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What to look for in scrapyard engines

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Old 10-20-2013, 10:35 PM
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Default What to look for in scrapyard engines

Hello HT. So I'm getting a swap from an HT member (beaneg6) and i was just wondering what I should look for and replace as soon as I get the motor in. He gets his motors from a scrapyard and these engines are inspected before being pulled from the car, so he says. New engine oil, tranny oil, sparkplugs, etc, sound like a must. Is there anything else I should check out besides that?

Edit: Engines have a "start up warranty"...
Old 10-20-2013, 11:38 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Leaking gaskets,
Start up doesnt mean start up and run well haha
Old 10-21-2013, 01:28 AM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Compression test first but as far as maintenance goes belts and coolant flush.
Old 10-21-2013, 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by JDMswagSerf
Leaking gaskets,
Start up doesnt mean start up and run well haha
Haha good point. I'll take a look for any leaking issues, thanks
Old 10-21-2013, 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by HondaPartsHero
Compression test first but as far as maintenance goes belts and coolant flush.
Will do, thanks!
Old 10-21-2013, 08:20 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Oil pan oil pan oil pan
Old 10-21-2013, 08:26 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Originally Posted by jdm_eg_si
Oil pan oil pan oil pan
what does that even mean?
Old 10-21-2013, 10:12 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

would never buy a junk yard sourced engine if the person crashed the car that probably says something about how they drove the car beating on it an all. not always but just something to consider
Old 10-22-2013, 05:08 AM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Check the oil to see if it has a blown head gasket, and possible warped head. Check for leaks, pull plugs, maybe pull valve cover off and look around a bit. You can usually tell if they changed their oil on a regular basis. Change out the oil pump and timing belt while its out to save you a PITA later. Either way your in or a little work and youre taking a gamble.
Old 10-22-2013, 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by owen23
Check the oil to see if it has a blown head gasket, and possible warped head. Check for leaks, pull plugs, maybe pull valve cover off and look around a bit. You can usually tell if they changed their oil on a regular basis. Change out the oil pump and timing belt while its out to save you a PITA later. Either way your in or a little work and youre taking a gamble.
Alright, I'll do that. I'll make sure that I won't get an engine from a car that's been in a front end collision. Yeah, it is a bit of a gamble. $1800 for the engine and labor is cheap, I could use another $1000 to fix up any problems it may have.
Old 10-22-2013, 12:16 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Originally Posted by B_Swapped93
would never buy a junk yard sourced engine if the person crashed the car that probably says something about how they drove the car beating on it an all. not always but just something to consider
A lot of guys want engines from smashed cars because you know the car was running up until that point. IE it's not sitting in the junkyard because it's got a bad engine. The only thing you have to watch for is a cracked block around where the mounts bolt

For any used engine look under the oil cap. If it's full of sludge, old burnt oil or milky oil stay away. If it looks clean inside chances are it's good.

Replace any leaking gaskets. I always replace the timing belt, waterpump and cam and crank seals.
Old 10-22-2013, 12:27 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Is it true that checking to see if the dipstick is burnt is a good indication that the car was ran hard? Heard this a while back.
Old 10-22-2013, 04:01 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Originally Posted by 94EG8
A lot of guys want engines from smashed cars because you know the car was running up until that point. IE it's not sitting in the junkyard because it's got a bad engine. The only thing you have to watch for is a cracked block around where the mounts bolt


Good point but I still think mine is valid also I'm just weary of buying an engine that can't be seen running(still in car) and even then I'd rather buy a low km jdm one and then replace the gaskets/t-belt etc. and of course the clutch lol
Old 10-22-2013, 04:09 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Originally Posted by B_Swapped93
Good point but I still think mine is valid also I'm just weary of buying an engine that can't be seen running(still in car)
I've never seen any junkyard engine that could be seen running smashed car or not. For what it's worth I'd say most of the smashed cars you see in junkyards around here are from collisions with deer and moose, there's not much you can do to avoid them when they come out of nowhere. I'd say cars rolled as a result of recklessness make up a pretty small portion of what's sitting in the junkyards here, but it may vary by locale.

Originally Posted by B_Swapped93
and even then I'd rather buy a low km jdm one and then replace the gaskets/t-belt etc. and of course the clutch lol
For Hondas I wont even bother calling a junkyard anymore. Used JDM engine every time. They more or less work perfectly every time, no rusty bolts, free accessories, low mileage.
Old 10-27-2013, 11:59 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in scrapyard engines

Originally Posted by jdm_ek_noob
Alright, I'll do that. I'll make sure that I won't get an engine from a car that's been in a front end collision. Yeah, it is a bit of a gamble. $1800 for the engine and labor is cheap, I could use another $1000 to fix up any problems it may have.
Oh crap!!
1800$ for a pulled engine?
Plus 1000$ in parts?
For 2800$ you could buy a good running car, 2 cars if you're lucky!

Idk your location but around here I could find a good engine or bad one for 150-300 and use the 2500 to rebuild it.
You can even order one off HMO for less than 2800$!
Just saying lol
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