what to look for in a Junk Yard Engine
#1
what to look for in a Junk Yard Engine
So my 98 5.2 has been dying slowly on me. and i've tried everything to bring it back. but i have finally given up on fixing it and have been looking for a 5.9l. i found one yesterday in a junk yard and just wanted to know what to look for in a Junk Yard Engine? how can you tell if its bad or not? what are some tell tell signs? i dont want to bad this engine just to find out its worst than the one i already have. any and all input is welcome
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i would see if by some chance you could find out who the previous owner was, if the yard has a title for it or some kind of record to get a hold of them. that is, if the body was smashed in or not drivealbe like sheriff said. if the body isnt, well that leans towards an engine/transmision failure and you dont want that.
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#8
some junkyards will have the year and mileage written on them. if that info is available, i'd look for one with < 100k on it.
most junkyards will provide a 30 day or 90 day warranty. so if you find something sure enough wrong with it, then they'll get you another one. the trick is to find it before you put money or labor into it, as well as before you install it.
if its a 5.2 or 5.9, you can bet the bank that it needs a plenum repair, and if its the wrong year, then it might need an intake swap also.
i'd try to put it on a stand, run power to the starter and do a compression check. if ok, then i'd pull the valve covers and oil pan and inspect, also fix the plenum, replace wp, timing chain, rear seal, oil pump, freeze plugs, and gaskets. all that will be easy with the engine out. this will allow you to inspect everything very closely. if in doubt, carry it to a machine shop and let them inspect it.
most junkyards will provide a 30 day or 90 day warranty. so if you find something sure enough wrong with it, then they'll get you another one. the trick is to find it before you put money or labor into it, as well as before you install it.
if its a 5.2 or 5.9, you can bet the bank that it needs a plenum repair, and if its the wrong year, then it might need an intake swap also.
i'd try to put it on a stand, run power to the starter and do a compression check. if ok, then i'd pull the valve covers and oil pan and inspect, also fix the plenum, replace wp, timing chain, rear seal, oil pump, freeze plugs, and gaskets. all that will be easy with the engine out. this will allow you to inspect everything very closely. if in doubt, carry it to a machine shop and let them inspect it.
#9
i went offroading sank it down in some water(up to the headlights) and now its not holding oil pressure and the cel is on. i too it to a shop and the cleaned it all out and got it running and had to rebuild the tranny but said it would cost more to go into the engine and find out why it wont hold oil pressure. my mechanics leaning towards engine damage and suggested me replacing it. so thats why i'm looking
thanks for all the advice guys. i'll go check if the place(its pull-a-part) has the info. i couldn't ask any questions last time cuz i got there at closing so they pushed me out. dont really remember if it had any real significant body damage ether.
thanks for all the advice guys. i'll go check if the place(its pull-a-part) has the info. i couldn't ask any questions last time cuz i got there at closing so they pushed me out. dont really remember if it had any real significant body damage ether.
#10
i got a 99 5.9 out of a wrecked van from a recycler
103k on in i saw the van they pulled it out of,
i was planning on rebuilding over the winter,
so i did a leak down test
i had one good cylinder at 15 % the other 7 were 50 %plus
i sent the heads out to the machine shop
it turned out the heads all were cracked inbetween valve seats
i got another set from the yard with a billion more miles on them
have yet to send them out yet
anywho , for the 1,000 -1500.00 im going to have in this motor
next time id just by a reman and be done with it
warrenty is only good another questionable motor
good luck
103k on in i saw the van they pulled it out of,
i was planning on rebuilding over the winter,
so i did a leak down test
i had one good cylinder at 15 % the other 7 were 50 %plus
i sent the heads out to the machine shop
it turned out the heads all were cracked inbetween valve seats
i got another set from the yard with a billion more miles on them
have yet to send them out yet
anywho , for the 1,000 -1500.00 im going to have in this motor
next time id just by a reman and be done with it
warrenty is only good another questionable motor
good luck
Last edited by skostur79; 10-27-2009 at 06:32 PM. Reason: spelling