[quote name='ryderx' date='Aug 18 2005, 11:58 AM']will a bad thermostat/or fan clutch not make it start?


[/quote]



No.

 

bad t-stat will just cause overheating. thermostat opens at a certain temperature if it gets hot enough(don't remember the temp though), and it rushes coolant the block.



Just do a compression check on the engine, if you need to, do the ghetto compression check. That'll give you SOME idea. You will be able to tell by the three even pulses on each face.



Like I said, offer him 500 bucks cash and see if the person bites. If not, **** it.