How To Check Engine?

[Chi100188]

alright guys and gurls i've lookd at the tutorials and DIY section and cant seem to find the info i want. I was wondering how am i sposed to check if an engine is fine when its out the of the car? this is because im buying a engine from a private seller and was wondering how i could go about doing some tests on it to see if its still in good condition?

Cheers

Chi

[Stinky Rooster]

If you can't get it onto a proper stand and start it, a basic leakdown test is about all you can do. You do have the opportunity to pop the sump and rocker covers off for a good look, but if you don't know exactly what you are looking at there probably isn't much point. Get someone who knows engines to have a look, or just suck it and see. Just be aware that you won't be the first person who has bought a second hand engine without hearing it run and discover after it is a lemon.

[FLYIN_HiGh]

Get RAC to check it by doing one of their Vehichle inspections, they're usually pretty good.

[FLYIN_HiGh]

LOL, just read it properly.. engine out of car... sorry dude, dunno if they do that..

[Denver]

if it still has the box and flywheel attached you could run a compression test on it, just jury rig the starter motor to a battery and short the solenoid out so it cranks..

[Stinky Rooster]

^^ and how do you suggest getting the motor to sit still while you crank it?

There is a lot on energy involved in getting a motor past the compression stroke, not to mention the inertia a flywheel carries, and don't think you will be able to just hold it by the rocker cover. Seriously, don't do this unless you have something to bolt the engine to. Its dangerous and someone is likely to get hurt.

[Pal]

if you take all the plugs out there is no compression, only on the one u are taking the reading from, make sure u do it dry first and then wet(squeeze a bit of oil in the bore), this will tell you if the are gone or valves or head gasket (if compression reading increases then the rings, if reading stays same then possibly head or valve leakage(only if bad reading obtained first). you can usually sit the engine on a old tyre and it will stay reasonably stable.