What's a Cast Iron Engine Block Worth in Scrap?
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical cast iron engine block's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical cast iron engine block weighs 90kg total. Here's where the value comes from — sorted by component, with the metal type, grade, and estimated payout.
| Component | Metal & grade | Weight (kg) | Est. mid value (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast iron sold as heavy ferrous; assumes oil is drained | Steel · Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) | 90.0 | $6.80 |
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Drain all engine oil — oil-contaminated metal is rejected or downgraded
- → Remove aluminium components (heads, intake) — they're worth far more separately
Safety & legal notes
Used engine oil is hazardous waste under all state EPA regulations. Take it to a council recycling depot or mechanic that accepts waste oil.
Where to sell a cast iron engine block
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a cast iron engine block. Use our city directory to find yards in your area and see region-specific rates — payouts in regional and remote areas are typically lower than capital cities due to transport costs.
For larger items, call ahead to confirm pickup arrangements or weighbridge access. Most yards have minimum drop-off weights.
Other vehicle parts
Frequently asked questions
How much is a cast iron engine block worth in scrap? +
A cast iron engine block is worth approximately $5.78 to $7.82 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $6.80. The exact amount depends on the city you sell in (yards in remote cities pay less due to transport costs), the condition of the components, and how well the item is prepared before drop-off.
What metals are in a cast iron engine block? +
A typical cast iron engine block contains 90kg of steel, totalling about 90kg. The steel component contributes the most value (around $6.80), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a cast iron engine block for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Drain all engine oil — oil-contaminated metal is rejected or downgraded (2) Remove aluminium components (heads, intake) — they're worth far more separately
Where can I sell a cast iron engine block for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a cast iron engine block. See our <a href="/cities/">city directory</a> for region-specific yards and rates. Larger items may need pickup arrangement or weighbridge access — call ahead to confirm hours and acceptance.
Is it worth scrapping a single cast iron engine block? +
At $6.80 mid estimate, a cast iron engine block is worth scrapping if you're already taking other items to the yard. As a standalone trip, only if the yard is nearby.
Are there any safety or legal considerations with scrapping a cast iron engine block? +
Used engine oil is hazardous waste under all state EPA regulations. Take it to a council recycling depot or mechanic that accepts waste oil.