If you were buying a drivetrain from a salvaged car

[markseven]

I have a line on a S52. The owner says it has 40K on it, and it has been in storage for over one year. If you were buying this engine and trans, what sort of validation would you /could you perform to ensure the engine is in good working order, apart from a tear down?

[MR 325]

Get the VIN from the donor car, run a Carfax.

[markseven]

Get the VIN from the donor car, run a Carfax.

Argh! The engine and trans are already out of the salvaged car. Is there a way to link a engine block serial number to the VIN?

[z31maniac]

Put some juice to the starter and do a compression test.

[TwoJ's]

Argh! The engine and trans are already out of the salvaged car. Is there a way to link a engine block serial number to the VIN?

There is no VIN on the engine?

[Farbin Kaiber]

The VIN should be on a small plate on the backside of the head. Make sure the third letter is "S". I ordered an s52 from three different salvage yards, and all ended up bringing me m52's.

[equate975]

Can you start it or turn it over?

If you can start it, hook a vac gauge up and see what it gets. Then do a compression/leakdown test.

[markseven]

Get the VIN from the donor car, run a Carfax.

The VIN should be on a small plate on the backside of the head. Make sure the third letter is "S". I ordered an s52 from three different salvage yards, and all ended up bringing me m52's.

Yup, third is an S. CARFAX reports the last mileage reading, in October 2005, as 28K.

Put some juice to the starter and do a compression test.

Can you start it or turn it over?

If you can start it, hook a vac gauge up and see what it gets. Then do a compression/leakdown test.

Unfortunatly, I can't do that stuff where the engine is currently located. I'm looking for tips on a visual inspection.

[Jesse30]

where is the engine currently located?

i would be more comfortable myself being able to go look at the drivetrain in person before purchase.

[markseven]

where is the engine currently located?

i would be more comfortable myself being able to go look at the drivetrain in person before purchase.

The engine is in an industrial building - the seller pulled it out of storage and is temporarily keeping it at hos place of work so he can show it to potential buyers. I will look at it in person, but I am of the great unwashed that can't pinpoint obscure 'red flags'.

[MR 325]

Yup, third is an S. CARFAX reports the last mileage reading, in October 2005, as 28K.

Sounds pretty legit then, yes?

[markseven]

Sounds pretty legit then, yes?

Si! Good call on the CARFAX :-D

[markseven]

I think I am super excited about this. 2:18AM PST, work tomorrow, and no sleep.

[pbr87]

Unfortunatly, I can't do that stuff where the engine is currently located. I'm looking for tips on a visual inspection.

Find a way of getting to the engine, so that you can perform a compression and leakdown test. When performing the compression test, check the spark plugs for fouling and for signs of detonation. Inspect the oil pan for any dents. Clean and check the block thoroughly for any cracks. Even a small crack is a serious thing. Check the valve-cover gaskets for signs of oil-leakage, and inspect the throttle body for any signs of oil residue.