be about the only way you'd know if there is a problem. Like el-pescdore said. Make sure they are in good shape.Keep the belts new and regular maint. My truck an 99 Ford with a V-10 has the same type valve and chain setup. It gets regular oil changes. It has almost 300,000 on the original motor. Just take care of them and they will last.
 
I'm not certain about this but I believe an AQ171 is not an interference engine. I think they are the same as the AQ151 which I know is not an interference engine. The extra hp comes from the DOHC rather than Single OHC. That said I've heard AQ171s are more problematic than their lower hp brothers.
 
Back
Top