Installing Used Engines the Right Way

Used Engine Installation Tips

Central Auto Parts, whether selling from our headquarters in Denver, delivering used auto parts to Coloroado Springs, or shopping online, is high volume salvage yard.  As the best option for used auto parts in the Denver, we're selling hundreds of used engines, used transmissions, and other used auto parts every month.  We've also been in business since 1977! So we have a lot of experience that we like to pass along to our customers to aid them in their search for the correct used auto part and installation.

This information may be common knowledge to folks that have experience with used engine installations on many different makes and models of vehicles.  But for the do it yourselfers out there, or anyone looking to install used or reman auto parts this could be very useful.  

What to do before the used engine is installed...

1. Check it out.  You just spent good money on used engine.  Look over it completely and look for any possible defects or differences however minor.  Catching something before you go to put the used engine in will save time and money.  And since Central Auto Parts has 90 day return policy, so you're 100% taken care of if we need to replace the used engine or reman engine with a different one.  We'll deliver a replacement ASAP to Colorado Springs so our used auto parts don't delay your repair.

2. Match it up.  This seems obvious, but often can go overlooked.  After you've removed the old used engine, which is now your core engine, set it next to the new one.  You need to make sure that you purchased and received the correct used auto part before you attempt to put the engine in.  Again, if there is any difference between the engine you have and the one you purchased, call us ASAP and we'll get a replacement to your shop in Denver or Colorado Springs.

3. Swap Bolt-On Components.  When you purchase a quality used engine, you're likely only purchasing the long block.  This means parts like the alternator, belts, brackets, etc., won't be part of the purchase.  Also, using the components off of your particular car or truck will ensure the most accurate fit.  So, you'll want to swap these components over to your used engine as recommended by the manufacturer before installation.

4.  Thoroughly Inspect "Wear Parts" like Belts and Gaskets, replace as needed.  This seems like it should go without saying on used auto parts, but this is very critical and cannot be overlooked when installing your used engine.  If you're going with a used auto part, timing belts and components, water pumps, and gaskets should all be replaced unless you inspect them and they're nearly brand new.  Replacing the timing belt is the best practice on used engines.  This will ensure you get the maximum lifetime out of your used engine and is cheap insurance on your used engine.  These components of the used auto parts can be easily sourced from local dealerships or auto parts stores around Denver or Colorado Springs.  These little tips can increase the life of your used auto parts considerably.

Installing your used engine...

1. Cooling System Flush.  Do this according to manufacture guidelines with any used engine or remanufactured engine.  This will clear any debris or particles that may have entered into the system when your previous engine failed. This will make sure the used auto part you purchased won't get damaged by debirs from the previous failure.

2. Oils and Oil Pan.  Remember, the used auto part you purchased from the salvage yard was previously in use, and may still have a bit of oil in the pan.  You'll need to drain 100% of the remaining oil from the used engine.  This includes removing the oil pan and completely draining it.  At that point, you'll replace the oil pan gasket and you'll want to clean or replace the oil pick up tube strainer.  You'll want to replace the rear main seal at this time as well.  When the used engine is out of the vehicle, you have a great opportunity to replace the rear main seal to preserve the life of the used auto part and the repair you will complete.

3. Replace "Wear Parts" As Needed.  We hit on inspecting wear parts in used auto parts in #4 above...now it's time to swap all of those out.  Items like the thermostat, water pump, seals, and spark plugs will need to be installed into the used engine now.  Refer to the OEM guidelines for all the recommended replacements.  You'll also want to check out and replace bad water lines and vacuum hoses now.  This is just the best practice when replacing a part with a used auto part.  You can make it "like new" by replacing these components.

4. Prime it before you start it.  You always need to prime the engine oil system before attempting to start your used engine.  This will be true for used auto parts or if you are going with a reman. Refer to OEM guidelines, or check on YouTube for a video of this process.

5.  Double Check it.  You'll want to go back through and ensure you've got your installation dialed in.  Ensure the cooling system and electrical systems are online and ready rock.

6.  Final Parts Replacement. Now you can replace the valve cover gasket, install the cover and connect any final belts and hoses.  You should be ready to fire up your used engine and hit the road.

Used Engines - Used Auto Parts - Colorado Springs - Denver

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