Car-enthusiasts are a little nuts when it comes to their vehicles. Some people don’t let passengers take a drive, and others obsessively clean it. You may think this is extreme, but it’s nothing compared to those who rebuild engines from scratch. If you’re among the brave at heart who want to try this, read this guide on how to choose an engine rebuild kit. These tips will ensure that you make the right decision while shopping.
Why Rebuild?
Before we talk about how to choose an engine rebuild kit, we should discuss why you’d rebuild in the first place. For starters, rebuilding a truck or tractor’s motor is far more cost-effective than buying something brand-new. Since these vehicles are so large, buying something new will cost you a pretty penny. So, you can save some dough by doing things yourself. Who doesn’t love saving some extra cash?
Another reason why you might want to rebuild your engine is that it gives you something to do. Look, we’ve all been trying to find ways to pass the time this year. What a better way to flip the calendar than by redoing a motor in the garage? Think about joining groups online to discuss rebuilding with other people taking on the task. Other engine-enthusiasts might have some pro tips that aren’t in the manual.
The final reason to rebuild your engine is that it’s worn out. Again, you can pay some serious cash if you want something new. However, if you want to keep your savings intact, rebuilding an engine is the way to go. Interesting Fact: Rebuilding a motor may also help the environment because it stops parts from sitting in a landfill for years on end.
Now that we know why you should rebuild your engine, we will discuss how to choose the right kit for you.
How Worn Is the Engine?
The first thing you need to consider when shopping for an engine kit is how worn out your current mechanism is. It all comes down to if you’re trying to put a band-aid on the problem or resolve it entirely. If the former statement is truthful, then you can probably save some cash by getting a cheaper kit. Yet, if your motor is shot and the whole thing needs fixing, it’s better to invest in a top-quality kit that’ll help your vehicle run smoothly again. Here are some telltale signs that you need an entirely new engine.
Leaking Coolant
Diesel engines need coolant because they get too hot from combustion. However, coolant has to stay in its given area because it could result in major headaches if it leaks. For starters, leaking coolant means that your engine is unable to cool down and may overheat. When an engine overheats, your automobile may stop running altogether.
Less Power
Camshaft and crankshaft sensors tell the engine how to run. These sensors tell a vehicle how much gas and air is needed for combustion to occur. Consequently, disaster strikes when one of these parts malfunctions—the reason is that the engine may not be receiving the appropriate amount of air or fuel it needs to run. When these numbers are inaccurate, your vehicle will have less power. As a result, you might need to get a high-quality engine rebuild kit.
Exhaust Smoke
A previous blog post discussed what the different exhaust smoke colors mean. If blue smoke appears, for example, coolant is getting into areas it shouldn’t. Black smoke, on the other hand, means that there’s not enough air or gas for combustion to occur. You may need to get new piston rings or another component if you notice any unusual colors.
Shockingly, there are other things to keep in mind when choosing an engine rebuild kit. The rest of this piece will discuss what else to consider when shopping with a manufacturer.
What Do You Want the Engine To Do
Of course, you should consider your vehicle’s year and model when choosing a rebuild kit. Still, there are more things to keep in mind. For example, think about performance. What do you want your motor to do? If you’re just going to cruise along the highway, you don’t need anything heavy-duty. Yet, if you own a trucking fleet, the rebuild kit should reflect your needs. For one thing, think about the weather. Your engine should be able to run through a snowstorm or whatever else Mother Nature throws your way.
Diesel engines are more intense than their traditional counterparts. However, there are certain levels of intensity you can choose from. If you want to rebuild an engine for your farming tractor, ensure that it can get through thick weeds and crops. The last thing you want is to get stuck in thick grass stems when you’re trying to plant the rest of your crops.
This article has discussed how to choose the right engine rebuild kit for you. As you can see, there are so many factors to keep in mind. To begin, why are you rebuilding your engine? Is it because your old one is too worn out? Or, are you looking for something to do? Once you answer that question, you can move to the fun part—shopping.
While you’re at the engine manufacturer, think about what you want your new engine to do. For example, semi-trucks and tractors need extra torque. Be sure to tell the manufacturer this while at the store. Also, consider external factors that may impact your motor’s quality, like Mother Nature. You should be able to drive through rain or snowstorm without a hitch. In addition, your tractor should be able to navigate through thick stalks so that it doesn’t get stuck in the grass.
If you decide to rebuild your engine, look no further than ATL Diesel. We have top-of-the-line remanufactured diesel engine parts that’ll make rebuilding things a breeze. We understand your passion for all vehicles, from trucks to tractors. That’s why we sell Cat c15 engine parts for heavy-duty rides that need a new engine. Our goal is to sell you parts that’ll increase the performance of your vehicle for a reasonable price; it’s truly a win-win situation.
