Hitchcocks Forum

Hi folks




Just looking for some general advice, not RE related. I am having to buy a second hand engine as a replacement for the current lump in my campervan (ouch!)... my question isn't camper related, but it is engine related. What kind of questions would you want to ask the seller of a second hand lump, and what kind of info would you want to have to make sure that you are not buying a lemon?




I can't visit the lump in question, but the seller is reputable... I have asked about mileage, service history, reason for being off road and for how long, compression numbers...




Have I missed anything?

What happened to your present engine? Unless it's very serious it can probably be mended cheaper than replacing it.

Present engine is a waterboxer petrol engine which overheated... now some might then suggest 'take off the head, skim if necessary and replace gasket' but alas that is not the case. The WBX engine in 80s vans has no 'block', instead it has free standing cylinder liners pinned in place between the head and the crank case - removing the head, usually results in removing the cylinders, which can only be replaced with the engine out and access to the rods. This means that more often than not, a head gasket replacement on these engines results in a more in depth rebuild.




Plus, the heads can't be skimmed as the head gasket only sits on the top of the cylinder liner... the main bulk of the head forms a water seal with the water jacket which surrounds the cylinders liners entirely with coolant (not metal!). Any skimming changes valve clearances and compression ratios.




Quotes for mending range from a full rebuild at 2-3k (done properly), to around 1k done badly (i.e. the reason for the overheat still remains so it will happen again, eventually). Replace is under a grand, hopefully, and I get a LOT of spare parts out of it.

Check the engine number against stolen vehicles.

Sorry--------- that photo should have with it }--- check the oil for colour and contamination, how long has it been out of a vehicle..... does the vendor have documents covering him legally acquiring the engine ??...........Personally I wouldn't bother unless you can see and hear it running first.. Too much of a risk which could come back to haunt you...........Yer pays yer money, etc, etc.......