( 
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Thinking of buying
a second hand engine
Some key points to buying a second hand engine whether it's off eBay or else were.
Preferably the engine should still be in the vehicle and in a position to be heard running so you know it works.
If it's still in situ check the engine oil first for colour and texture if it looks new and the vehicle is being scrapped what are they trying to hide chances are there were probably bits in it so something has broken or at least be damaged.
If it runs does it smoke alot if so is the smoke black thats a sign of worn piston rings or valves and would be very expesive to repair. If the smoke is whitish and is still that colour after 10 minutes then it unburnt fuel not to much of a problem.
Check the log book (V5) to check the engine number is correct with the vehicle in question.
If it's been removed from the vehicle then this is the gamble you have to take and what to look for.
If the engine has been power washed or steam cleaned what are they hiding from you. Has the engine got a bad oil leak an oil seal or gasket gone.
Also check the oil level and again colour and texture if it looks new why top up with new when it's no good to the seller anymore.
Take some tools with you and see if you can turn the engine over with a spanner is it easy or not. If it wont move then the engine is ceased up and how long has it been stud for.
Has it been covered up at all and have all the hole been plugged with a rag or other to stop water from entering the engine it's self.
What milage had it done before being removed from the vehicle.
Check the engine number is still in place and that it hasn't been either removed or restamped if it has then the engine is stolen.
And most of all don't be afraid to ask questions like why are you getting rid if it's in excellent condition and it's cheap then usually there's a rat.
a second hand engine
Some key points to buying a second hand engine whether it's off eBay or else were.
Preferably the engine should still be in the vehicle and in a position to be heard running so you know it works.
If it's still in situ check the engine oil first for colour and texture if it looks new and the vehicle is being scrapped what are they trying to hide chances are there were probably bits in it so something has broken or at least be damaged.
If it runs does it smoke alot if so is the smoke black thats a sign of worn piston rings or valves and would be very expesive to repair. If the smoke is whitish and is still that colour after 10 minutes then it unburnt fuel not to much of a problem.
Check the log book (V5) to check the engine number is correct with the vehicle in question.
If it's been removed from the vehicle then this is the gamble you have to take and what to look for.
If the engine has been power washed or steam cleaned what are they hiding from you. Has the engine got a bad oil leak an oil seal or gasket gone.
Also check the oil level and again colour and texture if it looks new why top up with new when it's no good to the seller anymore.
Take some tools with you and see if you can turn the engine over with a spanner is it easy or not. If it wont move then the engine is ceased up and how long has it been stud for.
Has it been covered up at all and have all the hole been plugged with a rag or other to stop water from entering the engine it's self.
What milage had it done before being removed from the vehicle.
Check the engine number is still in place and that it hasn't been either removed or restamped if it has then the engine is stolen.
And most of all don't be afraid to ask questions like why are you getting rid if it's in excellent condition and it's cheap then usually there's a rat.
Guide created: 24/05/06 (updated 04/08/09)
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