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-   -   What to look for when buying a used engine (https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146573)

demasrv 08-20-2021 05:21 PM
What to look for when buying a used engine
 
Looking for some tips on what I need to be looking for when buying a used engine via FB marketplace or Craigslist. Spun rod bearings seem to be the common problem but I have no idea how to diagnose that if I'm just looking at an engine that's been pulled (not possible).


Are there any signs or indicators that an engine was abused? Is it worthwhile to learn how to run a compression test?

TommyW 08-20-2021 06:52 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by demasrv (Post 3458436)
Looking for some tips on what I need to be looking for when buying a used engine via FB marketplace or Craigslist. Spun rod bearings seem to be the common problem but I have no idea how to diagnose that if I'm just looking at an engine that's been pulled (not possible).


Are there any signs or indicators that an engine was abused? Is it worthwhile to learn how to run a compression test?
I'd never buy a used engine. Guys have decent luck sometimes however with the cost of labor to replace it you can end up doing it twice if you get a bad one. IMO just get yours rebuilt then you know there aren't issues

demasrv 08-21-2021 05:24 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by TommyW (Post 3458469)
I'd never buy a used engine. Guys have decent luck sometimes however with the cost of labor to replace it you can end up doing it twice if you get a bad one. IMO just get yours rebuilt then you know there aren't issues

I can't find a shop that'll just rebuild mine, so I'm either rebuilding it myself or dropping a new engine in.

Grady 08-21-2021 07:40 PM
I would agree with the new block or building it yourself. For used look for low mileage and no modifications to the car if possible.

demasrv 08-23-2021 11:08 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grady (Post 3458728)
no modifications to the car if possible. .

That seems to be the impossible part!



Most of the engines I'm looking at, guys want ~$,3800+ for. At that price, I could pay for a new short block ($2k), get my heads reconditioned and after the gaskets and everything have a fully rebuilt engine for just over $3k. I've never done an engine rebuild on anything bigger than a 4 stroke before though.


The engine is all but pulled at this point, just need to unbolt from the motor mounts and take out the bellhousing bolts.

TommyW 08-23-2021 12:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by demasrv (Post 3459147)
That seems to be the impossible part!



Most of the engines I'm looking at, guys want ~$,3800+ for. At that price, I could pay for a new short block ($2k), get my heads reconditioned and after the gaskets and everything have a fully rebuilt engine for just over $3k. I've never done an engine rebuild on anything bigger than a 4 stroke before though.


The engine is all but pulled at this point, just need to unbolt from the motor mounts and take out the bellhousing bolts.
You're on the right path. The sealing of the timing chain cover is one of the most critical steps so research the procedure.

demasrv 08-23-2021 04:29 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by TommyW (Post 3459172)
You're on the right path. The sealing of the timing chain cover is one of the most critical steps so research the procedure.

Thanks. I've heard that (timing cover), other sealant application and tightening down the heads are where I'll need to really take my time.

What's the best way to determine if my heads needs to be reconditioned? Can I just take these heads to any shop that reconditions them? Preference would be to not have to mess with valves/springs/rockers etc

TommyW 08-23-2021 05:01 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by demasrv (Post 3459259)
Thanks. I've heard that (timing cover), other sealant application and tightening down the heads are where I'll need to really take my time.

What's the best way to determine if my heads needs to be reconditioned? Can I just take these heads to any shop that reconditions them? Preference would be to not have to mess with valves/springs/rockers etc
Not just any shop. Get one that does total reconditioning of all related parts. You'll get everything back and ready to bolt back on

gen3v8 08-23-2021 07:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by demasrv (Post 3459147)
That seems to be the impossible part!


I've never done an engine rebuild on anything bigger than a 4 stroke before though.


The engine is all but pulled at this point, just need to unbolt from the motor mounts and take out the bellhousing bolts.
It is a 4 Stroke:D

demasrv 08-26-2021 12:10 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by gen3v8 (Post 3459315)
It is a 4 Stroke:D

Fair! Ha! How about nothing bigger than a generator or pressure washer engine lol.


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