WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING A USED CAR ENGINE

WHAT IS A CAR ENGINE?

The engine is the heart of the automotive vehicle that converts the heat from gas combustion into power to make the vehicle move.

WHAT DOES THE ENGINE LOOK LIKE?

An engine can come in a number of different sizes. Typically, an engine is the shape of a block that is cast in metal. The engine will usually have cylinders that are mounted inline, in a V configuration, W configuration or in a boxer configuration.

WHERE IS THE ENGINE LOCATED?

There are typically three places where an engine can be located:

• Front engine vehicles - In front engine vehicles, the engine is placed above or behind the front wheels of the vehicle.

• Mid-engine vehicles - In mid engine vehicles, the engine is placed right behind the driver.

• Rear-engine vehicles - In rear engine vehicles, the engine is placed over the rear wheels.

TYPES OF ENGINES?

There are a number of different types of engines that are available. Here are the major types of engine based on the type of power that they output:

• Standard - A standard engine will not have a turbo nor a supercharger. These engines run on standard or premium gas. A standard engine can have anywhere from two to eight cylinders. A standard engine is the most common engine available.

• Turbo - A turbo engine has a turbocharger. A turbo engine is typically found in sports cars. However, turbo engines are becoming more common in other non-sport car vehicles.

• Supercharged - A supercharged engine will be an engine with a supercharger on it. Supercharger engines are typically found in muscle cars.

• Turbocharged and supercharged - There are some engines that will have both a turbocharger and a supercharger.

• Diesel - A diesel engine is an engine that operates on diesel gas. In America, diesel engines are usually found in pick-up trucks and certain vehicles.

• Hybrid - A hybrid engine is an engine that operates on both gas and electric power. Hybrid engines are becoming more and more common across all automotive brands.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF AN ENGINE?

There are a number of components in a standard engine. Here are the major components of the typical automotive engine:

• Engine block - The engine block is the main part of the engine. This is the part of the engine where all other engine components are attached.

• Pistons - The pistons fire up the spark plugs as they move up and down to compress the air/fuel mix.

• Cylinder head - The cylinder head is attached to the top of the engine block. The main function of the cylinder head is to prevent the loss of gases.

• Crankshaft - The crankshaft is located at the bottom of the engine block. The main function of the crankshaft converts energy from reciprocating to rotary.

• Camshaft - The camshaft opens and closes the valve.

• Valve - The valves regulates the air flow

• Oil pan - Also known as the oil sump, the oil pan is stored at the bottom of the engine and it is used to store the engine’s oil.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING AN ENGINE?

Since an engine can make or break a vehicle, it’s a good idea that you do the proper research when making a purchase. Here’s what to look for when buying an engine:

• What is the mileage on the engine? - The first thing that you will want to do is check the mileage and the age of the engine. That can give you a pretty good indicator of how much life is left in the engine.

• What is the vehicle history of the engine? - It is highly recommended that you get the Carfax on the vehicle where the engine was located. With the Carfax report, you can check to see if the vehicle was in an accident as well as the maintenance history of the vehicle and the engine.

• Is the engine still in working condition? - Are you looking for a working engine or more of a project. Be sure to check the working condition of the engine before making a purchase.

• What components need to be replaced? - Since a typical engine will come with a number of components, you will want to see what will need to be replaced.

• What’s the warranty? - Just about all used engines will come with a warranty. Be sure to check the coverage and the terms of the warranty.

OTHER PARTS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING AN ENGINE?

Here are some other parts that you may want to consider buying when you purchase an engine:

• Time belts and chains

• Water pump

• Thermostat

• Spark plugs

• Fluids

• Seals and gaskets