[veggie]

So there is an engine for sale in my area,

advert reads

1996 ford escort engine, tranny, tires and rims 101000kms $400

Seems like a good deal, but if the engine is not in a car, or the car is not there how do i know that there isnt actually 300000kms on it, and if its not running how do i know if its not damaged inside somewhere.

Should I buy it and hope for the best, buy it and rebuild it, or would you guys recommend only buying an engine that you can see/hear run.

 

[DreamWraith]

personally, unless they had some way to verify to you the engines condition/status, i would be leery (if it is a private party). If its a jy,they usually give 60 day warranties and the like.

But thats just me. When dealing with someone you don't know, there are always calculated risks. It just all depends on your comfort zone.

 

[Jeffescortlx]

Since you cant hear it run, I'd offer about half that.

You could pull out the spark plugs and look for damage. if it dropped a valve seat the spark plug will be all beat up. And look at the bottom of the oil cap for color.

 

[zzyzzx]

It's not new, it's used.

 

[EscorGo]

It's a pig in a poke as they say. Maybe you can get a "contract" that gives you a chance to run it in your car for a while before the deal is closed. Be specific on what you intend to inspect, compression, clatter, smoke etc