What To Look For In a Used Engine

I recently picked up this D16Y7 as a replacement engine for my sons 1999 Honda Civic. When it arrived I looked it over to make sure everything was OK, but also to see what kind of shape it was in.

This video outlines what to look for in a used engine, and provides tips for recommended maintenance before installation.

I hope you find this information useful!

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Thanks for watching!

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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

[micaht]

I love this because it's a blue collar guy taking care of the vehicles for his blue collar kids. That's us. What they drive isn't perfect or shiny new, but I know their cars inside out, I trust them to run every day and it's better for me to handle the car crap for them. Thanks Eric.

[Michael-fwef]

I love your Honda content.
The more Honda content you put, the more viewers you will get.
Of course, you already have 1.5 Million viewers.

[Tedybear]

One nice sign about this engine and how it was maintained: no Fram Oil Filter! If I see that orange filter, I usually pass on larger items.

[Spinonemaster]

I had an oil pump failure on a Jeep 4.0 ... shop talked me into a used engine swap as the bearing might have scored ? .... price was decent as there are many in salvage places ... engine worked fine for 6 months ... but eventually discovered the flywheel was cracked on the replacement (during ship/storage ?) ... new flywheel install was almost as much as the used replacement ... shop was far away and would not cover that cost from another shop ... lesson learned was a "New" rebuilt engine could have been installed for the combined cost of used engine and eventual repair ... other than that, the used engine has held up well .. 250k on the 2000 Cherokee, mostly rebuilt from the ground up a few times, drives and looks like new ... my second one in 35 years ... I always enjoy Eric's tips ... always learn something ... subbed for a while now

[SmittySmithsonite]

Wow, my comment became gibberish. Thanks, YouTube! I only buy used engines from rear enders, or t-bones - no front end or especially rollovers. Those can run for several minutes without oil - modern engines have ZERO tolerance for that!

When I was driving for a trash hauler, I had just finished my day and was headed back to the shop when this little VW Jetta came screaming around an offramp, ignored the stop sign, and drove straight into my tandems at 40 MPH as I was doing 40 MPH! The sight in my side mirror was quite amazing - like watching a movie! The car became airborne while spinning, shedding parts in every direction! It did 2 full 360's before landing with the entire front end torn off the car. Just a few scuff marks on my tires. The cops arrive, and one of them asks where my damage is - I said just some scuffs on the tires. One cop starts cracking up hysterically and says to the other, "Did you see his f#&$ing car???" And both were rolling! It was funny, though. Guy wasn't hurt but boy did I ring his bell good! Had CA plates on the car. Said he didn't even see the stop sign. "You're kidding!" LOL! The car was still running after all the oil pumped out of the hanging lines where the oil cooler used to be. I heard what sounded like a washing machine full of scrap metal. I told the guy, "You might want to shut that off, in case anything is salvageable." It wasn't ...

[miguelamigo]

Eric, el vato de los carro's! Might not be correct but that's the way I'd say it in spanish 😁

[quiettoday]

This is an awesome idea! I've made a few mistakes in not properly inspecting an engine. I'll never buy sight-unseen again. This gave a bunch ideas of what to look at. Thanks!

[gordonsumner]

Love your channel! Thanks for posting this. Very useful to us Honda-philes.

[viriatvsoflvsitania]

What I see mostly on used engine ads, is the fact that they're ALWAYS "low mileage" 🤔

[technoJoe]

Valuable resource for us DIYers. Good tips. Personally, I'll probably go looking for this video in four years when I recreate my 05 TL into a supercar.

[fredcarlson]

Such great advice!! And a awsome video.i purchased a motor also from eBay for my rx300 and it's been going strong for 1.5 years now. Everything in this video is solid solid advice, nice work 👌 💯

[richardshomemechanics]

Hi Eric I also do very similar checks to what you do when checking a engine over before dropping into the car / van you are really reliant on the seller telling the truth at point of sale .. for example I purchased a Diesel engine from a seller and when I got the engine on the bench it was seized when I tried to turn it over with a breaker bar .. fortunately it seemed if was only surface rust in the bore holding the pistons over a week a dribbled diesel down the removed glow plug holes and the engine released and is now happily still running in my van keep up the good work your a very talented mechanic

[corzahazard]

I've been watching your channel for probably around 5 or so years now, and thanks to your videos I feel a hell of a lot more confident working on my own car, which is good because I just got an AE82 Corolla that needs a bit of TLC, runs great but it's got a few things that need to be buttoned up, and you're videos have given me the knowledge of the things I should listen out for or see before it goes pear shaped. Also one year I received a digital birthday cake :) Thanks for the videos and sharing your knowledge with us!

[spacecat]

Used to buy straight from Japan. Engines won't meet environmental spec after 30k. Got some killer deals back in the day. This is familiar terrain.

[nestorroman]

Thanks ETCG1!
Excellent information to know!

[azzamhaq]

Thank you Eric. Very useful video. Keep up the good work.

[vinny]

i must've got lucky when i got a jdm d15 with supposedly 40k miles off an importer lot in Los Angeles, without even inspecting it. Changed some seals, new timing belt and water pump, didn't even open it, swapped it in a 93 honda civic and six years later, still going strong.

[ericcross]

Thanks Eric! Love your videos! It is always information that I can trust!👍🏾

[chimaaniyam]

Thank you so much for those messages you do send online, it has helped me a lot.

[Brock]

Yep, collision cars can be great for used engines. I pulled a nearly perfect F22A6 out of a 92 Accord sedan, only had 135k on it. Car was in immaculate condition except that it had been t-boned. Felt bad for the car but I gave the engine a good home in my Accord wagon.