Donor Engine Needed - what questions to ask

[Planet Claire]

Hi
Replacing the engine in my much beloved MX-5 is going to be the cheaper option to keep her on the road. The garage she's currently in has a replacement that could be used.

Before I call the garage, what questions do I need to ask them to ensure I'm not replacing one duff engine with another duff one?

For info it's an NB 1.8.

Thanks

[Huzzah]

Is it guaranteed?

[Planet Claire]

Thanks, I'll ask.

[andrewcliffe]

before they pulled it from a car, did the do compression tests/ leakage tests and a video of it running? Is it warrented? What servicing did it have? When were belts done (if its belt drive).

[stevieturbo]

As Huzzah says, if they're supplying and fitting.....the only thing you need to know, is how long they will warranty it for.

It should be really straightforward though.

[Planet Claire]

Thanks, chaps.

[Lotobear]

Always assumed your steer would be a Plymouth Satellite

[Planet Claire]

Lotobear said:

Always assumed your steer would be a Plymouth Satellite

[Krikkit]

What happened to the original engine? Aren't they a non-interference lump?

[Planet Claire]

Krikkit said:

What happened to the original engine? Aren't they a non-interference lump?

Yeah, it's non-interference. They did a compression test as it was feeling sluggish pulling away and has started leaking oil. Cylinder 3 was at 125 whereas the others are at 175. The garage told me that it could be an expensive job (more than the pretty expensive quote I already had to fix a myriad of issues because I'm a sentimental cow and don't want to scrap her).

So, rather than progressing any further and racking up the bill even more with exploratory work, I think I have to be pragmatic and take the cheaper option and do an engine swap. It keeps costs down and keeps her on the road.