need a little engine help

[Cbark2305]

OK so I just bought a 02 grand am gt from my cousin yesterday, don't have it plated or anything just yet. Thing has a few problems that I need to address but before u do all that I want to test the motor. I read online to get a vacuum/ fuel pressure tester and hook it up and if reads are normal then engine is strong.

Question is what are the normal reads for the motor and does that also check if gaskets are bad to where coolant would be mixing in or do I have to do something different for that?

Car had 141000 miles. Thanks in advance

 

[melsg5]

THe pressure tester will tell you if your fuel pump and filter are functioning correctly, around 50 psi but google for the exact number. The vacuum gauge will tell you if the engine is running efficiently on all cylinders. You have to pressure test the cooling system and look at the fluid level to see if there are any internal or external leaks.