When faced with major engine repair what are my options?
What is an engine core?
What is the difference between an engine short block and a long block?
What are the typical symptoms of engine problems?
What are the typical causes of car engine problems?
How do I find out what can be done to correct an engine problem?
What are the typical costs and savings offered by remanufactured/rebuilt engines?
What is involved in the process of remanufacturing/rebuilding an engine?
Are all remanufactured/rebuilt engines built to the same quality levels?
How important is the engine installation process?
How long will the replacement engine last?
What warranty period should I get?
When faced with major engine repair what are my options?
- Trade the vehicle. Your trade-in (current vehicle) value is reduced because of the damaged engine. If trading for a used vehicle with a used engine you could be purchasing one with "unknown and potentially costly" maintenance issues. Also, new vehicles are expensive.
- Patch job. Depending on the type of engine damage, you could consider fixing the specific problem. But, this is usually expensive and there are no guarantees that another engine-related failure won't occur.
- Used/Junkyard engine. You could swap your engine for a used engine from another vehicle. The downside is that you don't know the history of the used engine. Although "used/junkyard" engines may be warranted, the labor to replace one with potential problems can escalate the engine repair bill.
- Factory Remanufactured. These engines have been remanufactured/rebuilt at a factory. Many internal engine parts have been replaced with new ones. These engines have been tested and come with a warranty that usually covers installation expenses.
- Custom Remanufactured. Here, your vehicle’s engine is removed and rebuilt. Like the factory version; many internal engine parts get replaced with new ones.
What is an engine core?
When replacing your engine with a factory remanufactured one the engine remanufacturer requires that you provide your worn out used engine which is referred to as an engine "core" or exchange engine.
What is the difference between an engine short block and a long block?
Engines are comprised of two halves. The bottom half of an engine, which houses the crankshaft, pistons, and other engine block parts, is commonly referred to as the short block. A long block includes the short block - or bottom half of the engine - plus the top half as well. The top half, commonly referred to as the cylinder head(s), contains the valves, sometimes the camshaft and other cylinder head parts.
What are the typical symptoms of engine problems?
Excessive smoke from tailpipe; excessive oil consumption; knocking or tapping sounds; low oil pressure; low compression; water mixing in oil; oil getting into the air cleaner and/or radiator.
What are the typical causes of car engine problems?
Normal mileage wear and tear; poor maintenance; lubrication problems; excessive overheating.
How do I find out what can be done to correct an engine problem?
Take your vehicle to a reputable automotive repair shop, dealer or engine installation center for diagnosis. Not all engine problems call for engine replacement – often the problems are not serious and may only require relatively minor engine repair or maintenance. Click to view our Shop Finder.
What are the typical costs and savings offered by remanufactured/rebuilt engines?
Repowering a typical car or truck with a remanufactured/rebuilt engine costs between $2,250 to $4,000 or about 10% to 20% of the cost of a new vehicle. Additional savings in annual insurance costs can also be significant compared to purchasing a new vehicle.
Click to view our Cost Comparison page.
What is involved in the process of remanufacturing/rebuilding an engine?
Rebuilding refers to the process of reconditioning your existing worn out used engine to meet industry standard specifications.
Remanufacturing is the process of reconditioning a "core" or worn out used engine to meet industry standard specifications.
Both processes, when conducted by expert technicians who follow industry standardized rebuilding practices; offer the best value solution when repowering your vehicle’s engine.
Are all remanufactured/rebuilt engines built to the same quality levels?
No. As with every product, even new, some manufacturers are better than others, and some are far more superior. Quality suppliers conform to strict manufacturing and testing standards, use quality components, and back their products with solid warranties. Click for a PDF of a checklist.
How important is the engine installation process?
Very important. For a good quality remanufactured/rebuilt engine, the chance of a defect is well under 5%. The risk of problems can increase to over 50%, however, with improper installation. Replacing an engine is a skillful and complex task requiring knowledgeable and experienced people. Be sure to check on the experience of the installer before replacing your damaged or worn out engine.
How long will the replacement engine last?
A remanufactured/rebuilt engine, with proper maintenance, is capable of lasting as long as a new car engine.
What warranty period should I get?
Warranty terms and coverage vary. A typical warranty covers the remanufactured engine for a limited time and/or mileage. Some engine warranties provide labor coverage which would typically reimburse a professional installer a flat dollar amount for fixing or replacing a warranted engine. The big question is... What is covered and for how long? We recommend asking specific questions of your engine installer or supplier that will lead to a general concept of what each warranty would cover.
Get a copy of the engine warranty documents; read and compare them carefully. Visit our warranty section for more information.
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