Hey guys,

I don't know too much about engines and was hoping for some help.

My 87 4Runner recently was diagnosed with a blown engine, so i'm debating wheter to get a remanufactured engine (from eBay), or just to get a used engine (from a salvage yard). The remanufactured engine (1 year warranty) would run me about $300 more than the used engine (90 day warranty).

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Also, if I do go for the used engine, what should I look for? It seems like it could be a crapshoot....

Thanks for the help!

For only $300 more you'd be silly not to get a rebuilt engine. To answer your question though, if the engine is in a vehicle get a compression guage and do a compresion check all the way around. Drain the oil, or pull the stick at least and feel the oil. Gritty? Have water in it? Look in the radiatior, any oil there? If you actually get to run the engine, of course there's lots more you can check..

a blown engine is not a diagnosis, it's a condition. spun bearings or a slung rod is a diagnosis :D

anyway 69th pretty much nailed it. no shit in the oil, like water. if at all possible check things like crank endplay and inspect teh cam for flat lobes.

compression should be even across all four, the number doesnt really matter but there will be a range in teh fsm for a stock motor.

make sure the oil doesnt look like this.