Engine Test

[Sixty's Guy]

I am looking to buy a 2nd hand engine that apparently has been reco'd recently (not sure of how recent - buying from a wrecker). They have done a compression test and have given me the figures - all figures are great - as per specs in my Haynes manual. Is this the best available sign that the engine is good? The engine is out of the vehcile, so can't be test driven.

[shakes]

yep, make sure you witness the test though cause it's easy to fudge the figures.

look to see if all the gaskets are new, if you can pull even just the rocker cover off and possibly even the sump to inspect and look for any signs of wear or damage. otherwise as far as I know thats as much as you can do.

[chimpboy]

I have bought an engine with a compression test that ended up being stuffed on one cylinder. This isn't always going to happen but it's something to be aware of.

In that instance, they actually pulled the heads and fixed the motor after I had installed it, so I was satisfied with that. But it means that if I was buying one I would kinda want to install it right after, not leave it a while (which we are all guilty of sometimes!).

[Sixty's Guy]

Thanks for that. Unfortunately the engine is interstate, so no chance of looking at it myself. I have a bit of time up my sleeve, but this engine looks to be the best option.

[chimpboy]

If you can, hook it up to a starter motor and a fresh battery on arrival and do your own compression test straight away. At least then you'll be able to say if it's DOA and they won't be able to claim you stuffed it. You might get different compression readings to their test but the main thing is if there's a big difference between the cylinders.

[Sixty's Guy]

Yeh, good idea. I will be having a mechanic install it, so (if I buy it) I'll get them to check it over. The figures I was given were all pretty close. I guess it's a case of putting my trust in the wrecker.

[v840]

If you're buying it from a wrecker, maybe try to get a couple of weeks warranty. That way you can get it home and pull the heads/sump off and give the internals a good inspection and not have to worry about losing your money.

[joel HJ60]

What engine Mark?

[Shadow]

most wreckers up here give 6 months waranty on engines.

[mkpatrol]

Cylinder leakage tests give a better indication of engine condition plus you can pinpoint any issues better. Compression testing is still an acceptable method. Both tests may not show worn oil rings though.

[coxy321]

The last motor i bought was an SD33T. I took my diesel mechanic down to inspect the motor, which was test run sitting in a tyre, strapped to a pallet.

We were given three months warranty, but could extend that for extra $$$.

If its been "recently recoed", they might have a receipt or paperwork from the previous owner to proove this. A basic check of the motor could reveal new welsh plugs, or new major gaskets.

General rule of thumb for me - dont trust salesman.

[Sixty's Guy]

What engine Mark?

2H. Mines buggered......

Thanks for all the replies - whatever I do I'm taking a risk.......

[bogged]

any reason not to rebuild your own engine, so you know what ya gettin?

[Sixty's Guy]

It's going to cost too much. I only do about 5000km per year in the car, so don't want to spend too much on it. Hence, I'm looking for a 2nd hand engine.

[hiluxmad]

hey sixtys guy ive got a motor (2h still in car that you can test drive and make me an offer if you want to come over to vic pullin it out for v8 conversion still runs good??
sorry for the hijack