Automotive Forums

I have a question. My dad just bought a new car, so he gave me his old 1993 Buick Lesabre w/ 115,000 mi. However, the original engine blew after the intake manifold was replaced, so I was thinking that the reason why the old one blew was because of the damage the leaking manifold was causing. So, my dad got a used engine from a junkyard that had only 64,000 mi. on it. He also got several new parts put in the car, including new plugs wires, new water pump, and a few other parts that I can't remember right now.

However, I just got the car earlier last week, and all of the new parts had just been installed less than 2 weeks ago. I was driving through town, and whenever I was idling along, the engine would cut off, and I would have to put the car in park and restart the engine. It did this to me about 8 times in a 1hr, 45min period. It also was making this funny noise when I would rev up the engine. I thought it was the gears being stuck in between neutral and drive. Fortunately, I was able to get the car back to campus without wrecking.

So, my dad came by to look at car. When he checked the oil, it was this graphite looking color, almost like it had metal shavings in the oil.
When my dad cranked up the engine and revved it up, it made this loud knocking noise. Whatever broke in the engine, it was bad enough for the engine to be replaced.

Now, my dad is about put in yet another engine in my car. I'm just wanting to know if there is something in the car that could be causing both engines to tear up, or did my dad just pick a bad replacement engine. I just want to know so that I won't have to go through this again. I just want to know if this is just a coincedence and not a problem with the car. Thanks.  

Used engines are allways a gamble...the salvage yard which sold the first engine should not charge you for another one if it was only 2 weeks ago...labor well if the shop suggested a new one and your dad went with a used one then they should not have to pay for it...however for customer service if it were my shop I would take care of it

Nick
ASE Master Auto Technician, L1  
ASE Master Auto Technician, L1, ASE Certified Service Consultant, ASE Certified Parts Specialist, Chrysler Certified Service Manager/Technician