You may start looking at replacement options when your engine is on its last legs. Some people opt for repairing their own engines using overhaul kits, while others may want to buy a brand-new engine or even a new vehicle. Other options include purchasing a refurbished or remanufactured engine—but what does this mean, and what do you need to look for when buying a remanufactured diesel engine? ATL Diesel has the answers for you.
What Is a Remanufactured Engine?
A remanufactured engine is one that had been repaired and updated to make it as close to brand new as possible. This process involves cleaning the engine thoroughly and replacing any worn-down or damaged parts with brand-new replacements; among other pieces, this can include pistons, lifters, valves, and rings.
A significant aspect of remanufacturing an engine is ensuring it complies with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards. These standards include using genuine parts and recreating the engine as closely as possible to the like-new standard of quality.
Is Remanufactured the Same As Refurbished?
Something to keep in mind when buying a remanufactured engine is whether you’re actually getting a remanufactured engine. You may hear a few other terms like refurbished, rebuilt, or reconditioned, and it's essential to understand what these words mean before you make any big purchases.
Rebuilt or refurbished engines are similar in that mechanics replace parts and clean the engine, but refurbished engines don't follow the exact OEM standards or requirements for using brand new parts. Remanufactured or reconditioned means someone has fixed the engine to meet that higher level of quality.
Refurbishing an engine fixes and improves it greatly, so there’s nothing inherently wrong with getting a rebuilt or refurbished engine. However, since they don’t meet the highest level of quality, we recommend ensuring you’re not paying for a reconditioned engine when it’s actually a refurbished machine.
The Cost of a Remanufactured Engine
Cost can play a significant role in deciding whether to purchase a remanufactured engine. Naturally, the main reason to buy a remanufactured engine is that it’s more cost-effective than buying a brand-new engine or even a whole new vehicle.
Whether you’re looking to buy a reconditioned engine from a seller or pay to have someone remanufacture your engine, it’s a good idea to do your research, check out different price options, and weigh the cost to determine the best option for you. Certain remanufactured engines may end up at a higher price point that makes buying a new engine or electing for a rebuilt engine a more suitable solution.
Find a Reputable Seller
Another vital aspect of carefully checking the price of remanufactured engines is taking the opportunity to check out different sellers and shops in your area. Most certified auto-shops are trustworthy when it comes to this type of work, but there are still a few things you might want to watch out for when reconditioning your current engine or purchasing a remanufactured one.
As previously mentioned, you’ll want to perform a thorough examination of the engine to ensure you’re getting the machine you paid for. One other thing you should check is the engine's mileage; because a remanufactured engine uses brand new OEM-certified parts but is not actually a new engine, its mileage should remain the same. Watch out for any sellers that might attempt to reset the mileage on a remanufactured engine—this is an illegal process and not to be taken lightly.
When dealing with something as meticulous and precise as reconditioning your engine, make sure your machine is in the hands of a reputable seller that’s above board.
Check the Components
One of the most significant parts of remanufacturing an engine is swapping out all the components for brand-new replacements. Naturally, you’ll want to check on the condition of these components when examining your engine.
The primary components of your diesel engine include the gaskets, piston rings, fuel injectors, camshaft, timing belts, and other vital pieces. Something to look for when buying a remanufactured diesel engine is that these parts are in new condition, they come from the original manufacturer, and are OEM-certified. Even if a mechanic does replace all these components with brand-new parts, you may find yourself with a rebuilt engine rather than a remanufactured one if those parts don’t comply with OEM standards.
Look for New Parts
Aside from the general components like rings and gaskets, remanufacturing an engine requires swapping out some of the fundamental parts with new, OEM-certified pieces. These parts include the crankshaft, rods, and block castings.
Much like with the components, whether you’re buying a remanufactured engine or paying someone to recondition yours, this is something you’ll want to pay attention to so you can ensure you’re getting what you paid for.
Double-Check Compatibility
Compatibility is a crucial part of remanufacturing an engine. If you perform any modifications to your engine—such as installing a turbocharger—you’ll want to ensure that your remanufactured engine remains compatible with the power of your previous unit. Incompatible parts may result in wear and tear on your engine and could lead to permanent or costly damages.
Should You Buy a Remanufactured Engine?
Now that you have an idea of what constitutes a remanufactured engine and the specific things to look for, you might be wondering if it's the right move for you. Reconditioned engines are a great way to get a machine that's as close to a new engine as possible, but at a fraction of the cost.
Many may find the detail-oriented checklist of a remanufactured engine not worth the effort and opt for a brand-new engine or vehicle. Others may be content with a refurbished engine, which still offers high-quality diesel engine experiences in a much more cost-effective way.
It ultimately comes down to what you personally want from your engine, but for many enthusiasts, a remanufactured engine is a great way to go.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about remanufactured engines or OEM-certified diesel engine parts, the experts and specialists at ATL Diesel Inc. have the information you’re looking for. You can contact us by phone at 866-905-3916 during regular business hours or email us anytime at db@atldiesel.com.
