96 850R engine 'missing' when put in gear

[papariccardo]

That's all I know, it's a comment made by the seller in an online auction. The car is advertised as having a gearbox fault, but to me sounds like an electrical issue.

I just spoke to him about the 'gearbox' problem, he said "one day in heavy rain it started, just started missing & spluttering when you put it in gear, still engages gear, still moves".

Decided to buy it as it's just $1k, on new 18" wheels & aftermarket ICE.

Any ideas, guys?

[abscate]

That's really not descriptive enough for diagnosis.

Ignition parts would be the first thing to evaluate. For a total unknown car, a compression test is in order to make sure you haven't just bought a parts car.

[Klausc]

Your car should have the diagnostic boxes under the hood, pull all of the codes and write them down before you erase them. Sounds like it has an automatic transmission.

The throttle body could probably use a good cleaning. The engine probably needs a lot of work; plugs, rotor&cap, possible wires, vacuum lines and elbows. You shouldn't expect much for $1000 and you should expect to add $1000 within a month or two to get a reliable car.

Oh, get that rediculous front bumper painted!

[papariccardo]

Yup, I bought it as a parts car, but the fact that it's an R makes me think that spending a cupla K on it is worth it.

As soon as it's mobile, yep the nose will be painted!