What to look for on used engine

[BLACKDOG]

I am going to go look at a used engine from a wrecked truck tonight hopefully.  What type of things should I look for, warning signs and what not.  There are 136k miles on it, and the headgasket recall was done (3.0)  the runner it came out of is gone, and the engine is on a stand.  He has the tranny as well.  He is gonna sell me the engine, computer, wiring harness for $600

Help me out please

[dirtbag]

well, the obvious, oil seeping, cracks anywhere, if anything's burned up, just go through it with a fine-tooth comb, so to speak. Take your time looking, and have a bright flashlight or something, to see if there's any cracks on the exhaust, intake, etc. That's what I'd do. 

[BLACKDOG]

anyone?  I need help, I am hopefully looking at it tonight

[BLACKDOG]

someone suggested I do a leak down test, what do I need to do that?

[Brandon]

a leakdown tester

http://www.xs11.com/tips/misc/misc3.shtml

your gonna need to pump it up with pressure for that test. I dunno, I'd just look for the obvious and buy it but then again I'd probably get screwed.

[BLACKDOG]

a leakdown tester

http://www.xs11.com/tips/misc/misc3.shtml

your gonna need to pump it up with pressure for that test. I dunno, I'd just look for the obvious and buy it but then again I'd probably get screwed.

sounds about right Well, I'm gonna go up there and see what I can see

[Willy Mammoth]

Mileage is a key here as well, You say this engine has 136 k. This should give you a clue as to what shape it will be in. Check for sludge under the oil fill cap. If present skip on motor, wosre problems will follow. this is from the lack of oil changes and the use of cheap oil. If you want to take a chance on it see if they will bend on the price or make sure it runs. You have been through a lot all ready don't be too hasty finding an engine just to continue having problems. Try a salvage yard that will give you a replacment if it has problems. Check this site for an engine they can ship to your door.  http://car-part.com/index.htm  I got my engine from a yard I found on this site. It cost $750 to my door.

[BLACKDOG]

well, we (waffler and I) went and checked out the engine up here.  It seemed like it was in pretty good shape.  I turned over, didnt have any leaks.  Oil looked good (never drained) plugs looked good.  checked around the injectors, no leaks.  Only problem I could really se is the power steering pulley is bent, and there is rust on a lot of the components, but it is only surface rust, mostly on accesory brakets, and other miscellaneous metals.  The block and heads dont have rust on them

This is what I found, wht do you think?  also, I think I might be able to get the guy to give me a garantee, if so, I will prolly pick it up, If not, i dunno.  He is very confident that it runs, so i think he might give me the garantee.  And another benefit is, my p/s pump leaks, this one doesnt , so I might get that fixed at the same time