Is there a quick way to tell if an engine has low miles without tearing it apart? I always get scared when someone wants to sell me an older engine with very low miles.

 

the only thing i can think of, is pull the spark plugs and get a scope and look into the cylinders far ware. other than that... buyer beware

good luck

 

How accessible is the engine? Pull the valve cover, if it's low miles, it should look it.

Is the engine still running in the truck? If there's a tachometer, watch the engine at idle.
On a low-mileage engine those nylon timing chain gears won't have sheared off many teeth, and you should have a smooth idle.

Pull the distributor cap, once again, if the engine is low miles, it'll look it.

 

how much of an older engine?

 

It's a 93 and located at a salvage yard. They say it has 48,000 on it.

 

I think I would ask how long they have had it. It may have sat around for a long time, and under what conditions.

 

Was it in a wreck? is it still in the car? if so I bet the mileage is correct, unless they are just making stuff up to sell the motor.

I wonder if you can get the vin # and look up when it was filed a non-op. at the DMV, MVD or whatever they call it where you are.

Good Luck!