Engine replacements: Opportunity or headache?

Motor, Aug 2003 by Seyfert, Karl

Prepare a comprehensive estimate. This should include die customer's cost for the engine, your labor, plus all peripheral costs-all needed hoses, belts and other sundries that should be replaced at the same time. If the radiator or any other supporting parts are suspect, be sure to include the cost of their replacement in your estimate. Check the condition of other things that bolt onto the engine, like the power steering pump, alternator, engine sensors, fuel injectors and so on. be sure to include everything that will contribute to a successful engine replacement.

Selecting a Replacement Engine

We've identified eight possible replacement engine choices, from doing it yourself to going to an offshore used-engine supplier, and we'll discuss each in detail. Before you decide which is appropriate for your customer and your shop, be sure to get the answers to the following questions:

*What type of warranty is offered? Is it transferable?

*Can the customer get service from another shop if he has a problem when he's away from your area?

*If there is a problem, does the warranty cover your expenses if a new engine must be installed? Does it include rental car coverage for the customer?

*When dealing with out-of-town suppliers, what's the cost of'delivery?

*Is a core return required? Who pays the shipping cost?

*Are there any core contingencies? Ls it possible to lose all or part of your core deposit if the core engine is determined to be "unrebuildable" by the engine supplier?

Do It Yourself. While it may have been possible and practical for a well-equipped shop to do an engine rebuild on its own in the past, many question this option today. Some shops still prefer to disassemble an engine, then send it to a machine shop for the major machining operations. Final assembly is then done by the shop.

The benefit to this approach comes from the fact that you're the one putting the engine together, so you know whether everything has been done right. With that comes a level of responsibility, however. You're the one who'll have to stand behind it ii something goes wrong. Also, due to the specialized tooling that's required to remanufacture modern engines, it may not be practical today for you to attempt a rebuild on anything other than an engine that was manufactured several years ago.

Local Rebuilder. Having a working relationship with a local machine shop can be an advantage, especially if the shop produces a quality product and you're willing to stake your reputation on it. A close relationship with a local builder can also make communication easier. They know what you want, and can give it to you in a timely manner. Shipping costs are reduced, and turnaround time may also be quicker.

Possible drawbacks may occur if the local guy can't handle all of the different types of engines your shop is likely to work on. Also, a local rebuilder may not retain a stock of ready-to-install remanufactured engines. This means the customers engine will need to be removed, then rebuilt by the machine shop. This may add several days to the process, which ties up a stall in your shop and deprives your customer of his vehicle for a longer period of time.