No paperwork on reman

Overhaul is sometimes called a "new' engine, shortened from 'renewed engine' meaning major wear items were replaced. It happens that the paperwork gets lost or misplaced, if it was done in a shop that is still in business, the shop would probably be willing to verify what was done, if that information is even available.

A '97 is over 10 years old now, and may have an interesting history, owners that ran it, owners that came up with it but didn't run it,like family of a deceased owner, or divorce settlements, what may seem obvious to a driver or owner often isn't that obvious to the current owner.

Farm machinery has engine failures as well, and those repairs also may or may not be documented, I had a tractor with a repairable engine that needed a new crank, we decided to short block it, that block has a serial number starting with SB.

Another thing you will find is a truck manufactured in a certain year, with an engine from several years previous. I have seen that a few times in older trucks.

The reverse of that is someone installing a crate engine in an older truck, that is the preferred way to fix up a blown engine, at least if you are buying the truck, once it is out of warranty, there is nothing much more merchantable about a truck fixed this way wither.

If you receive records of repairs done to a truck you are purchasing, keep those records in a safe place with instructions as to what they are for in the event you are no longer there to verify them.

 

I would imagine FL can do the same thing as KW. Call them with the last 6 of the VIN and see what work they've done to the truck/engine.

Then call your Detroit dealer and give them the engine serial number and ask them the same question.

Along with this take the truck to a mechanic for a look over. And maybe a Dyno and blow by check.