Junkyard Engine Checklist

[lmdew]

Here are the things I look for, how about you?

 

Accident something that took the car out of service, most likely was running down the road (good engine and Trans)

 

No accident (auto Trans) most likely the trans went

 

Mileage, the lower the better

 

Coolant overflow bottle for oil/black stuff = Head gasket leak

 

Pull the engine drain plug (most yards drain the oil) some oil will be left in the pan, cleaner the better and no metal in the bottom of the pan when you stick your finger in.

 

Turn the engine over, good compression if compression seems low, make sure the plugs are tight.

 

Pull the plugs, clean and a even burn on all is great

 

Pull the side timing belt covers, align the cam sprockets the timing marks should line up. Newer belt is super

 

Overall condition of the car, cleaner the better

 

I haven't had a bad motor yet, but have pull some that were miss timed and the timing had to be reset. The crank pulley is usually off (they used the front arrow instead of the tooth tick mark)

Edited September 27, 2008 by lmdew

[pearlm30]

I was once told by a guy who worked at a pick and pull junk yard that you can read whatever on the windshield. They usually use paint pen to write on the windshield. Like R means it Runs and if you see a bar code sticker on the body somewhere, that means its totaled by insurance company.

Anyone wants to add anything?

Edited September 27, 2008 by pearlm30

[Hocrest]

I've used registration cards and receipts found in the car to call the previous owner.

[subaru360]

Our local U-pull does the "R" on the windshield if it ran.

 

I will only take an engine from a crashed car. It was at least running when it crashed.

 

I haven't got a bad one yet.