How to find where car engine came from
Every car engine has a unique identification number that can be used to trace its origin. This number is typically stamped on the engine block, and it can be used to find out where the engine was manufactured, when it was made, and what type of engine it is.
If you’re not sure where to find the engine identification number on your car, you can consult your owner’s manual or look it up online. Once you have the number, you can use it to track down the engine’s history.
There are a few different ways to find out where a car engine came from. One way is to use an online database. There are a number of websites that allow you to search for engine identification numbers and find out where the engines were manufactured.
Another way to find out where a car engine came from is to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer will be able to tell you where the engine was made and what type of engine it is.
If you’re having trouble finding out where a car engine came from, you can always take it to a mechanic. The mechanic will be able to identify the engine and tell you where it came from.
Using an Online Database
There are a number of online databases that allow you to search for engine identification numbers and find out where the engines were manufactured. Some of the most popular databases include:
* The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
* The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Decoder
* The Carfax Vehicle History Report
To use one of these databases, simply enter the engine identification number into the search field and click “Search.” The database will then return a list of results that include the make, model, and year of the vehicle that the engine came from.
Contacting the Manufacturer
If you’re unable to find out where a car engine came from using an online database, you can always contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer will be able to tell you where the engine was made and what type of engine it is.
To contact the manufacturer, you can look up their contact information online or in your owner’s manual. Once you have the contact information, you can call or email the manufacturer and provide them with the engine identification number.
Taking the Engine to a Mechanic
If you’re having trouble finding out where a car engine came from, you can always take it to a mechanic. The mechanic will be able to identify the engine and tell you where it came from.
To take the engine to a mechanic, you will need to remove it from the vehicle. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process, so it’s best to leave it to a professional.
Once the engine has been removed, you can take it to a mechanic and have them identify it. The mechanic will be able to tell you where the engine came from, what type of engine it is, and whether or not it is still in good condition.
How to Tell What Kind of Engine Your Car Has
This article was co-authored by Matthew Rava and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Matthew Rava is an Auto Repair Expert and the Co-founder & Head of Marketing of Brakes to You. He specializes in auto repairs that concern brakes. Matthew earned a BS from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 70,839 times.
Need to know what kind of engine your car has? Fortunately, it’s easy to find out using your car’s VIN. Keep reading to learn how to locate your VIN and use it to look up what engine your car has. We’ll also walk you through alternative methods in case you don’t have access to your vehicle’s VIN.
Things You Should Know
- Locate your car’s VIN, which is usually on the front window or in the driver’s side door jamb.
- Run the VIN through a free online VIN decoder to find out what type of engine your car has.
- You can also ask your dealership or car manufacturer to tell you what type of engine you have.
Section 1 of 3:
Using Your VIN
- Your VIN might also be printed on the front of the engine block, on the front of the car frame near the windshield washing fluid, above the tire in the rear wheel well, or underneath your spare tire. [2] X Research source
- You can also look at your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or title for the VIN.
- U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- CARFAX
- Driving Tests Site
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Section 2 of 3:
Examining Your Engine
- The letter next to the number of cylinders refers to the layout of the engine. “V” means that the cylinders are arranged in two rows while “I” or “L” means they’re in a straight line.
- Any engine above 2 liters is generally considered a large engine, while small engines are usually only 1-2 liters.
- Bigger isn’t always better—engine size should be relative to the kind of car you have. For example, a 2.0L engine is perfect for a compact car but would make an SUV lag far behind. [4] X Research source
- The size refers to how much room the engine’s pistons operate in. Bigger engines can produce more power because they have a larger amount of air and fuel that each piston can push. This is also why engine size affects the fuel economy of a car. [5] X Research source
Section 3 of 3:
Alternative Methods
- Toyota
- Nissan
- Honda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Volkswagen
- Ford
- If you bought your car new, it’s a good idea to keep copies of your window sticker in the glove box so you know what specific parts are required for repairs in the future.
- Since 2007, new vehicles are required by U.S. law to have a window sticker displayed on them by the dealership.
- Marti doesn’t have any data for vehicles from 1966 and older, but they do have some original Ford invoices for 1962-1966 Thunderbirds.
- Look for repair facilities with civic and community service awards, AAA Approved Auto Repair status, and other signs of customer service professionalism.
- Inside the shop, look for evidence of qualified technicians, like trade school diplomas or Automotive Service Excellence certifications.
- Check to see if the facility is neat and organized, with modern equipment and cars that are equivalent in value to your own.
- Ask your friends or family members for their recommendations.
- Once you have a shop in mind, start by asking for small repairs. If you’re happy with the work they’ve done, then you can trust this shop with more expensive repairs later.
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