How would A person know if A used engine has 65 k or 200 k?

Question

I am looking to buy another engine for my lexus GS300. Is there anyway to tell how used an engine is? Or if it's a "good" engine.

Answer 1

the mileage is tracked on the dash board. anyone can come up with a number that will seem more appealing. you might never know what miles were on there.

instead take it to a trusted mechanic and have the compression tested. if the compression is good, or within the minimum guidelines it can be trusted. for the most part. if the compression is off in 1 or more, you will probably end up having to rebuild it soon.

hope it helps.

Answer 2

There are a few ways to tell if it is "good" but you can only guess how many miles are on it. I am sure that one could come close if you had a lot of data, a micron microscope etc...An engine with 200k would be hella worn out-the valves,pistons,cylinders, bearings, cam, etc would show the wear-check for a lot of sludge in oil/oil pan-check cyl.compression-your best bet may be to rebuild the engine you have. I wouldn't buy anything used unless you know and trust the person your buying from. Well,good luck I hope I helped a little.

Answer 3

if the engine is out of the car you can do a "leak down" test to see if the cylinders hold air...
you can do it in the car too....basically you close the valves on the cylider you want to check, and you fill it with air, and then determine where the air leaks from....this will tell you the general condition of the rings, valve guides etc. so you can make an informed buying decision

Answer 4

Most reliable junk yards record the mileage reading when pulling engines and transmissions for shelf stock. And they warrant the engines that they sell. Better yards can run them up for you.

Answer 5

I've noticed that all the salvage yard engines I've looked at have "30,000 miles". Which means they have no idea...but 30,000 sounds good.

At least your mechanic can take a better look at one before it is installed in your car.