Six Steps for Remanufacturing & Testing Auto Engines

Replacing an automobile engine is a big job that will take a big bite out of your wallet, but what if there were a way to replace the engine in your vehicle and save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars? Using remanufactured engines can save auto owners significant sums on engine replacement while still ensuring that a reliable engine is installed in the vehicle.

Normal wear and tear can degrade even the best-cared-for engines over time. When serious engine problems occur, many owners simply choose to purchase a new vehicle. Yet, for owners who simply can’t part with their favorite auto or restoration enthusiasts who have bought an old or junked vehicle they wish to refurbish, an engine replacement is often necessary.
While replacing an engine is one of the more costly automotive repair jobs, it’s still cheaper than buying a new automobile. Most engine replacement jobs will cost between $2,700 and $5,000, while even the least expensive new automobile will cost around $13,000 or more. Using remanufactured engines can further reduce the cost of replacing an engine.
Remanufactured car engines are used automobile engines that have been completely taken apart, inspected, re-machined, reassembled, and tested to ensure that they meet or exceed original specs for reliability and performance. Remanufacturing is a much more thorough process than rebuilding an engine, as known defects of the original product are repaired in the remanufacturing process.

Here’s how the remanufacturing process works:
• Step 1: Disassembly and inspection – The remanufacturing process begins when mechanics completely disassemble the used engine being remanufactured. Mechanics take apart the engine using techniques found to reduce damage to components of the engine. Once the engine is taken apart, each component is thoroughly inspected to ensure that it still meets or exceeds original specifications. The testing process is thorough and incorporates the latest technology to allow mechanics to make the best choices concerning parts. Parts that don’t meet standards are marked for replacement and discarded.
• Step 2: Recovering parts – Parts that meet or exceed original specs that have been harvested from the old engine are thoroughly cleaned and reconditioned for reuse. Cleaning the parts ensures their optimal function and also gives mechanics a second look to ensure that they are in good shape.
• Step 3: Engine block machining – The engine block will be re-machined, including boring and honing to restore it to its original condition. Auto engines are precision components, so when age causes components to expand or contract it can be detrimental to performance. Re-machining the engine gets it back into its original shape, allowing it to perform optimally.
• Step 4: Engine block cleaning – After machining the engine, mechanics will thoroughly clean the engine block to remove any debris that might interfere with the function of the engine once it is reassembled.
• Step 5: Reassembly – Mechanics will reassemble the engine, replacing worn-out parts with new parts and making sure all components are properly installed. The reassembled engine should meet or exceed factory specs for the original engine.
• Step 6: Testing – This final step of the remanufacturing process puts the reassembled engine through a rigorous set of tests to ensure it meets standards. Mechanics will check timing, valvetrain setup, compression, oil flow, oil pressure, fluid levels, and other indicators of performance. They’ll also check for leaks, knocking sounds, vibrations, and any other indicators of malfunction. Once the engine meets all standards, mechanics will approve it for installation in a customer’s vehicle.

Why Purchase a Remanufactured Engine Instead of a Rebuilt Engine?
When you purchase a rebuilt engine, the only parts of the engine that are replaced are those that are obviously not working. This means you get an engine with some brand new components and others that are in working condition now but which are significantly older than the new components. In a remanufactured engine, the engine is remade to meet or exceed original specs. Even if a component is working, if it doesn’t meet or exceed original specs, it is discarded and replaced.

Because of the extensive remanufacturing process, remanufactured automobile engines tend to last longer and be more reliable than a rebuilt engine. For auto owners who don’t want to be back in the shop buying another engine in a few years, remanufactured auto engines are the best choice for a dependable, lasting solution to their needs.
Signs Your Engine May Need Replacing
Many engine problems can be repaired, but in some cases replacement is necessary. If you’re driving an engine that has served for many years or miles and are having these problems, a replacement may be necessary:
• Excessive exhaust smoke – If your vehicle is emitting a lot of smoke from the exhaust, it’s likely that the engine has severe damage. Blue smoke indicates that the engine is burning oil, while white smoke means there may be a cooling system leak, and black smoke is a sign too much fuel is being burnt. These problems can point to a crack in the engine or other problems like burnt rings.
• Decreased power – If your engine just doesn’t produce the power that it used to, this can be a sign that the engine is failing. Repairs can help in some instances, but in many cases replacement of the engine is needed.
• Finding metal savings during an oil change – If you or your mechanic find metal shavings in oil drained from the engine during an oil change, it typically means that metal on metal contact is occurring within the engine and a critical component is wearing down.
• Smoke from the hood – Smoke emanating from the hood of your vehicle is a certain sign of severe engine trouble. This typically means your engine is running too hot, and serious damage such as blowing your head gaskets may occur.

Where You Purchase Your Remanufactured Auto Engine Matters
Not all auto repair and parts stores are created equal. Some shops offering auto engine remanufacturing services don’t do a thorough job and only rebuild the engine instead of giving it the complete overhaul that remanufacturing requires. When searching for a parts source for remanufactured engines, it pays to find one that has a good track record of providing quality parts. To find the best source for remanufactured auto engines, you should:

• Talk to a mechanic you trust – Good mechanics know who the most reliable sources of remanufactured parts, including engines, are and who their customers should avoid. A good mechanic’s opinion can point you in the right direction regarding a remanufactured auto engine.
• Read online reviews – Check out online reviews of parts suppliers to determine which businesses are reliable. Make sure that the review site you’re using is above-board, as some review sites have bogus reviews.
• Cheapest isn’t always best – If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. A remanufactured auto engine can save you a good chunk of change, but it isn’t going to make the repair free. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Bessler Auto Parts serves Kentucky and Ohio by providing high-quality used auto parts, allowing customers to save big on replacement parts and source parts that may be difficult to find. The company prides itself on selling only the best used auto parts, including remanufactured auto engines that meet the highest standards for reliability. Customers who buy remanufactured engines from Bessler Auto Parts can rest easy, as the company provides a 36-month, 100,000-mile parts and labor warranty for these products.
Auto owners seeking an inexpensive way to refurbish an important work vehicle or beloved classic automobile should contact Bessler Auto Parts today to ensure quick access to the quality parts they need.
Sources
1. http://www.carcare.org/ask-the-tech/engine-problems-and-your-options/
2. http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/03/should-i-buy-a-car-with-a-rebuilt-engine-.html
3. https://www.carthrottle.com/post/7-deadly-signs-your-engine-is-dying/