If you find yourself in need of a new engine for your commercial vehicle, you should know there are options for finding one. Buying an engine from a salvage yard can yield proverbial gold–if you know what to look for. In this guide, we’ll explain why buying an engine from a salvage yard can be beneficial, and we’ll highlight what to look for when buying a commercial vehicle engine at a salvage yard.

Why Buy an Engine from a Salvage Yard?

Paying the full retail price for a brand-new engine can be costly, especially when you need it for a large vehicle like a semi-truck. If your commercial vehicle is in need of a new motor, buying an engine from a salvage yard presents an economic advantage. A salvaged engine from an auction site or salvage yard is much cheaper than buying a new one outright from a retailer–as long as you are able to find one in good condition.

What to Look for When Buying an Engine From a Salvage Yard

Look for these specific things when shopping for an engine at a salvage yard or salvage auction.

What is the Salvage Auction’s Reputation?

Before stepping foot on the salvage yard property, research the business’s reputation. A reputable salvage yard will have positive online reviews from customers as well as certifications and awards to establish them as a reputable company. You should also be able to learn plenty about the salvage yard on their company website.

Does the Engine Have Missing Parts?

If there are missing parts to the engine or considerable visible damage, the engine won’t be in good working condition.

Is the Vehicle Damaged?

If the engine is still within a vehicle that’s otherwise in pristine condition, it’s a sign that it was salvaged due to an issue with the engine. If the body of the vehicle is damaged, there’s a good chance the engine is completely fine. Just make sure there is no damage to the hood of the vehicle as this could indicate damage to the engine as well.

What’s the Mileage of the Engine?

Check the mileage of the engine. While it might be cheaper to buy an engine with high mileage, it may not last very long. If you’re looking for a semi-truck engine, look for a motor that’s accrued around 45,000 miles per year. Engines for construction equipment should have about 28,000 miles accrued per year. Just divide the total number of miles by the age of the motor in years.

Can You Test the Engine On-Site?

Before making a purchase, make sure the engine has been tested. Though many salvage yards offer warranties, a confirmed test can ease any doubts. A certified technician can test the engine by starting it and performing a series of tests. You can also run a compression test on an engine to check the valves, valve seats, and piston rings.

Is the Engine Compatible with Your Vehicle?

This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure the engine you’re looking at is compatible with your vehicle. You don’t need to find the exact same engine you used to have, however. Fortunately, there are plenty of guides online you can use to determine whether an engine will be compatible with your semi-truck, construction equipment, or other commercial vehicles.

Does the Engine Come with a Warranty?

Last but not least, check if the engine comes with a warranty. Warranties protect you as a buyer if it turns out the engine is faulty after installation. Make sure the warranty is in writing and save the warranty until it expires or you know the engine is good.

Buy and Sell with Heavy Salvage

Heavy Salvage offers the industry’s most trusted system of buying and selling transportation salvage. We specialize in connecting verified buyers to certified sellers of wrecked or salvaged semi-trucks, trailers, equipment, or other heavy-duty specialty vehicles with insurance companies and certified sellers.