What are the few ways you can tell an engine was actually replaced. The seller says that he did it at a Mazda Dealership, but is lacking the paperwork for whatever reason. The problem is that the dealership has since closed. Do they usually keep a database of that kind of information, or is there a visual cue I can look to see if the engine was replaced?

thanks

 

I've seen some remam engines that have a "sign" stamped onto the front cover, right above the crank angle sensors. If that is there that could be a sign that it was repalced.

 

This is a sure fire way to tell if it is a reman but you have to remove the front pressure tank to see it. The tag is completely obscured with the tank in place.

Another way to tell if it is a reman, the front cover, water pump housing and water neck are painted silver, the paint does not hold up very well and peels.

 

Yea, I probably wont be able to remove any parts while I'm checking it out, the paint sounds like a good idea.

Any clue on the Mazda database side of it?



If anyone can like circle or describe where on that engine bay pic I could look. Hell, if you can tell just from the picture, that would be great.

 

I second turbojeff on the peeling.

 

That engine bay looks famliar. From Hawaii via Oregon?

Where is the car?

 

California org. from Canada.

btw it was replace in 2001 so would it have peeled?

 

damn I almost forgot what my engine bay looked like back in the day before it got all opened up lol

 

Mazda may or maynot have records of the engine being replaced. When I buy Mazda remans the dealer asks for the mileage and VIN of the car it is going into. If the dealer turned in that info Mazda USA MIGHT have a record of it.

As for the peeling, yeah it will have peeled. Look around and near the yellow cap that is on the engine.

 

They should have some sort of customer database.