In the past, 82% of industrial companies experienced unplanned downtime that increased manufacturing costs by as much as $206,000 an hour.
Unplanned downtime can occur for various reasons, one of them being faulty equipment parts. It’s important to check your machinery often to avoid costly downtime in the future.
Learning how to buy a used diesel engine can come in handy if your machines stop working because of engine problems. Keep reading to learn what to do when searching for an affordable used diesel engine.
Table of Contents
Research and Compare Prices
When looking for a used diesel engine, the prices are likely to vary depending on the engine brand, wear and tear, and how old the engine is.
A lot of diesel engine companies sell used diesel engines online these days so you’ll have a lot of choices to compare. Don’t buy from the first shop you come across, complete valuable research to make the best decision.
If you want to minimize your costs, compare prices from different shops. Don’t look for the cheapest option. Instead, try to get the most out of your money.
Some shops allow you to negotiate based on your knowledge of the different price ranges. Through research, you should be able to get an efficient used diesel engine without overpaying.
Check for Compatibility
There are different types of engines and not all of them will be compatible with your machine. Don’t make the mistake of buying a used engine with diesel technology that fails to work in your vehicle.
Check the size of the engine as you don’t want something too small or too big. You can decide between a used small diesel engine or a used industrial diesel engine.
Automobiles and light trucks mainly use small diesel engines. Industrial diesel engines are more suitable for construction vehicles and mining vehicles.
You should also keep in mind that an engine made for another machine might not work in yours. Different brands manufacture their engines to fit the needs of a specific machine.
Consult your vehicle’s manufacturer’s manual to help you choose a compatible option.
Ask for a Warranty
Used diesel engines can come with a warranty but they won’t always. To get the best bang for your buck, ask for a warranty through the diesel engine company you are purchasing from.
Companies that don’t offer warranties avoid taking responsibility if your engine were to break down. With a used engine warranty, you can trust that your new equipment will work despite being used in the past.
A lot of engine warranties last a year so if your engine breaks down during the first year of owning it, the company will replace it at zero cost.
Learn About a Company’s Experience
Companies selling diesel engines for years have more experience in the field than newer companies. However, you don’t have to write off new businesses right away because their technicians may still have the necessary experience.
An experienced business will be able to distinguish between good and bad engines as well as know the different types of engines available.
A company that sells engines should be equipped to advise you and answer any questions you may have.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews and testimonials are a great way to get an idea of the experience you will have when you purchase from a specific engine supplier.
Look at a company’s past reviews and note if positive reviews outweigh the negative. Typically, negative reviews are hard for any business to avoid because some customers don’t tell the whole truth.
It’s still a good idea to read through negative reviews to see if there are multiple reviews with the same complaints. You can also see if the company replies to these reviews to offer solutions to their unhappy customers.
Another way to find a business with good customer service is to ask people you know if they recommend a used diesel supplier. Ask peers, friends, and family members who have needed a used engine in the past.
Decide on a Diesel Engine Stroke
For diesel engines, there are two main strokes, a 4-stroke engine, and a 2-stroke engine.
4-stroke engines complete a combustion cycle with two piston strokes and a 2-stroke engine completes the cycling process with one piston stroke.
4-stroke engines are quieter and emit less smoke than the latter. The cons to this engine stroke are that they have an increased risk of stalling and come at a high cost.
2-stroke engines are more durable but they produce a lot of smoke and their power tends to wear off.
Know About Old vs. New Engines
When buying an engine that was previously owned, you don’t have to search for an old one. A user could have bought a diesel engine one day and sold it the next because it wasn’t the right fit for them.
Old and new engines vary in cost. You might have guessed it, but newer engines are more expensive than old ones. If you have a strict budget, you might only be able to afford an old engine.
No matter the engine you buy, check for visible signs of damage. Just because an engine is newer doesn’t always mean it is better in terms of usage.
Test for Any Oddity
If an engine dealer lets you conduct a test drive, take them up on the offer. If they don’t let you test an engine, consider it a red flag.
During the test, check for these abnormalities:
- Oil leakage
- The engine runs when the ignition is off
- The engine emits unpleasant odors
- Loud noises like knocking and hissing sounds
- Decrease in gas mileage
If you don’t experience any of these problems with a used engine, it should be good to go!
Observe External Parts
In some cases, you can tell that an engine is faulty without completing a test drive. Check if any of the following parts are worn out or rusty:
- Hoses
- Check belts
- Heat exchangers
Do not buy the engine if these components are worn. These problems indicate that the engine is fraudulent or was cared for by a negligent owner.
Reputable companies don’t put out worn engines for sale. A company that does might try to rip you off when you make a purchase.
Get a Quote
Compared to a new engine, a used engine quote should be more affordable. However, the engine price might not be the only thing the supplier is quoting you for.
Some engines come with additional parts and warranties. These fees should be included in your quote. If you are shipping an engine, the price of freight should also be calculated into the total cost.
To know exactly what you are getting before buying anything, check that your quote meets or exceeds the expectations you have for purchasing a used diesel engine.
Ask About Engine Testing
Remanufactured engines could mean different things depending on the company you choose to buy from. Ask the business if they tore the engine down and machined the block, crank, and head.
Dyno-testing is also critical when buying a remanufactured diesel engine. This technique refers to testing that the engine meets performance standards and is ready to go when you make the purchase.
Dyno-testing allows companies to correct faulty engines so that they are good enough to sell used for a discounted price. Even if a supplier tests their engines, it’s still a good idea for you to test them yourself.
Do You Need a Diesel Engine?
Before shopping around for a diesel engine, it’s best to make sure yours is no longer able to work. You don’t want to buy a different engine if yours can be repaired for a lower price.
These are some of the signs and symptoms of a worn-out diesel engine to be aware of:
- Engine runaway
- Rough idle
- Excessive blow-by
- Turbocharger failure
- Trouble starting the engine
- Blue smoke
Some of these signs indicate larger issues while others need repairs so that the engine can start working effectively again.
If your diesel engine is giving out, it’s best to see a repair technician who can troubleshoot the problem or recommend a new engine from a used diesel engine supplier.
Where to Buy a Used Diesel Engine
If you have nonrepairable problems with your diesel engine, you don’t have to break the bank to find a new valuable option. Buying a used diesel engine can get your machine back to work in no time.
When you decide to buy used, it’s important to follow the tips in this guide to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
Research suppliers, compare prices, observe external parts, and more to help you decide.
At Swift Equipment Solutions, we offer reliable equipment to support our customers’ needs. Contact us today to receive a quote for a used diesel engine.
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