What to Expect from an Engine Survey?

[rodell]

Hi,

I've never had the opportunity, before, to have an engine survey prior to purchase. I'm going to have a pair of Cummins 4BTA-3.9 engines (500 hours, fwc) surveyed.

What should I expect from the surveyer? I've received a number of recommendations, but, I'm not certain what I should expect him (or her) to do.

Bob

 

[JohnZ]

rodell, diesel engine survey can be anything you want it to be.
The base (minimum)survey we perform is called "diesel engine run-up" and consists of :
Engine run to full rated RPM (with an hand tachometer)
Examination of cylinder temperatures
Cooling system temperature checks.
Cooling system pressure test.
Intake and exhaust system checks
Oil analysis (laboratory)
Oil Pressure check
Crank Case pressure check
Combustion Gas Leak Detection test

since this is an older engine, you could add compression testing (expensive), but this is a low hour engine and i wouldn't recommend it unless somthing was discovered during the run-up or seatrial.