Creating A Better Car Interior

Getting The Right Parts For Your Engine

1 July 2018 by Celina Freeman

If you are working on an automotive project that involves rebuilding or repairing the engine in the vehicle, you need to get the right parts for the job the first time. Getting the wrong ones can really slow your progress down and it can be difficult to return them, especially if they are rare parts to begin with. There are a few things you can do to ensure you get the right parts from the beginning.

Check the Part Numbers

If you are not sure what engine you have in your car, truck, or SUV, this is the place to start. You cannot order motor parts without knowing what engine you have because in most cases, the parts will not fit unless they are specific to that engine. Some manufacturers might use one part in several engines but most often that is only true of engines that are derivatives of other engines. The 262 cubic inch V6 is a shortened version of the 350 cubic inch V8 and is a good example of two engines that may use some of the same parts, but are not identical. The way to be sure that you are getting the right parts is to use the part number on the old part and order the same part.

Ask Auto Parts Stores About Aftermarket Engine Parts

The disadvantage to buying aftermarket parts is that they may not carry the same part numbers as the original equipment parts do. Most auto parts stores will be able to deal with that though. If you have some basic information about the car, they can cross reference the part numbers and get you the right part for your car. The parts are just as good as factory parts but are often less expensive. Most aftermarket parts will have a warranty period on them and it might even be better than that offered by the dealer on OEM parts.

Be Careful With Used Engine Parts

There are some engine parts that can be reused but not everything has that option. The internal parts on most engines are not really candidates for reuse but parts like the alternator, the starter, and most of the external parts can be salvaged and reused. Used parts are of course the cheapest way to go but they typically don't have much of a warranty, if any, and are the riskiest to buy. You have to know about cars and what will fit correctly if you are going to try and use recycled parts, or check the interchange book that most salvage yards have on hand. The book helps identify what parts are interchangeable between models and manufacturers. While not every part is listed in it, the interchange book can really help get you headed in the right direction.                              

Talk to a professional, like those at Dean's Auto Repair Inc, if you have specific questions. 

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