Had a question...if I was to go buy an engine someone had or find one in a junkyard...how in the world could you tell if that was a good engine if you can't hear it run?? Is there anything specific to look for? Because I dont want to get motor in a car and be like oh now I have to take it back out...thanks
Some junkyards give you some sort of warranty, if not, you really can not tell if the engine is good or not.
That's 2 different scenarios. The junkyard will give you a short warranty. Maybe 30 days. You can check the engine out when you get it home before you install it.
A private seller won't.
So for the private seller, the best you can do "on site" if there's no way to crank the engine over and do a compression test is to bring a compressor with you (and maybe a heavy gauge long extension cord) and do a Leak Down Test.
(Leak-down primarily tests pistons and rings, seated valve sealing, and the head gasket.)
Also, like in any other case examine the spark plugs. (damaged, oily, carboned up, ...you know the drill). Also, if you can pull the valve covers off do it. Look for sludge. (poorly maintained).
all i can say is that I have the GM 3800 V6 in my Olds van and it runs great!
Get a compression test at the yard. They all have the ability to do this but only smart people know about it. The compression test is the most revealing test of the condition of the engine. And watch them do it or they will just hand you a piece of paper with some phony numbers on it.
Buying a professionately rebuilt one is out of the question?
yes
Make sure the seller has some kind of warranty. And try to see the donor vehicle, if it was hit in the front, I would look for another donor car. Many times the impact can crack the engine block, etc.
