Gonna go pick up my motor tomorrow

[StereoInstaller1]

What should I look for? Neither the buyer (me) or the seller know much about these motors. What are known failure points, what are good "wear indicators" to look for?

I know this motor is gonna need some love, but I want to make sure it is reliable before it goes in.

Thanks, guys!
Luke

[JGood]

What should I look for? Neither the buyer (me) or the seller know much about these motors. What are known failure points, what are good "wear indicators" to look for?

I know this motor is gonna need some love, but I want to make sure it is reliable before it goes in.

Thanks, guys!
Luke

I don't think there will be much to tell by looking at it. What engine is it? M50? S52? check the stamps to be sure it is what they claim it is.

Besides a compression test (or leak down test, preferably), there isn't much you can tell by looking at it. Obviously if it's leaking from every seal and covered in oil, it might not have been very well taken care of. But the cams are covered with shields, so you can't see if it has gunk buildup by looking in the oil cap hole.