Standard Petrol Engine

A Standard API Engine from Japan is one that will have covered less than 40,000 km's.

When the engines arrive at the UK `Hub' in Warwickshire, they are again, evaluated for quality and model variety before undertaking a series of tests including, hot running, oil pressure, compression, noise, emissions etc. They are then cleaned with a specially formulated degreaser and shrink wrapped onto a pallet to await distribution.

This is the `Standard' API engine unit and is offered with a 3 or 6 months parts only, Mastercover warranty.

Engines that fail test are assessed for suitability to either undertake a minor repair (head gasket failure, oil leaks, etc.) before being re-tested or they will be subjected to a full refurbishment programme, where they would be offered as a `Premier Engine'.

Most `parallel' or `grey' Japanese import vehicle engines are kept as regular stock at the Hub and API's experience can usually provide a positive answer to any enquiry.

Some petrol engines are sold on an exchange basis, unusually for this trade API, seeks no `Exchange Surcharge' but merely requests that the returned unit is clean, drained and complete.

The Premier Engine

The Premier Engine was created after it became apparent that the regular standard engine, whilst being quite acceptable to the public and independent motor trade, did not meet the needs of Franchised Dealers who require the peace of mind of an even higher quality product that is backed by an improved warranty.

A percentage of engines that arrive are of very low mileage probably from accident 'write offs' and thus have covered even less mileage than the established A.P.I. norm. Therefore, the opportunity to establish a 'Premier Engine' becomes available immediately. However, because of the possibility of generating a sizeable claim during the 12 months /12,000 miles warranty period, a more comprehensive testing procedure has been introduced.

The 'Premier Engine', having passed all the regular standard tests is then connected to a purpose built rig that will allow the engine to run for about 45 minutes. Because it is connected to a full water cooled radiator system its hot running characteristics can be evaluated and its oil pressure and compression performance can be very carefully monitored under more usual circumstances.

A new cam belt is fitted before testing and after the engine has passed the test, all ancillary components, that are usually supplied attached to a standard unit, are removed and discarded. Franchised dealers are aware of the fact that to prepare a standard A.P.I. engine for fitting can require up to an hours work. With labour rates in some parts of the country approaching £45.00 per hour this is obviously a sensitive issue. By supplying an engine with all gasket surfaces clean and the block ancilary free, the worry is overcome.

Having carefully prepared the 'Premier'. A.P.I. is able to offer the full 12 months /12,000 miles parts and labour warranty which is normally associated with a reconditioned engine. This is known as the Mastercover-Plus Warranty. The only extra proviso is that regular servicing is carried out on the engine (by any garage) during the period of warranty.

Exchange units are requested in some cases and a deposit will be required pending the return of the old unit. The deposit will only be withheld if the unit is incomplete, or is not returned or is not the same as the original supplied by A.P.I.