Repairing Your Vehicle: Is Buying a Used Car Engine Worth It?

Do you know how to take care of a car engine? Engines need regular maintenance or a major repair is on the horizon. Installing a new engine can be a very expensive repair. The consumer has to buy the engine and pay for installation.

Signs of Trouble

A car that needs a new engine is hazardous to the environment. The car emits more exhaust than usual and requires more gas. Sometimes, exhaust fumes are an indication of what’s wrong. Blue smoke means burning oil and white smoke signals coolant problems. Black smoke means the vehicle is burning too much fuel. Any of these can mean there’s a major problem with the engine. New engines are very expensive, and that’s why many consumers buy used engines. It’s easy to buy an engine from sircarpart.com.

Why Buy Used?

A new engine can cost thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, many consumers can’t afford that. The alternative is to buy a used engine at a fraction of the cost of a new one. It’s important not to confuse used engines with rebuilt engines. Used engines come from wrecked cars or those that have damage to a major system. The engine may not have a lot of miles on it and will fit your car. This is the cheapest way to replace an engine, but there are some risks involved.

Rebuilt engines are also pulled out of wrecked cars. The difference is that a rebuilt engine has had parts replaced. The engine may have had some damage but was still in good shape. Therefore, a mechanic replaced the damaged parts and updated all the gaskets. A rebuilt engine can last for many years. A re-manufactured engine is a used one that is returned to factory shape. Pistons, rings, and other parts are replaced, and the engine operates like new. They cost more than the used engines.

Finding a Used Engine

One of the best ways to find a used engine is to visit a scrapyard. Scrapyards are set up so people can walk through them and “pull their own parts.” It’s hard work but well worth it. Further, you need to make sure you’re getting the right make and engine model. Scrap yards are also online. You’ll need the engine specs to plugin online. Look for an engine with low mileage and a warranty.

Due Diligence

Consumers need the VIN number, engine code, and production date to make sure the used engine fits. Look for an engine that fits without having to replace too many parts. It’s okay if something like a manifold needs changing. Next, obtain the engine’s history by ordering a CarFax report. Make sure the engine has not been damaged due to an accident. Further, you’ll need to verify the engine’s compression and oil pressure. Make sure the internal parts are up to snuff. If you’re ordering an engine, be sure to get a mechanic’s input. Likewise, let a mechanic inspect the engine you pull in the scrap yard.

Finally, be sure to verify the trustworthiness of online suppliers. There are plenty of review sites online. Shipping costs are expensive, so be sure to get a printed invoice. In addition, get a printed copy of any warranty that’s involved. There are also some trusted websites that sell genuine OEM parts, these websites vary from country to country. For example, if you live in Canada and own a Toyota, you can get all the genuine Toyota OEM parts here. You will have to do a little legwork to find a quality used engine, but your pocketbook will be happy.