Used engine swap-what to look for before install

[quarterboy25]

I’m having a used engine installed. It as 65k miles and comes with a 12 month warranty. Before the engine is actually installed, are there any things I should have the mechanic look at with it? (Cam phasers, hoses, etc). Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

What year is it out of? Depending on your budget and how long you plan on keeping the vehicle, might be worth upgrading cam phasers IF the engine still has the older/failure-prone ones. Might also want to consider replacing those Y-shaped hose adapters that usually leak after engine work and have the latest thermostat installed too.

It’s easy for me to spend YOUR MONEY.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

And carefully examine everywhere there is or might be a hose, fluid line, gasket, seal or hose clamp, since it will be way less work & $$ to replace those parts before the engine is installed

 

[VCFP153]

I would say anything that's "external" or at least not too internal (e.g. cam phasers, timing chain) may be advisable to replace with the engine on a stand vs in the vehicle.

 

[quarterboy25]

What year is it out of? Depending on your budget and how long you plan on keeping the vehicle, might be worth upgrading cam phasers IF the engine still has the older/failure-prone ones. Might also want to consider replacing those Y-shaped hose adapters that usually leak after engine work and have the latest thermostat installed too.

It’s easy for me to spend YOUR MONEY.

Coming out of a 2019 Expy. I have a 2018. Plan on keeping it as long as possible. I’m being quoted $8k including installation.

 

[Soliyou]

Coming out of a 2019 Expy. I have a 2018. Plan on keeping it as long as possible. I’m being quoted $8k including installation.

You may want to do the cam phasers while the engine is on the stand, but I expect this will add $2k to the cost. They still have to spend a day at least to change them.

 

[bmpcamry09]

Do a complete timing job with it on the stand. Will only take an hour at most to pull the cover and replace everything with it so accessible.

Also, go back in with a fresh water pump, spark plugs, thermostat, and thermostat housing. All cheap insurance on failure points.

Do an oil change at the 500 mile mark and drive it hard before then. This will help clean out moisture from the engine if it’s been sitting.

Everything else is solid on gen 2 ecoboosts.

 

[bmpcamry09]

I just realized your having a shop do the install. $8,000 is steep for a used engine. A brand new complete engine from Ford alone can be had for $6000 ish depending on where you get it from. Tasca Parts is who I use. Throw in 20 hours of labor at $150 an hour, you’d be around $9000 for a brand new engine with a warranty. If you’re already dropping that much money, might be a better option. Could be even cheaper if your mechanic has a relationship with your local Ford parts wholesale.

 

[Deadman]

Thats ALOT of money fur a used engine.

 

[quarterboy25]

Thank you all so much. The more I thought about it after you all said that was a high price, I did some more research. My mechanic is charging $2500 for the install. Those prices I quoted were if he found the engine for me. I’m going to ask if that install price will be the same if I find my own engine.