Good question, but no way to find out. It'* just a finger pointing exercise. Salvage yard says the shipper did it (as they test the motor before they ship it), shipper will say the salvage yard or mechanic did it. Since there isn't any way to inspect it at pick up or drop off, there is no way to prove when it happened.

The salvage yard owner says he spent a lot of $ last year on oil pans because of this very reason, and no longer covers this type of damage.

So I'm pretty much in hell. :(

Well, I hooked up the mech gauge. Zero oil pressure at idle, 50 + at 2000 RPM. I guess the good news is my dash cluster is A-OK.

1. Does what the salvage yard told me (Crushed oil pan ruined oil pump) sound plausible?

2. Anything else I can check? Some posts lead me to believe perhaps the PCV valve is something to check/replace.

Thanks
Matt

Matt..

The oil pump on our cars is nearly indestructible. It is in the front of the timing cover and driven by the crank. The fact that you have oil pressure when reving is proof that you have a working pump.

I'm sitting on a similar situation at the moment with my car...but have a new engine sourced. I'd say you have rod knock and a bad motor.

Thanks Bill.

I just called the salvage yard, they said "maybe dry rot on the valve guides". Said they would pay for parts if I need em. But not labor.

Here'* how I grade midwest auto recycling: F-

1. Oil pan crushed.
2. They claim that they test all motors for oil pressure before shipment. Now they want me to go on a fishing expedition with this engine. I guess I was under the impression I could just buy a used motor, and fork over a bit more for a lower mileage one to avoid these sorts of things.

[whine]I borrowed 2K from my brother to get this done, and now I'm not only in debt, I still don't have a car.[/whine]

Well, if anyone else can benefit from this excercise, let it be known that in my opinion - stay away from midwest auto recycling.

Matt...if you want to see pain in action. Check out my thread in P&B, two motors down the tubes and the third is coming tomorrow.

First was me.
Second had similiar issues to what you describe, although I think you need to see the oil pan before it leaves...we'll all laugh and start over again.

Yeah, I've been following your pain closely.... I meant to post some condolences, but never did. So.... I feel for ya man. If either of us ever get a working motor, we are going to have to meet up to see who can drink the most beer.

Thanks for the help -

Matt

Sounds good... keep your head up and see what that place can do for the motor. Push a little harder if needed.

Will do - I just shot them off an email, copy is below. Now I'm off to set a beer drinking record.

Sirs:

I've gotta say I'm extremely unhappy with my purchase, ref: 01069381, problem: the engine has no oil pressure at idle.

I've talked with you this morning, and first I want to say that I very much appreciate the offer to pay for any needed parts to get this resolved.

Having said that, I'm somewhat upset that I have to have the motor repaired in the first place.

I chose your company based on your testimonials. I chose the motor because of it'* low mileage.

Now I have to pay a mechanic to diagnose and repair a defective engine, when in your own words:

"All ENGINES come as a complete assembly.They are started, inspected for compression, cylinder leak down tested, checked for oil pressure and cleaned."

I have to believe that if the oil pressure was checked, a reading of zero would have given some indication that there was a problem.

Also, the oil pan was crushed. Although I have no way to determine when this happened, based on the footprint/shape of the damage, I doubt that it occured in shipment. Damage this severe surely would have cracked the pallet.

Again, I appreciate the offer on the material costs, and my mechanic will be in touch to provide any needed documentation.

Well, I'm gonna lift my evaluation of Midwest for now. They responded to my email asking me to call. I talked to them, described my frustration, and they have offered to ship another motor at no cost; but first they want to talk to my mechanic to see if there is anything that can be done with the motor in the car, and they will foot the bill. To me, that'* extremely reasonable and what I would expect from any reputable company. WIll provide updates as I get 'em.

Wow!! Can't ask for much better than that (at this point)