Posted on

How to Install A Used Replacement Engine

You’ve read up on the signs it may be time for an engine replacement. Now it’s time to replace it. This guide will help you successfully install your used replacement engine from our Houston junkyard.

First, we recommend you consider removing your hood and front bumper to give yourself some more room to work. Be careful to set aside the bolts in separate piles so you don’t mix them up.

Next, we recommend you take several photos at different angles so you remember where all the wiring and hosing goes, especially if this is your first time replacing any used car part. After, remove the battery so you don’t accidentally short anything.

Isolate the Engine

You should remove the airbox and air hoses that go to the intake manifold so you can clearly see the engine. Afterward, remove the radiator and the radiator plug. Once all the coolant drains from the radiator, you can remove the coolant hoses that go into the engine. Be careful when removing because with age, these easily get stuck and can break if they are pulled too hard.

You may then take out the rest of the cooling system. Next, it’s time to disconnect the AC Compressor, followed by the exhaust manifold. We recommend simply disconnecting the exhaust pipe rather than removing the entire manifold from the engine.

Now you can disconnect all the wiring. Once the wiring is removed, move onto the fuel lines and disconnect them. Be extra cautious in this step, as the fuel can spray onto your face and into your eyes.

Remove the Engine

Now you have space to work on the engine. Sometimes it may be easier to remove the transmission and the engine at once, as opposed to just the engine.

Once removed, you can lift up the engine with an engine jack and lever. You can hook the chains onto the compressor bracket and the alternator bracket. As you lift it, keep an eye on any other parts that may get in the way and move them so you don’t damage them.

Lower it to the ground and remove the starting motor. After this, you should remove the alternator from the old engine and attach it to the used replacement engine, followed by the starter motor.

Installing a Used Replacement Engine

Now the replacement engine is ready to be put back into the car and secured to the mounts. Re-attach all the hosing and wiring you removed. After everything is re-installed, start the car to check that the engine is running, then fill it up with fresh oil, add new coolant to the radiator, and add transmission fluid to the transmission if you removed it.

Our Houston Junkyard Promises Quality Used Engines

At our Houston salvage yard, we make sure to test every single used car part we receive to ensure it works as good as new and lasts. If you need a replacement engine, please contact us so we can have it ready for you or ship it nationwide if needed.

Posted on

3 Signs You Need a Replacement Engine

A car is a hefty, long-term investment, and with regular maintenance, it can certainly last for the long term. However, eventually, certain parts of your car will reach their lifespan as a result of normal wear and tear or, in some cases, a lack of regular maintenance. Driving with a bad engine is dangerous for you, other drivers, and for the environment. Here are some signs that you are in need of an engine replacement.

Increased Exhaust Smoke

A healthy, working engine shouldn’t be releasing a lot of smoke. If you notice that, as you drive, you’re leaving a smoky path behind you, then it’s time to consider that something might be wrong. The exhaust smoke can be released in different colors, with each color indicating a different problem with your engine.

Black smoke means too much fuel is burning while you drive, blue smoke means you’re burning oil, and white smoke can mean that there is a leak in the cooling system. A leaking cooling system quickly puts your engine at risk of overheating.

Engine Knocking Noises

Luckily, noises are easy to notice and are an immediate sign that something is off. Often times, catching an unusual noise will help you solve the problem before it gets worse. In the case of a troubled engine, when you hear a noise that means something is terribly wrong and it needs to be addressed immediately. A knocking and rattling noise that gets louder as you rev up the engine is even more alarming. Typically, this indicates that the engine’s bearings are excessively worn, which will very quickly cause the whole engine to break down, so it’s best to buy the replacement car part so you don’t put your daily drives to work at risk.

Flakey Oil

It’s important to make sure that every time you go for an oil change, the technician checks the previous oil for any bits and flakes of metal floating around. If it turns out that your oil has metal flakes in it, this is highly indicative that there has been an increase in the friction between all of its moving parts. This suggests that the engine isn’t properly lubricated and has now undergone extensive damage.

High Quality Used Replacement Engines at Airline Auto Parts

At our junkyard in Houston, we understand the desire to keep your cherished car running for as long as possible and as affordably as possible. This is why we sell high quality, recycled replacement engines. We test every used car part we stock to ensure it lasts and ship nationwide. If you need a smoother and safer drive without breaking the bank, contact us today to help you find a replacement engine.