Before buying a used vehicle, you want to know its history in the finest detail. Such secrets are not always easy to find out from the previous owner. Experienced drivers know - to learn about the past, it is enough to get the engine number, run it through various databases, and the secret will become clear.
Contents
- How to Find the Engine Number
- How to Know the Engine Number?
- Why Check the Engine Number?
- Conclusions
How to Find the Engine Number
The engine is the heart, the driving force, and the power of the car. The parameters of the power unit affect the price, driving characteristics, and reliability. The internal combustion engine is a complex mechanism that involves four systems:
- β’Β Β Β Fuel system
- β’Β Β Β Cooling system
- β’Β Β Β Lubrication system
- β’Β Β Β Exhaust system
The interconnections with other components make a complete replacement of the unit a rather complex procedure. Therefore, the likelihood that the factory "native" engine is under the hood is at least 99%. This means that the engine and the frame will always be of the same age. They are witnesses to everything that happened to the car. For this reason, checking the engine number can tell a lot about the iron horse. For example, the actual date of production (if the day, month, year are unknown or doubtful), the manufacturer, and more.
For different brands and models, the location of the engine number differs. But it will definitely be engraved on the cylinder block housing. Engraving is the only way to protect the characters from damage and deformation, as regular overheating can distort the information. Dishonest sellers may intentionally alter or erase the markings for various reasons.
The usual location is a flat area under the oil level dipstick in the oil pan on the radiator side. Other points where it is located:
- β’Β Β Β Beside the oil filter
- β’Β Β Β In the timing belt area
- β’Β Β Β Under the exhaust gas receiver
- β’Β Β Β Behind the distributor
Definitely, the location of the engine number will be in a hard-to-reach and well-protected area.
How to Know the Engine Number
The main rule for finding the coveted signs is that they must be engraved. Any plates and overlays mean falsification. The marking is common for all variants. It consists of 17 characters - Latin letters and Arabic numerals. The strict sequence implies the country and factory of manufacture, date of production, version, and more. It is difficult to recognize with the naked eye. For this purpose, a flashlight, a mirror, and wet wipes to remove dirt from the surface where the number is located will be useful.
It is important that all 17 characters are clear and readable. You can reach the identification code yourself without resorting to the services of a service station and without disassembling the unit. For further actions, it is better to photograph or copy the found engraving. The obtained information is compared with the one indicated in the documentation. You can always find the engine number by VIN.
Why is such a check needed?
It is right to make sure of the cleanliness of the history of the sedan, crossover, or hatchback you like before buying. This is not only about accidents where major parts were replaced, but also about legality. Having such information on hand, you can weigh all the pros and cons, as well as assess possible risks. Before finding the engine number, it is necessary to study the documentation for the car - the registration certificate and the technical passport. You can check it against the factory plate located at the bottom of the cab's side pillar on the left side.
The code should match what is recorded. Reasons why this may not happen:
- β’Β Β Β The engine number is erased/hidden - this means that the cylinder block has been replaced, and now the fact of a major repair and the foundation are hidden
- β’Β Β Β The absence of engraving, which is difficult for the owner to explain, may indicate that the item has legal issues (stolen property or other)
- β’Β Β Β Mismatched data - the engine could have simply been replaced, especially this is practiced on cars of the Soviet automotive industry (VAZ, AZLK, ZIL, and so on)
- β’Β Β Β On American cars, the engine number is often missing, and this is normal. In this case, the main source of knowledge is the passport
A match of the marking and the recorded data means that the applicant has an original car with original parts and assemblies, as well as the area where the engine number is located.
After that, you can proceed to check the engine number for legality. There are open resources where stolen and wanted cars are listed. Without leaving your home, you can find out all the details about the vehicle you are interested in. These registries also contain data from insurance companies, the executive service (the vehicle may well be pledged property), and bailiffs. By checking the coding, you can make sure that the seller is the legal owner.
If you do not trust digital technologies, you can request information from law enforcement agencies. It will take more time, but it is worth it. If you do not want trouble with using the car, then waiting will not be in vain.
Conclusions
Although the engine number represents a subtle detail, it contains crucial information. Neglecting such details is sinful, especially since special efforts, skills, or equipment are not required to search and verify. During the inspection of a potential purchase, it is better to spend a few minutes studying the characteristics and then use it calmly, rather than worry about the consequences of an unfavorable deal. If you have difficulties in finding the engine number, you can consult with a mechanic.
See also:
- Toyota Camry 55 USA parts
- Ford Edge dismantling
- Ford Escape MK3 dismantling
- Ford Focus 3 dismantling
- Ford Fusion dismantling
- Jetta 6 dismantling
- Passat B7 USA parts
- Passat B8 USA
- Toyota Camry 70 parts
- Highlander parts
- Nissan Rogue dismantling
