Crossing the US border with a complete engine - page 1 - General - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• Crossing the US border with a complete engine by myke_w on 04 Mar, 2007 16:32
• I'm going to be getting an engine from a guy in Canada, but want to make sure I don't get hassled at the border. Is there any documentation I need to have when coming back to ease my re-entry? For example, do I have to take the oil pan off so they can see inside?
  
  All advise is appreciated
• #1 by jtanguay on 04 Mar, 2007 17:43
• i wouldn't be surprised if they wanted the oil pan off... and to be honest, for all they know you could be transporting guns or drugs into the country... after all, we Canadians have easily accessible supply of guns that are readily available... and cheaper than the guns in the US...  :lol: [/sarcasm]
• #2 by myke_w on 04 Mar, 2007 17:55
• Any ideas on the particular laws governing this?? I don't want to get a bunch of grief about it and have to get all pissed off about it and yell at them.
  
  I'm just trying to be absolutely certain this is going to fly..
  
  Has anybody done this that can advise?
• #3 by Dr. Diesel on 05 Mar, 2007 02:29
• get a receipt from your seller with a (minimum) reasonable value.
  
  years ago, i hauled an engine the other way across the boarder, and the customs arsehole didn't believe me that I only paid $150 for it (which might have explained why I had driven from Toronto to Boston to get it, but that just didn't click for him) and I didn't have a receipt. I ended up paying tax on $450 and getting a  :x  sticker on my 'file'.
• #4 by burn_your_money on 05 Mar, 2007 05:47
• go on the goverment website and send them an email. I did that about a year ago when I was going to deliver a crap load of engines to the states. It didn't pan out so I didn't persue it too far
  
  Make sure you have the VIN
• #5 by myke_w on 05 Mar, 2007 07:29
• VIN huh?
  I'm pretty sure there's not really a VIN left..  
  This is a complete engine from a German vehicle, whose chassis is probably still in Germany too.
  I saw a post a while back about this somewhere that referenced a particular rule that allowed said transporter to pass,  but no search high or low turned up anything.
  
  It seems like some people report no issues, claim it, pay the tax and go, and others seem to have a hell of a time with this..
  
  I have no idea what to expect.. is there any concensus?
• #6 by BlackTieTD on 05 Mar, 2007 07:43
• depends who is working and how they feel that day. have all possible documentation with you. be prepared. call ahead and ask what they want to see (that's what i always do) so there are no surprises. shouldn't be a big issue..
• #7 by myke_w on 05 Mar, 2007 07:48
• Pardon my ignorance.. buy how do you call them? What agency runs the border patrol?
  
  
  Thx ..
• #8 by BlackTieTD on 05 Mar, 2007 08:05
• call the border crossing that you will be going to. i looked up the numbers from government websites. used google i think. if you have trouble let me know.
• #9 by myke_w on 05 Mar, 2007 08:45
• Well that particular border crossing # is out of commission, big surprise....  So I called the EPA hot line for car imports.
  Of course the first answer - nope can't do it.  Not unless it is "certified".
  
  But - engine parts... that's ok, bring em on.
  
  URGGGHHGGHG
  
  I can tell this is going to be a good time already. I am thinking about just taking the damn thing all the way apart while I'm there and doing it that way.
  
  Funny how people can stuff 100 engines in a container from Germany but I have to stand on my head and spit quarters to get a single engine in the door.
• #10 by BlackTieTD on 05 Mar, 2007 10:04
• just show up, say you paid XX for it. if they ask what its for or whatever, or if they give you a hassle about some reason why you can't import complete motors... say you just got it for parts. if they have an issue with it being a complete motor, make sure you have the tools to pull it apart a little. i can't see this being that big a deal........ but who knows.
• #11 by BlackTieTD on 05 Mar, 2007 10:04
• ...i had to call some general line to get the # for the border crossing i used last time. the number listed online was old as well.
• #12 by myke_w on 05 Mar, 2007 10:50
• Thanks for the reassurance.
  I found the rulkes applying specifically to this situation.
  
  Here is the link http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/quiktext.htm#usversion
  
  B. (2) Engine not in Vehicle or Chassis
  
  EPA regulates the entire vehicle, not individual parts, for cars, light trucks, and motorcycles. If an engine is not installed, and is to be used in a car, motorcycle, or light truck, it may be imported as an automotive part. No approval or Customs bond is required by EPA. Importers should be aware, however, that replacement of an engine in a U.S. version vehicle with an engine of a different type or model year which is not currently covered by an EPA certificate or will be covered by an EPA certificate prior to introduction into commerce may violate EPA regulations.
  
  To import an engine for use in a car, light truck or motorcycle, the importer must file with U.S. Customs, upon entry, an EPA Form 3520-1 and declare code "W" on that form.
  
  link to form
  
  https://www.smartwebmove.navsup.navy.mil/swm/documents/EPA%203520-1.pdf
  
  
  For a "heavy" vehicle or "heavy" truck, EPA regulates the engine, whether or not it is installed. EPA considers a vehicle or truck as "heavy" if it has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds, or a curb weight of more than 6,000 pounds. To be imported, such an engine must be either excluded, exempted, covered by an EPA certificate of conformity, or imported by an independent commercial importer.
• #13 by jtanguay on 05 Mar, 2007 11:06
• sounds stupid to me...  i would just say that the engine dropped a valve after the timing belt slipped because the owner didn't maintain his engine properly... just say you got a great deal and you're going to rebuild it... (tell him the rebuild will cost you like $1000) and that you payed $150.
  
  hopefully the dude will cut you some slack... but having a signed receipt saying you payed $150 with a dudes name & number will be the key to your successful crossing of the border!
  
  Maybe splash some mud on the engine too??? lol make it look like it's been sitting outside hehe!
• #14 by myke_w on 05 Mar, 2007 13:45
• Nice, that's a damn fine idea..
  
  
  
  I'll let ya know how it goes..
  
  It is really ugly.. so that should help.