Used Car Engines
An engine is the most expensive part of most cars, so a used engine is often the repair that keeps an older car on the road. This page explains what an engine does, the signs one may need replacing, what to check before buying a used one, and how to enquire about an engine for your car.
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What a car engine does
The engine turns fuel into movement. It burns petrol or diesel in its cylinders, and the force of each small explosion pushes pistons that turn the crankshaft, which drives the wheels through the gearbox. The alternator, the cooling system and the air conditioning all take their power from the engine, so when an engine fails, the whole car stops.
Engines come in many sizes and layouts, from small three-cylinder petrol units to large diesel V6s. The engine in your car is identified by its code, which is stamped on the engine itself and recorded in the car's documents. That code matters when you enquire, because two cars that look the same can carry different engines.
Signs an engine may need replacing
Engines rarely fail without warning. The signs build up over weeks or months, and the earlier they are noticed, the more choice you have about what to do next.
- A knocking, rattling or grinding noise from the engine bay that was not there before
- Blue or white smoke from the exhaust, or oil disappearing between checks
- The engine losing power, misfiring, or stalling at idle
- The oil warning light or engine management light staying on
- Coolant mixing with oil, or oil in the coolant bottle
What to check before buying a used engine
A used engine is a major purchase, so check the basics before you commit. The engine code is the first thing to match — it must be the same as the one in your car, or one your mechanic confirms will fit.
- The engine code matches the one in your car
- The mileage and history are known, as far as they can be
- The engine turns over freely and has no seized parts
- There is no sign of coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant
- Your mechanic has confirmed the engine will fit your car
How to enquire about a used engine
Enquiries start with the details of your car: the registration, the make, the model and the year, plus the engine code if you know it. The engine code is the most useful single detail, because it pins down exactly which engine your car was built with.
Use the parts enquiry form, or call 07961 404768. Say whether your car is petrol or diesel and whether the gearbox is manual or automatic — the engine and gearbox are matched, and the combination matters when a replacement is being looked for.
Engines in pictures
Engines, mounts, gaskets and belts — photos show the type of part. Call 07961 404768 to check.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my engine code?
The engine code is stamped on the engine itself, usually on a flat surface on the block, and it is also recorded in the car's service book or on the build plate under the bonnet. Your mechanic can find it if you cannot, and giving the code when you enquire pins down exactly which engine your car was built with.
Will a used engine fit my car?
It depends on the engine code, the year and the gearbox of your car. Two cars that look the same can carry different engines, so the code is what matters. Give the registration and the engine code when you enquire, and ask your mechanic to confirm fitment before you buy.
What is the difference between a petrol and a diesel engine?
A petrol engine lights its fuel with a spark, while a diesel engine lights its fuel by squeezing it until it is hot enough to burn. The two are not interchangeable, and the fuel system, exhaust and engine management are all different. Always say which fuel your car takes when you enquire.
Should I replace the engine or scrap the car?
It depends on the value of the car, the cost of the work and what else the car needs. A used engine can make sense on a car that is otherwise sound, while a car with several large faults may not be worth the spend. Ask your mechanic for an honest view before you decide either way.
What should I ask about a used engine?
Ask for the engine code and the mileage, and whether it matches your car. The code is the match: two engines that look the same can be different inside. Ask what is known about its running condition too, and give your registration when you enquire, so the code can be checked against your car.
Related pages
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