Joined
·
4,198 Posts
Let's set up some basic guidelines on what to look for in buying a 4BT engine to avoid having your vehicle rejected or even impounded as stolen property due to having an engine that has a history of being stolen.
1. Physically check to insure that the "Engine serial number with CPL number Tag" and the "Emissions Tag" is attached to the gear drive case on the drivers side of the engine.
2. Obtain a WRITTEN "Bill of Sale" receipt from the seller. Some states also require the serial number of the previous vehicle that the engine was last installed into MUST also be on the Bill of Sale. A printed copy of an EBay auction sale MAY NOT meet the requirements of your State or Country. Check your state laws BEFORE starting your conversion for what is required.
3. A secondary serial number is usually found on the rear side of the engine block stamped above the "adapter" and below the cylinder head. On an engine remanufactured by Cummins the serial number can be XXX'd out and a new number stamped into the block by Cummins. This new serial number is usually stamped by using a machine that maintains perfect alignment in the stamping of the new number. Run, don't walk if the serial number at this location is removed by grinding and none is present on the gear cover housing. Chances are you are looking at a stolen engine.
4. Cummins now requires the engine serial number more frequently than the CPL number for replacement parts. Cummins maintains a database of the engines that it has manufactured. It would not be that difficult for them to "flag" the serial number of a stolen engine. A bargain priced engine is not possibly worth a free ride in a police car to the local judicial office and on to a new place of lodging where you will meet new roomates and have free meals provided to you.
5. Save a file copy of all of your purchases for future reference. This should include ALL of your "Bill of sales" for your purchases along with your applications that were sent in to your state or government. Also save a copy of your "approval" or what ever they send back. This can save you a lot of grief if there are changes made in the laws that could affect the status of your vehicle. These items should always include the "Bill of sale" for the engine. Put this file copy in a safe place. A duplicate of this file could be carried in the vehicle but that is not recommended.
6. "So why not just buy a CPL tag and add it to the gear case?" Because this action would subject you to the penalties involved in "Altering a serial number" which is strictly illegal unless it is performed by the original manufacturer.
7. Avoid the headaches involved in buying a "non emissions certified" 4BT. Most of these industrial engines are governed to run at a predetermined fixed speed. The injection pump has a different governor to maintain the fixed speed with varying loads applied; in example a generator set running at 1800 rpm or an irrigation pump. The only exception to the rule is a forklift engine which is set up similar to the automotive engine but they are considered as an industrial engine and most were not emissions certified.
8. Starting your engine the first time. NEVER run your engine more than 10 seconds if there is no coolant in the engine block. I have seen this done many times on TV. It is the quickest way to crack the cylinder head. If you really must start it up you should fill the block first with coolant by rigging a connector hose from the bottom hose outlet to an elbow and another hose or tubing that is higher than the engine.
:idea: Comments to any omissions are welcome. :idea:
1. Physically check to insure that the "Engine serial number with CPL number Tag" and the "Emissions Tag" is attached to the gear drive case on the drivers side of the engine.
2. Obtain a WRITTEN "Bill of Sale" receipt from the seller. Some states also require the serial number of the previous vehicle that the engine was last installed into MUST also be on the Bill of Sale. A printed copy of an EBay auction sale MAY NOT meet the requirements of your State or Country. Check your state laws BEFORE starting your conversion for what is required.
3. A secondary serial number is usually found on the rear side of the engine block stamped above the "adapter" and below the cylinder head. On an engine remanufactured by Cummins the serial number can be XXX'd out and a new number stamped into the block by Cummins. This new serial number is usually stamped by using a machine that maintains perfect alignment in the stamping of the new number. Run, don't walk if the serial number at this location is removed by grinding and none is present on the gear cover housing. Chances are you are looking at a stolen engine.
4. Cummins now requires the engine serial number more frequently than the CPL number for replacement parts. Cummins maintains a database of the engines that it has manufactured. It would not be that difficult for them to "flag" the serial number of a stolen engine. A bargain priced engine is not possibly worth a free ride in a police car to the local judicial office and on to a new place of lodging where you will meet new roomates and have free meals provided to you.
5. Save a file copy of all of your purchases for future reference. This should include ALL of your "Bill of sales" for your purchases along with your applications that were sent in to your state or government. Also save a copy of your "approval" or what ever they send back. This can save you a lot of grief if there are changes made in the laws that could affect the status of your vehicle. These items should always include the "Bill of sale" for the engine. Put this file copy in a safe place. A duplicate of this file could be carried in the vehicle but that is not recommended.
6. "So why not just buy a CPL tag and add it to the gear case?" Because this action would subject you to the penalties involved in "Altering a serial number" which is strictly illegal unless it is performed by the original manufacturer.
7. Avoid the headaches involved in buying a "non emissions certified" 4BT. Most of these industrial engines are governed to run at a predetermined fixed speed. The injection pump has a different governor to maintain the fixed speed with varying loads applied; in example a generator set running at 1800 rpm or an irrigation pump. The only exception to the rule is a forklift engine which is set up similar to the automotive engine but they are considered as an industrial engine and most were not emissions certified.
8. Starting your engine the first time. NEVER run your engine more than 10 seconds if there is no coolant in the engine block. I have seen this done many times on TV. It is the quickest way to crack the cylinder head. If you really must start it up you should fill the block first with coolant by rigging a connector hose from the bottom hose outlet to an elbow and another hose or tubing that is higher than the engine.
:idea: Comments to any omissions are welcome. :idea:
