Mike Louis Salvage & Metal

Powertrain repairs do not have to break the bank. Mike Louis Salvage & Metal at Ames, IA, 50010 specializes in dismantling domestic and import powertrains, offering used engines, transmissions, and axles.

Need a replacement gearbox or engine block? This salvage depot in the IA salvage network is a major source of heavy mechanical spares, catering to engine builders and mechanics.

Business Directory Information

Engines, Transmissions, & Heavy Mechanicals at Mike Louis Salvage & Metal

At Mike Louis Salvage & Metal, the yard inventory turns over frequently as new donor cars, light trucks, and SUVs are processed daily.

Buyers can explore a variety of parts organized by category:

Long-Block Engine Spares

Find replacement valve covers, intake manifolds, crank pulleys, and oil pans for V8 or inline-four configurations.

Gearboxes & Differentials

Explore rows of manual or automatic transmissions, transfer cases, and driveshafts salvaged from vehicles.

Pro Tips for Sourcing Parts at Mike Louis Salvage & Metal

Make your salvage excursion as efficient as possible by planning ahead and following yard guidelines.

Pro Sourcing Tip: Always manually rotate the crankshaft pulley to make sure the engine turns smoothly before unbolting it from the mounts.

Comparison: Sourcing Used OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

Part Quality Checklist

Take these precautions to verify that parts are functional before purchase:

• Inspect Oil Condition: Look under the oil filler cap for milky residue, which indicates head gasket failure.
• Compare Engine Codes: Verify casting codes (e.g. 5.3L LH6 vs LM7) to avoid complex wiring harness mismatching.
• Check Transmission Fluids: Drain a small sample of fluid—avoid units showing burnt smell or metal flakes.
• Decode Vehicle History: Use our VIN lookup tool to check model specs and ensure parts match.
• Sell Unwanted Cars: If your car is beyond salvage, you can also sell your junk car for cash directly.

Educational Video: Pro Tips for Pulling Auto Parts Safely

Learn the basics of searching rows of donor vehicles, removing components, and navigating parts yards efficiently:

Find other salvage suppliers in our nationwide auto scrap yard directory.