Tips and advice on buying used engine...

[ellisjay2]

I've always been told not to purchase a motor from salvage yards or strangers if its not able to be cranked or without hearing it run if already pulled.I've heard of stories of people buying used motors and doing swaps and getting stuck with bad engines after all the trouble of installing. I figured I would just deal with someone I know I can trust since there are alot of shady deals out and about....I plan on going back with a plain stock 350 that was originally in my 86 sierra nothing fancy or high performing but maybe slightly stronger..i shop around on craigslist....been going around to local shops...and just getting some ideas together....any advice on a good selection option???

[69heavychevy]

When considering buying an engine or trans from a junkyard always look for ones that are in wrecked vehicles. You can at least assume they were running before they got there. If a vehicle that looks clean and straight is in a junkyard it makes you wonder why its there.
If buying from craigslist, I don't believe anything they say unless they got paper work to back it up...and if I cant hear it run, then to me it aint no better than a junkyard engine.

[greg64]

I guess it depends. I've bought used engines off craigslist that didn't run, but it was primarily because I needed a few parts from it to complete my "real" engine.

I'm not sure I'd ever be comfortable just running a used engine, especially if I can't hear it run.

[bilfman]

This solves many questions at a reasonable price. Don't know what your budget is but peace of mind has to be worth a few bucks and you can't beat the free shipping😀

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-10067353

[mattcrp1]

Yeah it is tough to buy a used engine, but i think it takes some luck and intuition. I have bought a few used engines, some running and some not. A good read on the seller and your gut feeling of the situation can help. If you are able to do a compression check and fluid check it can give you a good base line for a good used motor.

I do agree on buying from a wrecked vehicle, but that summit offering for $1500 is hard to beat.

[andrewmp6]

I would get a new motor from summit or anywhere online.Or if i bought a used one i would buy something cheap and have it rebuilt locally so i know its all new and ready to go.