Used Engine Installation Tips
Some of these tips are common knowledge to most experienced mechanics. But there are plenty of do it yourselfers out there that could use this information. This will also help you understand what your mechanic should be doing when installing your salvage engine.
Pre-Installation Inspection Tips
Some of these tips are common knowledge to most experienced mechanics. But there are plenty of do it yourselfers out there that could use this information. This will also help you understand what your mechanic should be doing when installing your salvage engine.
Pre-Installation Inspection Tips
- Check for any engine related technical service bulletins (some engines do not have a keyed harmonic balancer!)
- Scan for fault codes and address any problems as needed (are the cats plugged?)
- Check for any PCM flash updates that may be available from the OEM
- Inspect the entire engine thoroughly - If there is an issue, you want to find out before you have it installed in the vehicle.
- Match the long-block with your old one. Make sure they are exactly the same.
- After you have the old engine out, set it next to the used engine and identify which components need to switched over. Always use your original harness and modules.
- If you find damaged components in your inspection (timing cover, oil pan, etc.), simply swap the components with your old engine. Generally, bolt-on accessories can be swapped with no issue.
- Don’t install a replacement salvage engine with damaged parts. This may cause the used engine to fail prematurely.
- Inspect timing components on engine, if km’s are over factory specification for a timing belt or chain, replace timing components. Best practice is to always replace the timing belt. It's generally inexpensive to do when the engine is already out of the vehicle.
- Some water pumps are difficult to access when the engine is installed. Best practice is to change these while the engine is out and are much easier to get to.
- Inspect all gaskets for bolt on accessories and replace any gaskets that look brittle or are leaking.
- Change over any bolt on accessories needed off your old engine.
- Flush cooling system prior to installing engine to remove any debris left over from previous engine.
- Clean or replace oil strainer and pick up tube screen.
- Replace oil pan gasket & rear main seal.
- Drain & replace engine oils to manufacturers suggested levels.
- Replace oil filter.
- Timing belts/chains, water pump, thermostat, spark plugs, fluids, and seals are routine maintenance items and should be replaced at the time of installation and at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service intervals.
- Replace any water hoses or vacuum lines that need replacing.
- Prior to starting engine prime oil system to check to be sure you have oil pressure.
- Proper operation of the cooling and electrical system must be checked during the installation of products that can be affected by those systems.
- Replace valve cover gasket as needed.
- Install new belts and hoses.