Everybody wants a new crate engine to swap out your old one. Getting a used engine power can save you thousands of dollars vs getting a new one. It is especially gonna save you going for used parts if you also need parts like front accessories and the carburetor or injection. You can pull an entire motor from a junkyard for about $250 including all the parts from the top down including the flywheel or flexplate. In this article, I will talk about where to find used motors, how the yards work, and what kind of engines you can find. I will also share my experience with the engine junkyards near me.
Map of Engine Junkyards Near Me
for “Engine Junkyards Near Me”, see the map below…
There are junkyards and then there are engine junkyards…both have used motors and transmissions. A standard auto junkyard is a place where you can go and pull an engine or tranny yourself out of the vehicle. In an engine junkyard, the motors and trannies are prepulled and warehoused. Both operate similarly, but there are a few differences we will discuss.
How To Do the Engine Junkyards Near Me Work
Junkyards are privately run businesses. Some are small mom-and-pop style shops, while others are big box franchises. These businesses operate by purchasing junked vehicles and selling the working parts. The vehicles come from varying places like insurance companies, tow companies, auctions, and private owners.
Wrecked vehicles come to the yard and they are drained of hazardous material and prepped for parts stripping. There are a few different styles of yards like self-service, full service, and parts warehouse yards.
Some yards will stick a vehicle straight out in the lot for the public to pull parts from with their own labor and tools. That is called a self-service salvage yard. These yards tend to have lower prices, but older vehicles and lower-quality inventory. For warranties, you will need to ask if they offer any and there will be an additional cost. Many of these places also charge a small fee to walk the lot.
Conversely, some will put vehicles in the yard, and then when a person finds what they need a yard attendant helps or does the parts pull. These yards charge a bit more for the labor but tend to have higher-quality inventory and newer vehicles. You have to ask if there are any warranties that you could purchase on the parts. Some places may charge a small entrance fee to walk the yard.
Lastly, there are parts warehouses in which the yard pulls the parts straight away when the vehicle arrives. These yards charged the most for used parts, but the parts are pulled already and in some cases rebuilt and sold with a warranty tacked on. There are no entrance fees at a parts warehouse and you may even be able to order the used parts online and have them shipped.
Does Junkyards Provide Any Equipment for Pulling Engines
It really depends on the yard. Many yards do not lend out tools or have tools to lend you. There are yards like Pick N Pull that have A-Frame engine hoists and wheel barrels that you can borrow. Not all yards offer that, so you should call ahead to come prepared if you know you are pulling a motor out.
What Kind of Motors Can You Find
You can find a variety of engines at these yards. First, let’s talk about how the kinds of yards you visit will dictate the size of engines you will find. For example, if you go to a general self-service auto yard, you will find motors for cars, trucks, and SUV’s only. You can find large engines and diesel engines at heavy duty truck yards and heavy equipment yards. There are also small engines to be found at salvage yards for tractors and lawn mowers and may even suit needs for dirt bikes or go-kart repair.
You can find a variety of motors with varying layouts like straight, inline, V, and flat. The varying cylinders from 2 to 8 with 4 and 6 being the most common. You can also find all the related pieces like intakes, exhausts, flywheels, flexplates, carburetors, injections, etc. Even better when you pull the motor you can snatch up all the parts with it.
If you are looking for some great cheap engine swap-out tips, read this article.
Benefits of Used Engines
Whether you are at a small engine salvage yard or pulling an engine from a semi-truck, the benefits are there…
There are many reasons to pull an engine or rebuild an engine over buying a new one. A used motor can be just as reliable and perform just as well as a new one. If you are visiting a parts warehouse yard, you are looking at used engines that have been more carefully selected and then tested.
Then of course there is the saving money benefit. A new crate motor is going to cost about $2000. Since a total overhaul of the engine is one of the most expensive repairs in the automotive industry finding ways to save without sacrificing dependability and performance is key. If you are replacing a motor for a vehicle that has been totaled or you’re doing an auto restoration in which you need a complete swap out, going used makes the most sense. If you find an engine that just needs some TLC from an aesthetic perspective, you can always repaint it or get it detailed.
There is also the OEM aspect. If you shop around you may even be able to find the exact OEM engine you are swapping out. For common vehicle makes and models getting the exact match engine is a high probability.
Then of course there is the environmental component. When you buy used engines you are reducing waste and energy. It means that another new engine does not need to be manufactured.
Do Junkyards Buy Used Engines and Transmissions
Some junkyards will buy your used engine or buy your used transmission, but not all will. It will depend on the type of yard and their customers.
For example, if you go to a Pick-N-Pull salvage yard, they will not buy any used car parts individually. However, if you had a Vtec Honda Civic engine and went to a Honda Junkyard there is a good chance, they may be interested in buying it. Taking your used engine or transmission to the salvage that most likely has the customers is your best bet.
The Risks of Used Engines
The risks associated with used motors are in poor quality risk and an investment of labor risk.
If you do not carefully inspect an engine you could purchase a seized engine or one with other major issues. If your intent is to rebuild it it may not matter much anyway. To mitigate these risks you should ask about purchasing a warranty,
The other risk is your time and labor. Pulling a junkyard motor or transmission takes a lot of time and energy. If you are at a self-service yard, sure you can get an engine for $200, but how much time are you willing to spend to save that much money?
Engine Junkyards Near Me Conclusion
Pulling a motor or transmission at a junkyard is not for the faint of heart, You need the tools, expertise, and time in order to do it. If you have all of those things then there is huge amounts of money to be saved. For these kinds of pulls, it is highly advised that you bring a friend to help. This is what I have learned from the engine junkyards near me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Engine Junkyards Near Me
What is a rebuilt engine?
A rebuilt engine is a previously used engine that has been disassembled, cleaned, repaired, and reassembled with new components to restore it to a functional and reliable condition.
Can I get a replacement engine at a junkyard?
Yes, many junkyards offer replacement engines for a wide range of vehicle makes and models. These engines are often available at a lower cost compared to buying new ones.
Do junkyard engines come with a warranty?
Some junkyards may offer an extended warranty on their engines for an additional fee. It’s advisable to inquire about warranty options when buying a junkyard engine.
Can I find power steering components at a junkyard?
Yes, many junkyards carry power steering components, including power steering pumps and hoses, which can be a cost-effective way to replace or repair these parts.
How can I find engine junkyards near me?
You can easily find engine junkyards near your location by using online search engines, websites, or directory listings. Simply enter your location and relevant keywords, such as “engine junkyard,” “junkyard engine,” or “auto parts.”
Do engine junkyards offer extended warranties on parts like the oil cooler?
Extended warranties can vary, but some junkyards do offer them for added protection on purchased parts like oil coolers. Be sure to inquire about warranty options.
How do I pull a part from a junkyard engine, like a timing belt?
To obtain a specific component from a junkyard engine, bring your tools and remove it yourself. Follow safety guidelines and seek assistance if needed.
