Used engine glossary

Terms from A to Z

41 terms. Each one has its own anchor, so you can link to a single definition.

20-ft / 40-ft / 40HQ

Standard container sizes. ENGICOR's configurations: 90 engines (or 45 engines + 45 gearboxes) in a 20-ft; 130 engines (or 65 + 65) in a 40-ft. See how many engines fit in a container.

As-is

Sold in its current condition, without testing and without warranty. ENGICOR sells used gearboxes this way, only inside mixed configurations.

Bill of lading (B/L)

The carrier's receipt and title document for the cargo; the consignee needs it to collect the container.

Borescope inspection

Looking inside the cylinders with a small camera through the spark-plug or injector holes.

Certificate of origin

The document stating the country where the goods are shipped from or originate, required for customs and for preferential duty.

CFR / CIF

Cost and Freight / Cost, Insurance and Freight: the seller also pays the sea freight (and, for CIF, minimum insurance) to the destination port. Risk still passes at loading.

CoC

Certificate of Conformity, issued by an appointed inspection body before shipment, confirming the goods meet the destination's requirements.

Common rail

A diesel injection system with a shared high-pressure fuel rail and electronic injectors (for example 1KD-FTV, 2KD-FTV). More efficient than mechanical injection but more demanding to diagnose.

Complete engine

An engine supplied with accessories fitted (for example intake, alternator, starter, injection). What is fitted varies by unit; at ENGICOR the photos of each engine show it. ECUs and wiring harnesses are not included.

Compression test

A gauge reading of the pressure each cylinder builds when the engine is turned over. Not part of the ENGICOR check: no measuring equipment is available at the warehouse.

Core

An engine sold for its reusable parts or as a base for rebuilding, priced close to its material value. Not part of ENGICOR's offer.

Crankshaft rotation check

Turning the crankshaft by hand with a tool to confirm that the mechanism rotates. It is the check ENGICOR performs on every engine, together with photos from every side — it is not a compression, leak-down, bench or running test.

Engine model

The manufacturer's designation for an engine design, such as 1NZ-FE, QR25DE or G4KD. It is the first thing to match when ordering. Where the engine code or identification plate is visible on the block, it shows in the photos.

Engine number

The individual serial stamped on each block, different from the engine model; used for registration in some countries.

EXW

Ex Works: the buyer collects at the seller's premises and handles everything, including export clearance.

FCL

Full container load — the container is booked and packed for one buyer. ENGICOR sells by the full container only.

FERI / ECTN

Electronic cargo tracking note required by the DR Congo and several other African countries; its number must appear on the bill of lading.

FOB

Free On Board (Incoterms): the seller's price covers the goods loaded on the vessel at the port of export; the buyer pays sea freight, insurance and everything after. ENGICOR prices are FOB.

Grade A

The top selection of used engines: complete, clean, bought to be installed rather than rebuilt. There is no universal legal definition; each supplier must say what its grade means. At ENGICOR, Grade A is the only selection offered — see the Grade A standard.

Grade B / Grade C

Lower selections in the trade: engines with missing parts, visible damage or unknown history, priced for rebuilders. ENGICOR does not sell them.

Half-cut

The front half of a car cut behind the front seats, sold with engine, gearbox, wiring and often the suspension. In some countries it is treated as a used vehicle, not a part, so check the classification before buying one. See half-cut vs engine only.

HS code

The Harmonized System customs classification. Used vehicle engines are normally filed under 8407.34 (petrol, over 1,000 cc) or 8408.20 (diesel); engine parts under 8409. See HS codes and export documents.

ITAC permit

The import permit issued by South Africa's International Trade Administration Commission, required for used engines and gearboxes.

JDM

Japanese Domestic Market: parts and engines taken from vehicles built for and used in Japan. Often used loosely to mean any used engine exported from Japan.

KDM

Korean Domestic Market: the equivalent term for used engines and parts from South Korea, mainly Hyundai and Kia.

Landed cost

What a container really costs once it is in your warehouse: FOB price + freight + insurance + duty + taxes + clearing and port charges + inland transport. See landed cost of a container.

Leak-down test

Pressurising each cylinder and measuring how much air escapes, to locate worn rings, valves or a head gasket. Not part of the ENGICOR check.

Long block

The engine block with the cylinder head(s) fitted, without most external accessories.

MPI / GDI

Multi-point (port) injection and gasoline direct injection. The distinction matters for Hyundai-Kia Theta II engines: the US recalls concerned GDI engines, not the MPI G4KD and G4KE. See G4KD vs G4KE.

Nose-cut (front clip)

The front section of a car ahead of the firewall — lights, radiator, bumper, sometimes the engine — sold as a body-repair or conversion kit.

Packing list

The document listing every item in the container. At ENGICOR it refers to the same order file as the photos (Engine 1, Engine 2…).

Proforma invoice (PI)

The written quotation that states the models, quantities, grade, configuration, price and payment terms before any payment is made.

PVoC

Pre-Export Verification of Conformity: the programme under which goods for Kenya, Tanzania and other countries are inspected before shipment and receive a Certificate of Conformity.

Rebuilt engine

A used engine opened up and repaired: worn parts are replaced to bring it back into service. The scope varies from one rebuilder to the next, so the word alone says little — ask for the parts list. See used vs rebuilt vs remanufactured.

Remanufactured engine

An engine fully dismantled and rebuilt to a documented specification, usually in a factory process, typically sold with a warranty and at a price closer to new.

SABER

Saudi Arabia's online conformity platform, through which product and shipment certificates are issued.

Short block

The block with crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods, without cylinder head.

SONCAP

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme. See SONCAP and used engines.

Timing chain / timing belt

The drive between crankshaft and camshaft(s). Chains (1NZ, QR25, G4KD and most modern designs) do not have a fixed replacement interval but can stretch; belts must be replaced on schedule.

Transshipment

Moving a container from one vessel to another at an intermediate port. It adds days and handling; direct services are faster.

Used engine

An engine removed from a vehicle and sold in the condition it was taken out, without being rebuilt. The engines ENGICOR supplies are used engines — not new, rebuilt or remanufactured.

Frequently asked

Engine families

Export markets

Buyer's guides

Reference