If you're entering the arena of used engine sales, either to buy one or more used engines for fleet vehicles or in another capacity, it helps to have some knowledge about used engines key terms. Suppliers of used engines can often offer the resources you need online to distinguish between their major products and the common standards of the industry.

Find out about what kinds of used car engines and used truck engines are the most desired and how sellers evaluate them at the sites of veteran used engine companies. Buyers or other interested parties can get a wealth of information including:

1. Influences from foreign engine markets on the international playing field, for evaluating a used foreign engine or a variety of new and used engines.

2. Ways to talk about what is included in purchasing used and rebuilt engines.

3. Other key terms that buyers and sellers use to communicate about the condition, features or value of used or remanufactured engines.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about JDM and USDM used engines

When it comes to buying used engines, you'll want to know this key lingo: JDM refers to Japanese Domestic Market, and USDM refers to the U.S. Domestic Market. Why do people talk about JDM engines? Find out from engine sellers.

I recommend: The ASAP Motors & Transmissions page informs readers about JDM engines and their place in the US market. Find out more at this JDM engine blog spot.

Find out about long and short blocks for used engines

Another key term set in the used engine industry is the 'long block' and 'short block' designation. What does this mean? The long and short block are two different types of engine products. The long block includes more engine accessories than the short block does.

I recommend: Find out about some of the differences between long and short blocks from Westmoreland Equipment. For more in-depth information on the long and short of used engines as well as more educational resources, go to autoMedia.com.

Learn more terms for new and used engines

Besides the above, mechanics and anyone else in the market throw around words related to either the performance or value of a used engine, or both, to figure out just what kind of shape the product is in. Find out about these kinds of terms from sites specializing in the features of engines.

I recommend: Get basic engine terms at J.D. Power and Associates basic engine terminology page. For a lot more in an engine performance glossary, try the Super Tigre site. Learn about lots of different engine terms affecting performance and value.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even if you've figured out the lingo around used engines, never rely on vague promises about the condition of your purchase. Get the details up front and avoid costly miscommunications between seller and buyer.

Replacing a vehicle is one of the most expensive items to consider as a business owner. Unless your vehicle was totaled in a crash, consider buying a used engine instead of a whole new car. Used and rebuilt engines can be just as reliable as a new engine if built by an expert.

Many mechanically minded people can install new and used engines, but in a business the time factor needs to be considered. If you decide to install rebuilt engines, your vehicle will be out of service until the job is finished. Can you afford that?

Many remanufactured engines are more complex than you may think. Refurbished diesel engines require special knowledge of diesel engines and diesel fuel. Your foreign vehicle needs a used foreign engine, but tools and measurements may be totally different. Used truck engines need to have the right amount of horsepower to do the work of your business. In these cases, it’s highly recommended that you locate an expert in new and used engines for installation.

When you’re ready to buy remanufactured engines, remember:

1. Check the prices for used and rebuilt engines online so you know the price difference;
2. Shop prices If you need a used foreign engine, because they vary greatly from seller to seller;
3. Get familiar with the standard of service to expect from engine rebuilders; and
4. Learn how to "break in" used car engines.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop around - then shop some more

Decide on the type of used engine you need, then check online for the going price. The price will vary depending on the type of used engine you want, the area of the country you live in and the 'bells and whistles' you want to include. Remember that you're only pricing the used engine, any installation will add labor charges.

I recommend: Browse through an online catalogue of domestic and import remanufactured engines.

Check specialty engine rebuilding sites

Go online and compare engine rebuilder sites for specialty engines. Specialty engines include remanufactured diesel engines, truck engines and used foreign engines. You'll also find FAQs that can answer your questions at some specialty rebuilt engines sites.

I recommend: Visit Diesel Exchange for help with rebuilt diesel engines, and check online for rebuilt and used import engines.

Know what to expect from a rebuilder

Engine rebuilders all have their own way to build a used engine, however most follow basic standards. These basic standards cover gas engine rebuilds and diesel engine rebuilds. These standards also include how to 'break in' a newly rebuilt engine and the rebuilder should inform you how to 'break in' the newly refurbished engine.

I recommend: Visit AERA, the American Engine Rebuilders Association, for accepted standards in remanufactured engines and learning how to "break in" a newly rebuilt engine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always consult with the rebuilder before buying a used engine.

When you're on the market for a used engine, there are a lot of factors to consider if you want to make an efficient purchase. Buying a replacement engine for a worn-out one is not a one-size fits all solution. In addition to matching the vehicle type and model, you'll also need to provide for specific accessories to make installation easier, and look out for some cost elements that can bloat your end price.

Business managers looking for a replacement engine for part of their fleet can benefit from using used engine supplier sites online to learn more about industry standards for buying used engines and who can really help out in getting new, used or rebuilt engines into a stalled vehicle. Buyers might look for:

1. Information on how to get the best bottom line deal on a used foreign engine or specialty engine for a domestic vehicle and making the most of used engines.

2. Detailed information about a warranty to make sure new and used engines will be working down the road.

3. Guidance on how to buy for best installation and how to make sure the purchase can be installed without a lot of extra cost.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Avoid extra charges in buying used and rebuilt engines

To really get a good deal on used engines, it helps to know about all of the charges that get tacked onto a sale. Knowing about these charges helps to avoid them and get a good end result for a used engine buy.

I recommend: Find out about core charges, shipping and more of the usual extra costs at GEX, a seller of used engines everywhere. You can find out more from GotEngines on how to get around these extras and get a deal on a used or rebuilt engine.

Find out about warranties for used engines

The warranty is a key aspect of buying a used engine, just like when you buy a new or pre-owned vehicle. The warranty is important to basically insure your investment, at least for a year or more. Look for specific offers to make your warranty a solid one.

I recommend: Check out the warranty information at Rebuilt Crate Engines for looking at what can be offered to guarantee the longevity of your purchase. Or find a detailed warranty for consideration at online engine vendor site Roadmaster.

Research installation options and specifics for used engines

Another key factor that can cause problems in buying used or remanufactured engines is installation. You might get the best deal around, but if mechanics spend hours fitting used car engines or used truck engines under your hood, those billable hours might add up to a wash. That's why it's so crucial to figure out whether there will be any hang-ups when your replacement engine arrives in the shop.

I recommend: Get installation tips and more from Larry Carley and others at Tomorrow's Technician, where you can learn a lot about the right way to replace a worn-out engine. Use the searchable Automotix Used Engine Repair and Installation Guide to learn more about installing a used engine on any common vehicle on the road.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  All of these factors are important in getting used engines affordably. Talking up front to reps can give you some peace of mind and get you the answers you need about warranty, installation and more.

Used and rebuilt engines are a great way for businesses with large fleets to save money. Installing a used foreign engine or domestic engine takes knowledge and skill. Any business can find companies to perform this service, but it may be more cost effective for a business to train its own employees on installation and maintenance issues. Choosing the right used car engines is also an important task that should be handled by a person with extensive knowledge of the specific car model and engine type.

Used engines installation and maintenance can be taken care of by services specializing in rebuilding or refurbishing engines. Installation and maintenance jobs can also be taken care of at the workplace by having employees that have the skills to:

1. Know the basics of installing used car engines;

2. Install different types of engines in fleet vehicles;

3. Perform routine maintenance checks on used engines.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider companies that install used and rebuilt engines

Consider finding installation services that provide a remanufactured engine when choosing a new or replacement engine for a vehicle. There are many benefits to having a remanufactured engine professionally installed including inspection of all components and warranties on service and parts.

I recommend: Engine Solutions is a company that provides installation of used and rebuilt engines for a variety of vehicle models. The Michigan Motor Exchange is another company that provides services that include refurbishing and installing used engines into different vehicle types.

Train employees to install restored engines

Another way to find skilled technicians to install rebuilt engines into various vehicles used on the job is to train employees for this task. Many automotive courses are designed to give students the skill needed to work with a variety of engine systems, including diesel and hybrid models.

I recommend: Lincoln Educational Services provides training services for automotive technicians working on standard engines and diesel engines. Delmar Cengage Learning provides a self-paced learning course for working on engines in medium and heavy duty trucks.

Provide maintenance training for remanufactured engines

Companies that have a large fleet of vehicles, whether regular cars or heavy duty vehicles, should have employees that know how to perform routine maintenance on the engines. Routine maintenance can keep an engine running longer and provide quicker and less costly repairs when a problem is found.

I recommend: Virginia Engines provides routine maintenance tips for keeping an engine in working order through preventative maintenance techniques such as changing the oil and replacing parts as they wear. Caterpillar provides a flowchart of maintenance options to keep engines in heavy duty vehicles running properly.