How to get a used engine

The engine under the hood is the most important part of the car. Without an engine, your car cannot run and is of little value to you. If you've been in an accident or neglected your engine to the point where it stopped working, you may find yourself in the used car engine market.

While buying a new engine can be expensive, it's usually cheaper than buying a new car. Buying a new engine can be intimidating, and with good reason, as it can be expensive and difficult to find and replace.

By following these step-by-step instructions, finding the perfect used engine for your car can be a little less painful.

Part 1 of 3: Identify Your Need

Before looking for a new engine, make sure you really need it.

Step 1: Know the Signs. Be on the lookout for signs that your engine is on its last legs. Here are some warning signs your engine will display:

• Refusal to start in cold weather

• Accumulation of oil under the vehicle while it is parked for any length of time.

• Using a lot of oil

• Strong and constant knocking in the engine

• Steam comes out of the engine regularly

If your car shows any of these signs, it's best to have a full vehicle inspection. One of AvtoTachki's mobile mechanics will be happy to come to your home or office to inspect your engine and give you a forecast of its condition.

Part 2 of 3. Gathering Information

Step 1: Gather Important Information. Gather car engine information that will help you find the right engine replacement for your car.

You will need the VIN number, engine code and production date. This information will make it easier to determine if a used engine is compatible with your vehicle.

The VIN number can be found on the VIN plate located at the front of the dashboard on the left side of the vehicle. It can usually be read through the windshield.

The engine number is usually engraved on the engine itself. Open the hood and look for the number plate attached to the engine. If you can't find it, check your owner's manual for instructions on how to find the engine number.

• Functions: As a last resort, call the dealership. The dealership should be able to help you determine the engine number for your particular vehicle.

The production date is embedded in the VIN number. Search the web for a VIN decoder for your specific vehicle type, enter your VIN and it should tell you the month and year of the vehicle.

Part 3 of 3: Find the Engine

There are many ways to find a used car engine. There are also many sellers of remanufactured or used engines online. Here are some search tips:

Step 1: Call Engine Dealers.Call a number of engine dealers and ask if they have the engine you are looking for, making sure to ask questions about the condition of the engine.

Step 2: Look for a low mileage engine. Look for an engine with less than 75,000 miles if possible. A low mileage engine will have less wear on major components.

Image: Carfax

Step 3. Confirm the mileage. Ask the seller to check the mileage with CarFax or another vehicle history report.

You can run CarFax if you have a VIN, so if they don't want to provide it, get it yourself. Check the mileage, if the car has been in an accident, and if it has an emergency title.

Step 4: Ask about engine history. Learn about all aspects of the engine's history.

Was the car he came from involved in an accident? Has it been restored? Is this a salvaged engine? When was the last time it was launched? Can they start it? Get as much engine history as you can.

Step 5: Get a Mechanic's Advice. Pass any information on to the mechanic who is about to install the engine for their opinion on whether it will fit your vehicle.

• A warning: There are less than honest engine sellers, so always be careful and double check. For example, if the engine is 10 years old but they claim it has only been driven 30,000 miles, that should be a red flag. Use 12,000 miles per year as your engine mileage standard.

Step 6: Get Engine Information. Get all engine information and warranty information. The important question is whether the engine is a short block or a long block. Here are some differences to consider.

• A warningA: If you're buying a short block, make sure the parts you remove from your old engine fit and are in good condition. If your old engine was completely destroyed, be sure to include the cost of all the new parts you'll need into the total cost of rebuilding a used engine.

Step 3: Request Warranty Information. You should inquire about the warranty options for the engine you are purchasing. If there is an extended warranty option, this is often a good idea to protect your purchase.

Step 4: Decide on a price. Negotiate a price including shipping costs. Engine prices vary greatly depending on the type of engine you want.

• AttentionA: The motors are heavy, so the shipping cost can greatly increase the total amount. Make sure you negotiate the total cost of the engine including shipping.

Step 5: Check the engine. Once the engine has been shipped, have your mechanic perform a thorough inspection to make sure all parts are present and in the promised condition.

Step 6: Install the engine. Have the engine installed by a professional mechanic.

Replacing an engine is a tough job, so if you're not very comfortable with the car, it's best to leave the hard work to a professional.

Once the installation process is complete, your car should be ready to drive, so hit the road and let it drive. Remember that your new engine will require care and maintenance to keep it running. Our mobile mechanics will be more than happy to come to your home or perform work on your engine such as oil and filter changes, fuel filter changes, cooling system flushes or any other service you may need.