Well, I thought I had a good used engine with very good compression lined up. The engine showed up at my indy last night and actually looked pretty clean. Unfortunately, it was completely locked up (would not budge in either direction). I can't believe these clowns shipped an engine half way across the country (at there expense) without even making sure it would turn (especially after they quoted compression test results).

The last engine I checked on carfax showed about twice the claimed mileage. I'm getting really bored with this used engine business, I'm not sure the cost difference is worth the aggravation.

The only way to get a good used engine is when you don't need one, when you do they are either to much money or not around.

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

Yup, I'm about an inch away from ordering a reman like I was originally planning.

That's unfortunate.........since they were paying the shipping, you'd think the DF's would be half way honest.........

DF indeed.

If I wanted a good used engine I would try to find a car with cosmetic issues so I could listen to it run and drive it, then buy it and do the swap.

It probably would not cost any more than buying a used one blind from a supplier yard.

You will have to pay for it to be removed though.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I'll bet that you and the machinist could find him a good used 617..........be worth it for him to swing down your way and have it installed.

I'm lucky this engine got me home, I don't think I'm going to drive it another 1000 miles, but it's a nice thought. I have a feeling this engine had been sitting around for a long time, maybe it was OK when it was tested a couple of years ago. Anyway, I'm giving this "parts broker" guy one more chance to find me something good (he still has my money) before I pull the plug on him.

Also, both he and my indy came up with a listing for the same low mileage '85 engine from some west coast yard that's supposed to be reputable. We originally rejected it because it would be more work to swap everything over from my '82 engine, but it still might be worthwhile to check it out. I would rather pay my indy to do some extra work,than pay for a POS engine. I'm waiting for a callback with a list of options (including VINs so I can run some carfax and try to verify mileages). This is getting old.

My indie is pretty reasonable but colorado is probably too far to make it worthwhile. My SIL has brought mb and porsches over from The colombus Oh area several times for major jobs here with good results. I usually get to see my grandchildren as a part of the deal too!

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

My guy is really good too, but he's not interested in chasing down used engines. That's OK, I'll either find a good one soon or I'll just order a reman.

Wow what a PITA.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

That's why I hate dealing with used parts.

That savings must be huge, because it would take a big chunk of change to get me interested in messing with used parts.

$1k vs $8k?

The problem with used parts for these cars is that they are all 25 years old and have a ton of miles on them. So ehh don't really see a gain their, maybe it it was a 5 year old car than yes.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Yup that's the problem, you can save $4-5K but you have to hunt around for a legitimate low mileage engine that hasn't been abused. My indy talked me into this, and I'm beginning to regret it. At some point. the time/aggravation savings is worth more than the cost savings, and after a week of messing around I'm approaching that point rapidly.

Take out the injectors in that frozen motor and put some diesel in the holes.


Let it sit for a day or two and try to turn it over....it just might have better compression then you think.

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Wie lange wird Ihr Auto leben?

Thanks, but it's not my problem anymore. I payed for a working engine, they need to send me a good (low mileage, high compression) one or refund my money. I assume they won't even bother to ship it back, my indy can use it for parts if he wants.