Core Return Policy
What is a core deposit?
Most of our engines and transmissions carry a refundable core deposit, charged as a separate line item at checkout. The "core" is your old, removed unit. When you send it back to us, we refund the deposit in full. The deposit is not an extra cost — it's your money held until your old unit comes home.
Core deposit amounts: $600, $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000, depending on the unit you purchased. The exact amount is shown on your product page and on your receipt.
Our No-Hassle Core Policy
We keep this simple. We don't nitpick the condition of your old unit. As long as your core is the correct part and comes back the way we ask, you get 100% of your deposit back — even if the block is cracked, worn, or no longer rebuildable. We're not going to deduct for wear and tear or pick it apart.
What qualifies for a full refund
Your returned core must meet three conditions:
- Correct part. It must be the same engine or transmission family you purchased (matching part number). The wrong unit is the only thing that voids a refund.
- Returned on the original skid. Place your old core on the same skid/pallet your new unit was delivered on. Keep the skid — you'll need it.
- Drained of all fluids. Oil, coolant, and transmission fluid must be fully drained before shipping. This is a carrier requirement and keeps your core from leaking or contaminating in transit.
That's it. Condition and completeness do not affect your refund as long as the part number matches and it comes back drained, on the skid.
How you get your deposit back
- Email us within 30 days of delivery to set up your core pickup. Send your order number to thatpartsdepartment@outlook.com and we'll arrange collection.
- We receive and inspect it (we confirm the part number, the skid, and that it's drained — usually within a few business days of arrival).
- Once it passes, we refund your deposit to your original payment method, typically within a few business days of approval.
Refunds are issued after inspection so we can confirm the right unit came back. This normally adds only a few days.
How to return your core
- Keep the skid your engine/transmission arrived on, and reuse the strapping/crating.
- Make sure the unit is drained of all fluids before pickup.
- Email thatpartsdepartment@outlook.com with your order number and we'll set up the core pickup for you. Don't ship it back on your own — contact us first so collection is arranged correctly.
- Pickup is already included — there's no extra return-shipping charge. We schedule the carrier and the core is collected from you.
- You have 30 days from delivery to arrange the return.
Good to know
- Some of our crate engines do not carry a core — nothing to return, no deposit charged. Your product page will say so.
- Hawaii and Puerto Rico orders: contact us for a shipping and core-return quote before ordering.