What to do with a whole car engine?

**Richard** · 04-11-2011, 10:32 PM

I have a whole car engine that a customer called me to pickup, I got it back to my shop safely, now im not sure what to do with it.

Any tips on processing it for more cash? Or is it better to just run it for the bulk weight?

I have done quite a bit of scrapping over the last few years but this one is new to me!

Mostly do appliances, aluminum, wire and houshold stuff. Im out of my element a bit here with this one.

Im sorry if this has been asked already 1000x I couldnt find a relative thread or any youtube videos or anything!

**BigRyan** · 04-11-2011, 10:38 PM

I'm sure the experts will weigh in soon, but I'm quite sure there are a few aluminum parts that you can take off of it before turning it in. Good find, and good luck!

**jaskelkyz** · 04-11-2011, 11:03 PM

Do what alot of people do, degrease, pressure wash, paint it and sell it for $1500.00 as a fresh rebuild on craigslist.

NOT a good idea but it is getting common.

pull starter and alt. and any alum. bulk the rest.

**Richard** · 04-11-2011, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by jaskelkyz

Do what alot of people do, degrease, pressure wash, paint it and sell it for $1500.00 as a fresh rebuild on craigslist.

NOT a good idea but it is getting common.

pull starter and alt. and any alum. bulk the rest.

Yeah pulling the aluminum, starter and whatever else sounds about right. I also got a cat and two transmission housings. The aluminum salvaged would be irony rate I would assume right?

**Mechanic688** · 04-12-2011, 02:57 AM

Hey Richard, Down here at my local yard it would pay cast aluminum price,,,

**Patton** · 04-12-2011, 08:50 AM

It all depends on the engine. If it is a newer engine with all the cast alum. it is worth it to pull apart and get the iron off of it. If it is an older cast iron, about the only thing you will get is the pistons. To get the piston separated from the rod can be a pain without the help of a press. So it comes down to time vs. money made.

The yard I take to, gives a straight price for engine blocks, either iron or alum. Has to be complete though.