Current Prices for Scrap Engines & Transmissions in the US
Current national pricing for Scrap Engines & Transmissions ranges between $0.15 and $0.18 per pound. Find top-paying auto dismantlers and scrap yards in the US ready to weigh your heavy automotive core.
Average Scrap Engines & Transmissions Price
- Low (up to $0.15): Floor price, typically for small loads.
- Mid ($0.16): A fair deal for standard quantities.
- High ($0.18+): Top-dollar rate. Offered for large commercial loads or by the most competitive buyers.
Pricing verified from 11 live board rates today.
Top Scrap Yards Buying Engines & Transmissions in the US
Don't just dump your heavy automotive scrap at the first scale you see. Local buyers across US price engines and transmissions based on aluminum versus cast iron content, so compare these yards to secure the national average of $0.16 per pound. Always call ahead to confirm their fluid drainage policy before hauling.
Edge Metals Recycling
Einfalt Recycling & Salvage
E-Z Money Recycling LLC
Gershow Recycling Corporation
E-Z Money Recycling LLC
Sal B Scrap Metal Recycling
Your competitors are already here. Is your yard missing from the list?
Hundreds of people search here every day for the best scrap metal prices. Start capturing ready-to-sell leads today.
🚀 List your scrap yard ⟶How Engines & Transmissions Stack Up Against Other Auto Scrap
The #1 rule at scrap yards: if you mix grades, they’ll weigh everything at the lowest rate. See the price gap below — if you have higher-value metal, always sort and weigh each grade separately to avoid leaving money on the table.
Scrap Engines & Transmissions Price Trends
This chart shows where the market is headed. If the line is climbing, prices are rising — you might get a better deal in a few days. If it’s dropping, don’t wait: sell today before yards lower their buy prices further.
Scrap Engines & Transmissions: Scrap Yard Price vs. World Market (LME)
Avg scrap yard price
World market price (LME)
Scrap Engines & Transmissions: Spread vs. Exchange — Monthly History
| Period | World price (per lb) | Scrap yard price (per lb) | Spread vs. exchange |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 (current) | $1.097176 | $0.50 | -$0.59 (54.1%) |
| February 2026 | $1.2032 | $0.55 | -$0.65 (54.2%) |
| January 2026 | $1.051423 | $0.63 | -$0.42 (40%) |
| December 2025 | $0.982942 | $0.46 | -$0.52 (53.3%) |
| November 2025 | $0.930043 | $0.43 | -$0.50 (53.3%) |
| October 2025 | $0.887584 | $0.41 | -$0.47 (53.4%) |
| September 2025 | $0.86119 | $0.41 | -$0.45 (52.7%) |
| August 2025 | $0.866703 | $0.39 | -$0.48 (55.2%) |
| July 2025 | $0.837774 | $0.50 | -$0.33 (40%) |
| June 2025 | $0.802343 | $0.39 | -$0.42 (51.8%) |
| May 2025 | $0.807171 | $0.33 | -$0.48 (59.3%) |
| April 2025 | $0.744003 | $0.36 | -$0.38 (51%) |
| March 2025 | $0.878574 | $0.31 | -$0.57 (65%) |
| February 2025 | $0.893382 | $0.34 | -$0.56 (62.1%) |
| January 2025 | $0.812942 | $0.31 | -$0.50 (61.5%) |
| December 2024 | $0.805026 | $0.48 | -$0.32 (40.1%) |
| November 2024 | $0.80919 | $0.49 | -$0.32 (39.9%) |
| October 2024 | $0.84811 | $0.51 | -$0.34 (40.1%) |
| September 2024 | $0.84145 | $0.51 | -$0.34 (40%) |
| August 2024 | $0.838665 | $0.29 | -$0.55 (65.2%) |
| July 2024 | $0.905877 | $0.53 | -$0.38 (41.7%) |
| June 2024 | $0.957757 | $0.57 | -$0.38 (40.1%) |
| May 2024 | $0.995197 | $0.32 | -$0.67 (67.7%) |
| April 2024 | $0.9588 | $0.46 | -$0.50 (52%) |
| March 2024 | $0.916803 | $0.49 | -$0.42 (46.1%) |
| February 2024 | $0.908876 | $0.49 | -$0.42 (46.6%) |
| January 2024 | $0.981155 | $0.59 | -$0.39 (39.8%) |
| December 2023 | $0.992781 | $0.60 | -$0.40 (40%) |
| November 2023 | $0.936113 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (40%) |
| October 2023 | $0.91751 | $0.40 | -$0.52 (56.9%) |
| September 2023 | $0.946997 | $0.31 | -$0.64 (67.4%) |
| August 2023 | $0.930013 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (40.1%) |
| July 2023 | $0.934068 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (39.9%) |
| June 2023 | $0.944237 | $0.49 | -$0.45 (48.2%) |
| May 2023 | $0.9455 | $0.51 | -$0.44 (46.1%) |
| April 2023 | $0.971563 | $0.55 | -$0.42 (43.2%) |
| March 2023 | $1.031729 | $0.34 | -$0.69 (66.6%) |
| February 2023 | $1.081664 | $0.51 | -$0.57 (52.9%) |
| January 2023 | $1.063787 | $0.34 | -$0.72 (68%) |
| December 2022 | $1.03949 | $0.61 | -$0.43 (41.6%) |
| November 2022 | $1.026153 | $0.50 | -$0.53 (51.4%) |
| October 2022 | $0.962755 | $0.52 | -$0.45 (46.5%) |
| September 2022 | $0.9553 | $0.46 | -$0.50 (52.3%) |
| August 2022 | $1.002665 | $0.39 | -$0.61 (60.7%) |
| July 2022 | $0.932735 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (40%) |
| June 2022 | $1.03653 | $0.62 | -$0.41 (40%) |
| May 2022 | $1.104181 | $0.37 | -$0.73 (66.3%) |
| April 2022 | $1.12712 | $0.68 | -$0.45 (40%) |
| March 2022 | $1.070248 | $0.64 | -$0.43 (40.1%) |
| February 2022 | $1.12205 | $0.67 | -$0.45 (40%) |
| January 2022 | $1.156365 | $0.52 | -$0.64 (55.3%) |
| December 2021 | $1.092839 | $0.62 | -$0.47 (43%) |
| November 2021 | $1.072407 | $0.54 | -$0.53 (49.6%) |
| October 2021 | $1.051368 | $0.48 | -$0.57 (54.7%) |
| September 2021 | $1.110613 | $0.51 | -$0.60 (53.8%) |
| August 2021 | $1.181813 | $0.65 | -$0.53 (44.9%) |
| July 2021 | $1.106519 | $0.45 | -$0.66 (59.5%) |
| June 2021 | $1.065053 | $0.51 | -$0.56 (52.1%) |
| May 2021 | $1.079274 | $0.49 | -$0.58 (54.2%) |
| April 2021 | $1.063943 | $0.39 | -$0.67 (63%) |
| March 2021 | $1.038232 | $0.53 | -$0.51 (48.9%) |
| February 2021 | $0.997864 | $0.57 | -$0.43 (43.3%) |
| January 2021 | $0.978155 | $0.33 | -$0.65 (66.4%) |
| December 2020 | $0.912668 | $0.49 | -$0.42 (46.1%) |
| November 2020 | $0.788713 | $0.28 | -$0.51 (64.3%) |
| October 2020 | $0.748797 | $0.36 | -$0.39 (52.2%) |
| September 2020 | $0.74391 | $0.45 | -$0.30 (39.9%) |
| August 2020 | $0.681152 | $0.29 | -$0.39 (57.1%) |
| July 2020 | $0.682474 | $0.38 | -$0.31 (45%) |
| June 2020 | $0.707093 | $0.43 | -$0.28 (39.8%) |
| May 2020 | $0.667345 | $0.40 | -$0.27 (40.1%) |
| April 2020 | $0.655233 | $0.39 | -$0.26 (40.1%) |
| March 2020 | $0.63179 | $0.33 | -$0.30 (47.9%) |
| February 2020 | $0.865779 | $0.47 | -$0.40 (46.2%) |
| January 2020 | $0.878045 | $0.53 | -$0.35 (39.9%) |
| December 2019 | $0.919229 | $0.55 | -$0.37 (39.9%) |
| November 2019 | $0.903547 | $0.34 | -$0.56 (62%) |
| October 2019 | $0.820784 | $0.37 | -$0.45 (54.5%) |
| September 2019 | $0.807807 | $0.28 | -$0.53 (65%) |
| August 2019 | $0.738452 | $0.35 | -$0.39 (53%) |
| July 2019 | $0.808777 | $0.31 | -$0.50 (61.8%) |
| June 2019 | $0.780903 | $0.36 | -$0.42 (53.8%) |
| May 2019 | $0.820665 | $0.49 | -$0.33 (39.9%) |
| April 2019 | $0.942947 | $0.43 | -$0.51 (54.5%) |
| March 2019 | $0.911219 | $0.55 | -$0.36 (40%) |
| February 2019 | $0.934725 | $0.44 | -$0.50 (53.5%) |
| January 2019 | $0.875529 | $0.51 | -$0.37 (41.9%) |
| December 2018 | $0.842287 | $0.40 | -$0.44 (52.3%) |
| November 2018 | $0.97931 | $0.43 | -$0.55 (56.1%) |
| October 2018 | $1.115935 | $0.28 | -$0.83 (74.8%) |
| September 2018 | $1.203813 | $0.68 | -$0.53 (43.8%) |
| August 2018 | $1.192819 | $0.55 | -$0.64 (53.6%) |
| July 2018 | $1.199784 | $0.72 | -$0.48 (39.9%) |
| June 2018 | $1.261433 | $0.62 | -$0.64 (51.1%) |
| May 2018 | $1.294884 | $0.73 | -$0.56 (43.3%) |
| April 2018 | $1.215763 | $0.58 | -$0.64 (52.3%) |
| March 2018 | $1.178032 | $0.71 | -$0.47 (40.1%) |
| February 2018 | $1.196529 | $0.54 | -$0.66 (55.1%) |
| January 2018 | $1.240045 | $0.74 | -$0.50 (40%) |
| December 2017 | $1.152535 | $0.69 | -$0.46 (40%) |
| November 2017 | $1.124073 | $0.67 | -$0.45 (40%) |
| October 2017 | $1.080894 | $0.65 | -$0.43 (40%) |
| September 2017 | $1.024547 | $0.62 | -$0.41 (39.9%) |
| August 2017 | $1.01609 | $0.61 | -$0.41 (40%) |
| July 2017 | $1.05311 | $0.52 | -$0.53 (50.5%) |
| June 2017 | $1.012163 | $0.46 | -$0.55 (54.6%) |
| May 2017 | $1.030332 | $0.62 | -$0.41 (40%) |
| April 2017 | $1.047077 | $0.63 | -$0.42 (39.9%) |
| March 2017 | $1.074468 | $0.64 | -$0.43 (40%) |
| February 2017 | $1.078479 | $0.65 | -$0.43 (39.9%) |
| January 2017 | $1.065594 | $0.64 | -$0.43 (40%) |
| December 2016 | $1.028835 | $0.62 | -$0.41 (40.1%) |
| November 2016 | $0.931123 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (40%) |
| October 2016 | $0.8537 | $0.51 | -$0.34 (40.1%) |
| September 2016 | $0.80081 | $0.39 | -$0.41 (51.2%) |
| August 2016 | $0.826381 | $0.47 | -$0.36 (43.4%) |
| July 2016 | $0.774219 | $0.46 | -$0.31 (40%) |
| June 2016 | $0.741897 | $0.45 | -$0.30 (40%) |
| May 2016 | $0.718016 | $0.43 | -$0.29 (39.9%) |
| April 2016 | $0.715587 | $0.43 | -$0.29 (39.9%) |
| March 2016 | $0.670245 | $0.33 | -$0.34 (51%) |
| February 2016 | $0.592476 | $0.27 | -$0.32 (54.4%) |
| January 2016 | $0.618029 | $0.37 | -$0.25 (40%) |
| December 2015 | $0.687187 | $0.41 | -$0.28 (40.1%) |
| November 2015 | $0.741517 | $0.45 | -$0.30 (39.9%) |
| October 2015 | $0.717597 | $0.43 | -$0.29 (40%) |
| September 2015 | $0.69765 | $0.42 | -$0.28 (39.9%) |
| August 2015 | $0.799229 | $0.48 | -$0.32 (40.1%) |
| July 2015 | $0.83201 | $0.50 | -$0.33 (40.1%) |
| June 2015 | $0.884197 | $0.43 | -$0.45 (51.4%) |
| May 2015 | $0.905884 | $0.45 | -$0.46 (50.6%) |
| April 2015 | $0.92614 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (40.1%) |
| March 2015 | $0.903377 | $0.54 | -$0.36 (40%) |
| February 2015 | $0.864918 | $0.42 | -$0.44 (51.3%) |
| January 2015 | $0.787571 | $0.47 | -$0.31 (40%) |
| December 2014 | $0.791997 | $0.47 | -$0.32 (40.1%) |
| November 2014 | $0.811037 | $0.41 | -$0.40 (49.7%) |
| October 2014 | $0.790697 | $0.47 | -$0.32 (40.1%) |
| September 2014 | $0.867333 | $0.49 | -$0.38 (43.4%) |
Scrap Engines & Transmissions Scrap Price History — Daily Data
A day-by-day market snapshot in exact numbers. Every day we aggregate buy prices from local scrap yards, recording the average, low, and high. Use this table to track real price movement over recent days.
| Date | Avg price (per lb) | Change | Range (Low/High) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/17/2026 | $0.14 / lb | — no change | $0.10 - $0.18 |
| 12/14/2025 | $0.14 / lb | — no change | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 12/13/2025 | $0.14 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 11/13/2025 | $0.09 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 10/9/2025 | $0.07 / lb | -$0.04 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 9/16/2025 | $0.11 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 8/29/2025 | $0.14 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.10 - $0.20 |
| 8/26/2025 | $0.17 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.17 - $0.17 |
| 6/14/2025 | $0.12 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.12 - $0.12 |
| 5/24/2025 | $0.07 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 5/20/2025 | $0.10 / lb | -$0.04 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 4/26/2025 | $0.14 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 3/22/2025 | $0.10 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 3/17/2025 | $0.11 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 3/15/2025 | $0.06 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.06 - $0.06 |
| 2/16/2025 | $0.08 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 2/10/2025 | $0.18 / lb | +$0.10 | $0.18 - $0.18 |
| 1/19/2025 | $0.08 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 1/13/2025 | $0.10 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 8/15/2024 | $0.05 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.05 - $0.05 |
| 8/7/2024 | $0.07 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 5/29/2024 | $0.06 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.06 - $0.06 |
| 5/19/2024 | $0.08 / lb | -$0.07 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 4/14/2024 | $0.15 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.15 - $0.15 |
| 3/4/2024 | $0.11 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 10/10/2023 | $0.09 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 10/4/2023 | $0.07 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 10/1/2023 | $0.08 / lb | — no change | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 9/30/2023 | $0.08 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 9/23/2023 | $0.13 / lb | — no change | $0.13 - $0.13 |
| 9/21/2023 | $0.13 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.13 - $0.13 |
| 6/5/2023 | $0.09 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 6/4/2023 | $0.11 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 4/2/2023 | $0.14 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 3/30/2023 | $0.11 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 3/27/2023 | $0.09 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 3/21/2023 | $0.14 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 2/7/2023 | $0.11 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 2/3/2023 | $0.08 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 1/31/2023 | $0.07 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 1/23/2023 | $0.06 / lb | -$0.06 | $0.06 - $0.06 |
| 12/1/2022 | $0.12 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.12 - $0.12 |
| 10/4/2022 | $0.08 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 9/30/2022 | $0.10 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 8/14/2022 | $0.09 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 8/9/2022 | $0.11 / lb | -$0.04 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 5/25/2022 | $0.15 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.15 - $0.15 |
| 5/20/2022 | $0.10 / lb | -$0.04 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 5/17/2022 | $0.14 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 5/16/2022 | $0.11 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 1/25/2022 | $0.10 / lb | -$0.06 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 1/23/2022 | $0.16 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.16 - $0.16 |
| 12/2/2021 | $0.11 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 10/25/2021 | $0.14 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 10/24/2021 | $0.10 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 9/20/2021 | $0.09 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 8/3/2021 | $0.10 / lb | -$0.06 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 7/30/2021 | $0.16 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.16 - $0.16 |
| 7/27/2021 | $0.12 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.12 - $0.12 |
| 6/23/2021 | $0.14 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 5/17/2021 | $0.16 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.16 - $0.16 |
| 5/16/2021 | $0.13 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.13 - $0.13 |
| 4/19/2021 | $0.14 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 4/13/2021 | $0.09 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 3/6/2021 | $0.14 / lb | +$0.06 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 1/28/2021 | $0.08 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 1/18/2021 | $0.13 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.13 - $0.13 |
| 1/17/2021 | $0.16 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.16 - $0.16 |
| 12/4/2020 | $0.09 / lb | — no change | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 12/2/2020 | $0.09 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 11/29/2020 | $0.04 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.04 - $0.04 |
| 11/25/2020 | $0.06 / lb | -$0.04 | $0.06 - $0.06 |
| 10/25/2020 | $0.10 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 8/13/2020 | $0.09 / lb | -$0.16 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 8/9/2020 | $0.25 / lb | +$0.20 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 8/5/2020 | $0.05 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.05 - $0.05 |
| 3/4/2020 | $0.08 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 11/17/2019 | $0.04 / lb | — no change | $0.04 - $0.04 |
| 11/15/2019 | $0.04 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.04 - $0.04 |
| 11/13/2019 | $0.06 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.06 - $0.06 |
| 10/17/2019 | $0.03 / lb | -$0.07 | $0.03 - $0.03 |
| 9/25/2019 | $0.10 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.10 - $0.10 |
| 9/21/2019 | $0.08 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 9/19/2019 | $0.04 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.04 - $0.04 |
| 8/21/2019 | $0.06 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.06 - $0.06 |
| 7/24/2019 | $0.11 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 7/18/2019 | $0.07 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 6/12/2019 | $0.05 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.05 - $0.05 |
| 4/10/2019 | $0.07 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 4/9/2019 | $0.12 / lb | +$0.06 | $0.12 - $0.12 |
| 2/7/2019 | $0.06 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.06 - $0.06 |
| 12/7/2018 | $0.07 / lb | -$0.06 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 11/16/2018 | $0.13 / lb | +$0.06 | $0.13 - $0.13 |
| 11/1/2018 | $0.07 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 10/13/2018 | $0.09 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.09 - $0.09 |
| 10/6/2018 | $0.06 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.06 - $0.06 |
| 8/18/2018 | $0.07 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.07 - $0.07 |
| 6/6/2018 | $0.08 / lb | -$0.06 | $0.08 - $0.08 |
| 4/11/2018 | $0.14 / lb | +$0.08 | $0.14 - $0.14 |
| 2/13/2018 | $0.06 / lb | -$0.07 | $0.06 - $0.06 |
| 7/7/2017 | $0.13 / lb | +$0.08 | $0.13 - $0.13 |
| 6/30/2017 | $0.05 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.05 - $0.05 |
| 9/6/2016 | $0.04 / lb | -$0.08 | $0.04 - $0.04 |
| 3/31/2016 | $0.12 / lb | +$0.09 | $0.12 - $0.12 |
| 2/13/2016 | $0.03 / lb | -$0.12 | $0.03 - $0.03 |
| 6/28/2015 | $0.15 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.15 - $0.15 |
| 5/14/2015 | $0.16 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.16 - $0.16 |
| 2/14/2015 | $0.17 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.17 - $0.17 |
| 11/8/2014 | $0.19 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.19 - $0.19 |
Cashing In on Heavy Automotive Core: Scrap Engines & Transmissions
When you are hauling pulled motors and dropped trannies, the weight adds up fast. Our data shows local yards in the US are currently paying between $0.15 and $0.18 per pound for Scrap Engines & Transmissions. Whether you run a small mechanic shop or just parted out a junker, understanding what the scale buyer looks for will keep you from leaving money on the table.
The Teardown: Prep and Sorting Guide
A whole engine block mixed with the tranny and all accessories attached goes straight to the lowest iron or dirty motor price. Smart scrappers strip the block to maximize profit.
Yard Pro Tip: Always unbolt the starter, alternator, and AC compressor before hitting the scale. Selling an engine whole means you get the baseline iron/aluminum engine rate for everything, but pulling those accessories allows you to sell them as higher-priced electric motors or specialized grades. Also, punch a hole in the oil pan and completely drain all fluids—yards will reject or severely dock wet engines.
Don't mix your automotive core with other sealed units. Tossing Sealed Unit Compressors (Appliance) into your engine load is a rookie mistake that can cause a downgrade loss of about $0.09 per pound. Keep your automotive scrap completely separate from white goods.
| Condition | Expected Payout Strategy |
|---|---|
| Complete/Unprepped Engine | Baseline $0.15 (fluids must be completely drained) |
| Stripped Aluminum Block | Pushed closer to $0.18 or the clean aluminum rate |
| Accessories Removed | Sold separately as Automotive AC Compressors or Aluminum & Dirty Motors |
Common Downgrades and Yard Mistakes
The biggest mistake peddlers make with Scrap Engines & Transmissions is leaving fluids inside. Oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are severe environmental hazards. If the yard operator US sees a puddle forming on the scale, expect a massive deduction or an outright rejection. Another pitfall is leaving steel mounts and rubber bushings attached if you are trying to push an aluminum block as clean. While LME markets influence base metal prices by about 84.4%, local buyers adjust payouts strictly based on how much labor they have to put into processing your scrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to clean the grease off my scrap engines?
No, standard road grime and grease are expected by buyers. However, you absolutely must drain the internal fluids. A dry engine block secures the $0.16 national average, while a wet one gets rejected at the door.
Should I separate the transmission from the engine?
Yes, especially if the transmission case is cast aluminum and the engine block is cast iron. Separating them allows the yard to grade the aluminum transmission higher rather than paying a blended or straight iron price for the whole heavy assembly.
How does this compare to other dirty scrap grades?
Engines price differently than standard electrical breakage. For comparison, yards are paying $0.10 to $0.15/lb for other types of bulky mixed metal. Always separate your automotive core from industrial or appliance scrap to get the best scale ticket.
Scrap Engines & Transmissions scrap prices — find in your state on the map
The map shows states where we have Scrap Engines & Transmissions scrap prices. Click a state on the map or use the links below to see current Scrap Engines & Transmissions prices in that region.