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Buying a used engine block from a local junkyard can save you a lot of money on car repairs. However, there are some risks, such as hidden damage or unknown wear, like a cracked cylinder head or worn bearings. If your engine is broken or you need a replacement, getting one from a salvage yard can be a smart choice. This guide will help you learn how to buy a used engine block—from picking the right salvage yard to checking if the engine is in good condition.
How Do Junk Cars Get to Junkyards?
Junk cars end up in salvage yards for many reasons, like accidents, old age, or mechanical problems. As a result, junkyards play an important role in reducing waste by recycling car parts, which is good for the environment. Recycling car parts reduces the need for new manufacturing and saves natural resources, helping to protect the planet. Junkyards like U-Pull-It work with tow services, insurance companies, and auctions to gather cars that can't be driven anymore. Once they get the cars, they take them apart for usable parts like engines, transmissions, and body panels. This makes junkyards a great place to find used parts at lower prices.
Research and Preparation
Before buying a used engine, doing your homework can help you get the best deal and avoid problems.
- Know Your Engine Specifications: Find out the make, model, year, and engine code of your car. You can usually find this information in the owner's manual or on the engine itself. This will help you find an engine that fits.
- Market Prices: Check online to see the current prices for used engines. This will help you know how much to pay at the salvage yard.
- Potential Problems: Learn about common issues with your vehicle's engine type so you know what to check when inspecting.
Major Junkyard Chains Across the USA
When buying a used engine block, it helps to know about some of the big junkyard chains in the United States. These large chains have multiple locations and are known for their reliability, warranties, and large parts inventory.
LKQ Pick Your Part
LKQ Pick Your Part is one of the biggest salvage yard chains in the U.S., with over 70 locations nationwide. It started in 1998 and has grown by buying other businesses and making partnerships. LKQ focuses on providing quality used auto parts like engines, transmissions, and body panels. They offer warranties on most parts for up to 30 days, with options for extended warranties for extra peace of mind.
Pick-n-Pull
Pick-n-Pull has over 50 locations across North America and has been around since the 1980s. They are known for their well-organized yards and wide selection of parts for different cars. They offer a limited warranty on parts, and you can also buy an extended warranty for larger items like engines and transmissions.
Pull-A-Part
Pull-A-Part runs more than 25 locations in the Southeast and Midwest. It was founded in 1997 and is known for focusing on recycling and community involvement. They offer many used auto parts, including engines that are much cheaper than new ones. They provide a 30-day warranty on most parts.
U-Pull-And-Pay
U-Pull-And-Pay has over 25 locations in states like Florida, Ohio, and Texas. They offer a big selection of used car parts in a self-service setup. U-Pull-And-Pay is known for keeping their inventory organized, making it easy to find what you need. They offer standard warranties, and you can also get extended coverage for some parts.
Finding a Reputable Salvage Yard
Not all salvage yards are the same, so you need to pick one you can trust. Look for certifications or memberships in professional organizations, like the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), to help identify reputable salvage yards. These certifications ensure that the salvage yard follows quality and ethical practices, giving you more confidence in your purchase.
- Read Reviews: Look at online reviews and ask mechanics or car experts for recommendations.
- Warranty: Choose yards that offer warranties on used engine blocks. Even a short warranty can give you peace of mind.
- Specialized Yards: Some yards focus on certain parts, like engines. Pull-A-Part is a good example that offers engines in good condition.
Inspecting a Used Engine Block
When you find an engine, it’s important to inspect it well. Here’s what to do:
- Visual Check for Damage: Look for signs of damage like cracks, rust, or missing parts. Use a flashlight to inspect hard-to-see areas. Check the oil for metal shavings, which could mean internal damage.
- Cylinder Walls: Look for rust or scratches on the cylinder walls. Some junkyards let you take parts off to inspect better.
- Leaks: Look for oil leaks or coolant mixed with oil. These are signs of serious problems.
- Completeness: Make sure parts like the valve cover, intake, and exhaust manifolds are there.
Verifying Engine Condition
Knowing the engine's history is important for making a good choice:
- Mileage: Ask how many miles the used engine has. Lower mileage usually means less wear.
- Compression Test: Some yards do a compression test or leak-down test to check the engine's condition.
- Vehicle History: Try to find out if the vehicle had any major accidents or issues.
Negotiating and Purchasing
When buying a junkyard engine, good negotiation can save you money:
- Research-Based Negotiation: Use your research to agree on a fair price. Some yards let you bundle other parts, like a cylinder head or engine assembly. A cylinder head sits on top of the engine block and holds the combustion chambers, while an engine assembly includes most of the parts needed for the engine to work.
- Warranty Understanding: If a warranty is available, make sure you understand it. Most warranties cover about 30 days.
Learn more about warranties at junkyards.
Engine Transport and Installation
Once you have a good engine, think about how to get it home:
- Transport Costs: You might need to hire transport for your engine from the junkyard. Some yards offer affordable delivery.
Next, consider how to get the engine installed:
- Installation: If you're not confident about installing the engine, ask a mechanic for help. Make sure the mechanic has experience with engine swaps to ensure quality installation. Bringing a friend can also save on costs.
How Much Can You Save?
A new crate engine can cost between $3,000 and $7,000. A used engine from a junkyard usually costs between $400 and $1,500, depending on condition and mileage. You could save over $2,000 with a junkyard engine. Plus, junkyards often have other parts you might need for installation at lower costs.
| Part | Cost from Junkyard | Cost New |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Block | $400 – $1,500 | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Cylinder Head | $100 – $300 | $600 – $1,200 |
| Transmission | $200 – $1,000 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
Prices depend on condition and market availability.
Understanding Engine Blocks and Types
When you're looking to buy an engine for your car, it's important to understand the different types of engine blocks available and how they impact performance and cost. Engine blocks come in different sizes, with the number of cylinders being an important difference. For example, a 4-cylinder engine is common in smaller, fuel-efficient cars, while a 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder (called a big block) is used in larger cars or trucks for more power.
Junkyard Engine Block vs. Remanufactured Engine
Many people choose to buy a used engine block from a junkyard because it's cheaper than a remanufactured engine. A junk yard engine costs about $400 to $1,500, depending on its condition and mileage. A remanufactured engine costs a lot more—between $2,500 and $5,000 or more. Remanufacturing involves taking an old engine, disassembling it, cleaning it, and replacing worn parts to make it like new.
If you’re looking for an affordable solution, buying used is often the way to go, but it's important to inspect the engine carefully to ensure it's in good condition.
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