Diesel engines work amazingly well to provide constant power supply for several hours because they are fuel-efficient. The global diesel engine market is projected to be rising at a CAGR of 4.50% from 2023 to 2033. Meanwhile, the worldwide market for diesel engines is estimated to rise to USD 100.2 billion by 2033. There are various options for buying a diesel engine for your application. You can consider getting a new or a used diesel engine, which can also be a good choice.
Are you considering purchasing a used industrial diesel engine? Buying a used diesel engine is an investment, and the task can sometimes be complicated based on your level of the engine buying experience.
But as people continue to fight soaring gasoline prices, used small diesel engines are becoming increasingly popular. Most individuals are considering purchasing a used diesel to know if it is something they will enjoy.
However, there are a few people who are reluctant to buy a used diesel engine. They fear that they may end up purchasing a poor engine, which is not always the case.
Here are eight tips to keep in mind before buying a used diesel engine.
Table of Contents
1. Research the Prices
These days, many diesel engine companies sell used diesel engines online. From their websites, you will see a list of used engines alongside their prices.
Most buyers only buy used diesel engines from a shop they first come across. If you wish to minimize costs, you should compare the prices of used engines from different shops.
When you compare different shops, your knowledge of the price range will strengthen your negotiation power. As a result, no trader will hike their prices.
2. Ensure the Engine Is Compatible
Some people have bought used diesel engines of good quality. Sadly, these engines fail to work in their vehicles. The engine may have been too small or too big for their machine.
First, you need to distinguish different engine types. You may either need used small diesel engines or a used industrial diesel engine.
Small diesel engines are mainly used in automobiles and light trucks. On the other hand, industrial diesel engines are used in mining vehicles and construction vehicles.
Also, a diesel engine belonging to another machine may not work in your machine. Different brands manufacture their engines differently. To buy the correct one for your machine, consult your manufacturer’s manual.
3. Insist on a Warranty
The best-used diesel engine companies issue you with a warrant before you ask for it. If the shop you are buying from doesn’t offer you a warranty, you need to look elsewhere. It may be a tactic to avoid taking responsibility should your engine break down.
Most engine warranties last a year. If your engine breaks down within the year, the company will replace it at no cost.
Additionally, the warranty serves as evidence should you sue the trader. Sometimes the seller may refuse to replace your engine despite the guarantee allowing for your engine to be replaced.
4. Check How Long the Company Has Existed
A company that has existed for at least 20 years is likely to sell you a good diesel engine. Due to their long stint, they have the experience to distinguish between engine types and excellent and bad engines.
Apart from selling you the engine, the company will be equipped to answer your questions and advise you. In short, there won’t be anything about engines that will surprise them.
5. Decide Which Engine Stroke Works for You
There are two main strokes for diesel engines: 4-stroke engine and 2-stroke engine. 4-stroke engines complete a combustion cycle with 2 piston strokes, while 2-stroke engines complete the process with a piston stroke.
The two engine types have their benefits and drawbacks.
4-stroke engines emit less smoke and are quieter than 2-stroke engines. Its drawbacks are its high cost, and they have increased odds of stalling.
2-stroke engines are powerful and more durable than 4-stroke engines. However, the engines tend to wear off and produce too much smoke.
6. Decide Between Old and New Engines
Not all used diesel engines are old. A user may have bought a diesel engine the same day, only to sell it the next day.
Old and newly used diesel engines differ in terms of cost. Old engines are cheap while new ones are expensive.
Whichever engine you buy, check for any visible signs of damage. Some engine sellers have mastered the art of covering up damaged engines by repainting their spark plugs, for instance. They do so to make the buyer believe they are purchasing a new engine.
7. Test It for Any Oddity
Engine dealers should let you conduct a test drive with the engine you have bought. If they do not allow you to do so, then that is a giant red flag.
If you test it, keep watch for any of these abnormalities:
• Your engine runs even with the ignition off
• The engine makes bizarre noises such as hissing and knocking sounds
• When it emits unpleasant odors
• Its gas mileage decreases
• It leaks oil
8. Observe Its External Parts
Sometimes you will tell right away the engine is faulty without taking it for a test drive. If you notice that the hoses, check belts, and heat exchangers are rusty and worn out, do not buy them. Such an engine indicates the company is either negligent or fraudulent.
Would you still bring yourself to purchase another used engine from them after seeing their worn-out engine? The odds are high that the company has stacked other worn-out engines. Unfortunately, some buyers may buy such engines.
To save potential buyers from getting ripped off by such a company, use online review sites. Find a way of criticizing the act without being malicious.
Best Used Diesel Engines by Caterpillar
Refer to the table below and explore the best range of used diesel engines available at Caterpillar:
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Used Diesel Engines |
Price |
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$22,500 |
|
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$28,500 |
|
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$34,500 |
|
For more options:
Follow These Tips to Get a Working Used Diesel Engine
Consider the above tips as a guide to used diesel engines. If you did not know what to look for in a used diesel engine, now you know.
Here at Swift Equipment Solutions, we have a diverse team knowledgeable on various diesel engine types. If you are unsure which used engine to buy, we will do the heavy lifting by advising you and sourcing them. Apart from selling used diesel engines, we also buy them.
Contact us today for any diesel engine queries, and we will respond promptly.
Common Questions About Used Diesel Engine
Q1. What are the most common problems with diesel engines?
Some of the most common problems that occur in diesel engines include:
- Glow plug failure
- Contaminated fuel
- Black exhaust
- Oxidation of the oil
- Excessive noise
Q2. What is used in diesel engines?
Distillates with heavy hydrocarbons with a minimum of 12 to 16 carbon atoms or molecules are petroleum products used as fuel for diesel engines. These heavy distillates are fetched from crude oil after the highly volatile portions used in gasoline are separated.
Q3. Mention 5 major facts about diesel engines.
Five major facts about diesel engines are as follows:
- Diesel engines are highly efficient compared to gasoline-powered engines
- Diesel, fuel, or getting cleaner
- As compared to gasoline, diesel is a better high-altitude fuel
- Diesel engines function best at moderate speeds
- Spark plugs are not used in diesel engines
Q4. What is the lifespan of a diesel engine?
Diesel engines are strong machines that come with longer lifespans than you can expect. The average lifespan of a diesel engine ranges from 400,000 miles to 1,000,000 miles.
Q5. How many types of diesel engines are there?
There are two types of diesel engines: 2-stroke diesel engines and 4-stroke diesel engines.
Q6. How many valves does a diesel engine consist of?
A modern diesel engine includes four valves.
Q7. How many hours can a diesel engine run?
On average, a diesel engine can run from 5000 hours to 20,000 hours if maintained properly.
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