Need New Engine - 2002 Chrysler Town & Country - 3.3L Flex Fuel -

[Fulcrum]

I have a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L Flex Fuel vehicle.
My engine finally died.

I'm looking to purchase a used engine, as I'm finding them for sale for $250 to $300 typically on CraigsList. However, I need advice on how to do this, because I don't want to buy a lemon, and I don't want to spend a high amount of ca$h doing it. I'm finding acceptable used vehicles for $3000, so if I go with a used engine, I'd like it to cost no more than 1/2 that amount... $1,500.

A) What year, size, and type of engines fit my vehicle?
i) I have a 2002
ii) I have a 3.3L (Will a 3.8L fit?) (For gas mileage I'd rather have a 3.3L)
iii) I have a Flex Fuel engine, will a REGULAR engine fit?
I ask as I read one engine seller stating his 3.3L engine WILL NOT FIT a flex fuel vehicle. Why?

B) How do I verify that a used engine is good?
B1) I realize that if it is still in the vehicle and I can test it that is good, but what if the engine is already out?
B2) I realize I could run the VIN, but is there a service that inspects used engines for verification?

C) What is the best way to transport an engine?
C1) Is there a business / service that does this, or can I do this myself?
C2) If I transport myself, are there any precautions in doing so?
C3) Is there any special equipment needed to orient the engine?

D1) What cost should I expect to have to pay to (a) pull an engine (b) hook up an engine. In my case, worse case would be...
(i) pull out the used engine,
(ii) pull out my bad engine
(iii) put the used engine into my vehicle and get it running.
D2) Are there known good businesses in SE Michigan that do this?

E) I live in SE Michigan, are there any businesses that sell certified used engines?
I'd rather pay a little extra to get a known good engine. (I realize there is Michigan Motor Exchange that sells rebuilt, but they want in the $3000 range).

F) What other questions should I be asking, that I didn't ask about above?

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G) If I decide to junk my vehicle. What is the best way to get rid of it?
(I don't know as I've always sold my vehicles)
G1) How much will a salvage yard pay me for the vehicle?
G2) If I part out the vehicle, what should I expect to get from it within the first 3 months? Winter is coming so I don't expect sales will be all that great.
G3) If I strip it down and sell off the parts, what will a salvage yard give me for the remaining carcass? I've heard from $200 to $300 per ton is what the salvage gets for them after crushing them. Are there any recommendations for a salvage yard?

Fulcrum

[b1lk1]

OK, I'm gonna try and tackle this for you.

1. Almost no one is going to guarantee a used engine. Many scrapyards have moved away from selling them due to the costs of dealing with selling bad ones. There is no way anyone selling a used engine can guarantee it is known good, there are far too many variables involved.

2. Find a trustworthy mechanic and ask HIM to purchase and guarantee the engine and the work installing it. It will cost you more this way, but as a mechanic, I would never offer any sort of warranty/guaranty on an engine I did not purchase.

3. Get a flex fuel engine. There are differences in the fuel system.

4. I would not waste the money on a used engine. IF you don't want to spend the $$$ and you can replace your van for the same money then that may be your best option. My argument against replacing the van is this:

(a) Is you van in good condition other than the engine?
(b) Can you find a vehicle in the same mechanical condition (except the engine of course) as your van for the money?
(c) Are you prepared to have to perform work on the newer vehicle that the old owner neglected?

Buying a used car is never fun and there is always a risk.

5. If you do not repair it, scrap it. Trying to part it out is a long slow process and you will deal with people who don't want to pay 1/2 of what you are asking and expect guarantees. Far too much of a headache for me and I always send them straight to the crusher.

If you ask me, you are over thinking this. If you were capable of doing an engine install yourself, then buy a used one and hope for the best. If you are paying to have it installed then have that person buy the engine and install it. If you want to get a newer vehicle, scrap the old and get the new.