Buying used diesel engines might be a good option for you if you need to convert your truck gas engine into diesel. If you need to do this for your truck, please remember some of these info so you don’t get yourself in a whole lot of trouble.

1.) Take a compression test!

Unlike gasoline engines, when buying used diesel engines, make sure to check the engine compression and it should be tested vigorously before possession.  The average compression reading of a used diesel engine is usually around 300-400 psi. If you have to do it yourself, the compression gage is mounted on the diesel glow plug hole. Otherwise, ask the vendor to show it to you…you don’t want to find out later after you installed the used diesel engine that it has a poor compression. This will cause you a lot of grief and labor. Buying a used diesel engine is one of the ways you can beat this recession but you have to know how test them before you buy it.

Tip when buying used diesel engines from a salvage yard:

When buying used diesel engines from a salvage yard, make sure the engine is still in the vehicle. This way you can verify the actual mileage of the engine and where it came from. You could be sold a “stolen” diesel engine if you buy it separate from the vehicle unless you know you are dealing with a refutable vendor.

2.) don’t forget the accessories!

When buying used diesel engines, make sure to include these engine accessories:

starter assembly
alternator assembly
air compressor assembly
wiring harness and computer controls

You would need most of these especially if you are doing an engine conversion from gasoline to diesel. If the diesel engine has a computer control module, make sure to get the complete circuit components such as the input sensors and output solenoids. This way, if the diesel engine has to be programmed to work the electronic gadgets, you can make it work. For all the rest of the accessories, buy it complete with the engine so you avoid wasting your assembly time.

ATS Tips:

Because of the rising cost of gasoline, converting your vehicle to a diesel is a viable options instead of buying an expensive diesel trucks.

Before buying used diesel engines, ask ATS for all the required conversions such as the changes to the transmission, clutch, driveline and everything needed to make your conversion successful. Please leave your questions on the comment box below.