Top 3 Junkyard Tips: Purchasing Used Engines

Buying used engines from a junkyard can save you money but it is risky, if you don’t know what to look for. Used engines will cost you less than new or remanufactured engines but only if you follow the right steps. One mistake can cost you money, time and a whole lot of hassle. Here in this article, we will walk you through the top three Junkyard tips which you must follow while purchasing used engines. Every step mentioned below is practical, focused and relevant to get a functional and reliable used engine.

Tip 1: Know Exactly What Engine You Need

Before going to a junkyard, you must know the exact specifications of your vehicle and its engine. You can’t buy the right fit of engine unless you know exactly what you’re replacing.

You can begin your search by start noting down your vehicle:

• Year
• Make
• Model
• Engine size
• Vehicle Identification Number

You need to use VIN to know which engine your car has. The eighth digit usually represents the engine code but this can vary depending on the manufacturer. Call a local dealership, give them you VIN, and ask them confirm your engine details. Don’t guess, and don’t just go by what you read online.

Make sure you know if your vehicle requires a long block or short block engine. A long block includes the cylinder heads, whereas a short block is just the lower assembly. Also confirm whether the engine is compatible with your transmission, especially if you’re dealing with automatic vs. manual setups.

Matching with the engine year alone is not enough. Some engines look the same externally but have internal differences that will affect performance or compatibility with your vehicle’s computer and wiring. Always check part numbers or interchange numbers. Reputable junkyards use interchange databases to help you with compatibility. Ask them to verify it for you.

Tip 2: Inspect the Used Engine Thoroughly

Once you find the engine which matches with your vehicle specifications, inspect it carefully. Don’t rely on someone else’s word. If possible, take a professional mechanic or someone knowledgeable with you to buy used engines. If the engine is still in the vehicle, that is a perk point because you can start it and see how it was maintained. If it is already pulled then that is also nice too but in that case you need to be extra cautious.

Things to check on a used engines while buying from junkyard:

• You need to check for cracks, broken mounts, or missing parts.
• Remove the oil dipstick and look at the oil. Dark color oil is normal but if the oil has milky texture then there is coolant contamination or a blown head gasket.
• Look for oil leaks around the head gasket, oil pan, valve covers, or front/rear main seals.
• If possible then remove one or two spark plugs. Oil-fouled plugs may mean internal engine wear.
• Perform a manual compressions test if the junkyard allows it. Even pressure across cylinders is a good sign.
• Check for signs of burnt valves, carbon buildup or foreign objects.

Ask the junkyard how many miles were on the vehicle from which the engine came. Most of the junkyards carry this information. Low mileage engine is better but condition matters more than just numbers. Ask if they ran the engine before pulling it. Some yards provide video proof or a test log.

Don’t buy any engine with rust in the cylinders, cracked parts, or missing key pieces unless you’re rebuilding it yourself. If you see water in the oil or it has been sitting outside with no cover, skip it. It’s not worth the risk.

Tip 3: Ask About Warranty, Return Policy, and Documentation

Always ask the junkyard if there’s a warranty. Good ones usually give you 30 days to start and test the engine. Some offer 90 days or even 6 months, but you may have to pay more for that.

Understand exactly what is covered:

• Does the warranty cover internal failure?
• Does it include labor if the engine fails after installation?
• Does the engine shall be install by certified mechanic for warranty to be valid?
• What terms void the warranty?

You should get the return policy in written. If the engine doesn’t fit or fails early then you will have an option to return or exchange it. Some junkyards charge a restocking fee.

Also ask for a receipt which includes the engine code, mileage, donor vehicle VIN, and any warranty terms. This paperwork is very important, if you need to file a warranty claim later.

Some states require proof of origin when installing used parts. Having this information on paper will help you, if your local DMV or mechanic asks for it.

Lastly, find out if the engine includes accessories. Sometimes these are included as is, but sometimes they must be swapped from your old engine.

Conclusion

From the above gist, we conclude that buying used engines from the junkyard can save your thousands of dollar as compared to buying new engine. But it is not something you should rush in. It is very important to understand the engine specifications, inspecting the used and knowing junkyard warranty and return policy. Skipping any of these steps can put you at risk for receiving an engine which doesn’t fit, run or last. Just simply follow the above steps to reduce your chances of a bad purchase and increase the odds of getting a reliable used engine.

FAQs

How many miles are too many for a used engine?

150K+ miles are considered as too many miles unless they have been rebuilt. Try to buy a used engine less than 100K miles for better reliability.

Can I test a used engine at the junkyard?

Most of the junkyards don’t allow the functional testing apart from basic inspection. If the engine is pulled out from running vehicle then ask for a video proof

What’s the difference between a rebuilt and a used engine?

Used engine is pulled out from another vehicle and sold as-is, whereas a rebuilt engine has had replaced worn parts and is often more expensive than used engine.