If you like to work on your own vehicles instead of taking them to a mechanic, you need to have knowledge about basic auto parts. We aren't professionals either but we do know enough to make minor repairs on our vehicles. We've learned what we know by talking to mechanics and reading books on auto repair.
We've written this auto parts blog to give you basic information about various car parts and how they work. We'll also tell you the signs to look for when a part is going bad. We think that you'll find our blog helpful and informative whenever you need to fix your vehicle.
Need A New Engine? 4 Questions To Ask When Buying A Rebuilt Diesel Engine
If your diesel engine has driven its last mile, don't sell the car. Invest in a rebuilt diesel engine instead. You might think that putting a new engine in your car would be too expensive, but that's not necessarily the case. Rebuilt diesel engines are less expensive than brand-new, or remanufactured engines. Plus, they'll give you plenty of extra miles with your existing car, which means you won't need to invest in a new one quite so soon. If you're going to buy your rebuilt diesel engine from a private-party seller, be sure to ask yourself the following questions before you make the purchase.
Is the Engine Clean?
If you're going to buy a rebuilt diesel engine, the first thing you need to do is inspect the exterior. If the outside of the engine is dirty and grease-covered, you need to take a closer look. During the rebuild, the entire engine should have been taken apart. Once the rebuild was completed, it should have been reassembled and cleaned. If the exterior of the engine is covered in grease, there's a good chance that the engine doesn't look much better on the inside. But, if the exterior of the engine is clean, and you can't see any grease or debris on any of the valves, chances are good that the inside has been properly rebuilt.
Are the Gaskets New?
If you're going to buy a rebuilt engine, take a look at the gaskets. When diesel engines are rebuilt, brand-new gaskets are installed. This includes the head gasket. If the gaskets appear to be damaged, worn-out, or non-existent, you should continue your search. But, if the gaskets appear to be brand-new, there's a strong chance that you're looking at a reliable rebuilt diesel engine.
How is the Engine Compression?
If you plan to purchase a rebuilt diesel engine, you'll want to take a look at the compression test results. A current compression test will let you know if the engine was rebuilt properly. If the result shows a passing score on the compression test, the rebuild work was done correctly. If the engine didn't pass the compression test, or one wasn't done, you should continue your search.
Is the Seller a Reputable Dealer?
Finally, if you're in the market for a rebuilt diesel engine, you want to ask about the seller. In most cases, it's best to buy your rebuilt engine from a reputable dealer, rather than a private party. First, you know that the work was performed by a qualified mechanic. Second, the engine may come with a limited warranty.