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By the Numbers

Should I Have My Vehicle’s Engine Rebuilt or Replaced?

Engine trouble and a diagnosis

After years of faithful service, your vehicle begins to experience engine troubles. A trip to your mechanic reveals a grim diagnosis – either rebuild or replace the engine or start shopping for a new vehicle. After the initial shock wears off, your mechanic presents you with a few options.

You can have your car’s engine rebuilt or replace it with a remanufactured engine or a used engine. As you begin to weigh your options, your head is spinning with questions. What is the difference between each of these? Is one of these options right for me or should I start hitting the dealership lots for a new vehicle? Read on to learn what  each of these terms means and get some advice on how to decide which option is best for your situation.

Engine rebuild

An engine rebuild starts with cleaning and inspecting the engine. Any worn or damaged parts are replaced. If a part is deemed to be within the manufacturer’s wear limits, it is reused. The most common parts that are replaced include:

 

Piston rings

Gaskets

Bearings

Seals

Valve springs

 

The advantage to having your engine rebuilt is the lower cost. However, since not all the worn parts are replaced, you can’t be sure how long they it will last. You might get a warranty with an engine rebuild, but it typically isn’t for very long.

 

Remanufactured engine

A remanufactured engine is an engine that has been restored to as close to new as possible. The engine is thoroughly inspected and damaged or worn parts are replaced with new or re-machined parts that meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

The head and block castings, camshaft, rods and crankshaft are measured to ensure they are precisely machined and meet OEM specs for dimensional tolerances. Items that are commonly replaced with new parts include:

 

Pistons

Rings

Gaskets

Bearings

Seals

Valve Springs

Timing chain

Oil pump

Crankshaft

Camshafts

 

 

When all of the work is done, you have an engine that is designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications. This gives you peace of mind knowing that the engine that is going into your vehicle is up to manufacturer standards. You are more likely to get a warranty with a remanufactured engine, although the length can vary.

Used engine

A used engine is an engine that is taken from a used vehicle – usually from a junkyard vehicle. There is no inspection or replacement of worn parts. What you see is what you get. In some instances, the junkyard may be able to provide the amount of miles on the engine but that isn’t a guarantee.  Putting a used engine in your vehicle can be risky – you don’t know if the vehicle it came from was in an accident, flood or sustained other damage. You typically don’t get a warranty with a used engine.

Rebuilt vs remanufactured

Please note that within the auto industry, there isn’t a consensus on the definition of what a rebuilt and remanufactured engine is. Many mechanics and auto shops will use the terms interchangeably but as you have learned there is a big difference in what these terms mean.

By having a basic understanding of what these terms mean, you can ask the right questions of your mechanic so you know exactly what you are getting. No one wants to think they are getting a remanufactured engine that they are depending on for many years of service only to learn that their existing engine is just getting some worn parts replaced. Knowledge is the best way to avoid surprises at the auto shop.

Deciding between your options

There is no magic formula to help you decide whether a rebuilt, remanufactured or used engine is the best decision for you or if it is time to replace your vehicle with a new or used model. There are many factors you need to consider.

If your car is in good condition and you are generally happy with it, having the engine rebuilt or replacing the engine is a good option. Conversely, if your vehicle is 20 years old with high mileage and body damage, it is likely not worth sinking more money into.

Before deciding, have the vehicle inspected and determine the total cost of a rebuilt or remanufactured engine plus any additional repairs. Compare that to the cost of purchasing a new or used vehicle. Once you have those numbers, you will be able to determine which option fits best into your budget.

 

Learn more about quality engine parts, find your car part, or find a local car repair shop today.

The content contained in this article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

BackBack to By the Numbers

Engine rebuild

An engine rebuild starts with cleaning and inspecting the engine. Any worn or damaged parts are replaced. If a part is deemed to be within the manufacturer’s wear limits, it is reused. The most common parts that are replaced include:

Piston rings

Gaskets

Bearings

Seals

Valve springs

 

The advantage to having your engine rebuilt is the lower cost. However, since not all the worn parts are replaced, you can’t be sure how long they it will last. You might get a warranty with an engine rebuild, but it typically isn’t for very long.

 

Remanufactured engine

A remanufactured engine is an engine that has been restored to as close to new as possible. The engine is thoroughly inspected and damaged or worn parts are replaced with new or re-machined parts that meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

The head and block castings, camshaft, rods and crankshaft are measured to ensure they are precisely machined and meet OEM specs for dimensional tolerances. Items that are commonly replaced with new parts include: