Out with the old, in with the…reconditioned??????
Question: “What does it mean when an engine is reconditioned? Tell me about warranties.”
When an engine is worn out on the inside but still usable mechanically it can be removed from the car it is in and be re-manufactured, re-conditioned or rebuilt. This is especially prevalent in rare cars and engines and in older American made engines. The reason for this is that in rare cars and engines where parts are hard to find it may not be possible to find a new engine to replace one that is worn out because they haven’t been made for a while. American engines (i.e. Motown V-8s from the 50s-80s) were typically overbuilt in the engine block but suffered when it came to the durability of things like cylinder sleeves and piston rings so instead of buying a new engine you could rebuild the one you had for way less money.
The terms re-built, re-conditioned and re-manufactured are all marketing terms usually used to mean the same or similar thing. What this means is that there is no set standard for these engines, any two manufacturers will have differing standards regarding what is required to be replaced and what is not. Typically during a re-build, re-man or re-con the engine is returned or repaired to near factory new conditions. This means usually, but not always; new piston rings, valves, bearings and gaskets. Depending on the shop, they may replace the pistons, connecting rods and rocker arms. This all depends on the experience and thoroughness of the shop
Here are some of the good and bad things about re-engines…They are a lot less expensive than a completely new engine and usually they will run just fine. Unfortunately, without a set standard of what each of the terms requires, it is a roll of the dice what you are going to get. Typically you will get what you pay for. A high end shop that charges more and has a good reputation will typically change out a part if it is anything but pristine. A lower end shop will typically bypass changing parts if they feel that it is serviceable. A really bad shop will not change the parts and tell you they did, knowing full well you probably aren’t going to be checking to see if you have new valve rockers or connecting rods.
A re-engine will usually come with a warranty. Typically 12months or 12000 miles but it varies between 30 days and 1000 miles and 3 years and 30000 miles. Typically dealerships offer the longest warranties.
What does a warranty cover? The warranty covers only what the shop repaired or replaced, and only defects in materials and workmanship. So if you crash into a tree, don’t expect them to warranty your engine. However, if you just got a re-man engine back from the shop and it throws a rod it will typically be covered. Always get your warranty in writing and make sure that you keep a copy.
Stumble It!
When an engine is worn out on the inside but still usable mechanically it can be removed from the car it is in and be re-manufactured, re-conditioned or rebuilt. This is especially prevalent in rare cars and engines and in older American made engines. The reason for this is that in rare cars and engines where parts are hard to find it may not be possible to find a new engine to replace one that is worn out because they haven’t been made for a while. American engines (i.e. Motown V-8s from the 50s-80s) were typically overbuilt in the engine block but suffered when it came to the durability of things like cylinder sleeves and piston rings so instead of buying a new engine you could rebuild the one you had for way less money.
The terms re-built, re-conditioned and re-manufactured are all marketing terms usually used to mean the same or similar thing. What this means is that there is no set standard for these engines, any two manufacturers will have differing standards regarding what is required to be replaced and what is not. Typically during a re-build, re-man or re-con the engine is returned or repaired to near factory new conditions. This means usually, but not always; new piston rings, valves, bearings and gaskets. Depending on the shop, they may replace the pistons, connecting rods and rocker arms. This all depends on the experience and thoroughness of the shop
Here are some of the good and bad things about re-engines…They are a lot less expensive than a completely new engine and usually they will run just fine. Unfortunately, without a set standard of what each of the terms requires, it is a roll of the dice what you are going to get. Typically you will get what you pay for. A high end shop that charges more and has a good reputation will typically change out a part if it is anything but pristine. A lower end shop will typically bypass changing parts if they feel that it is serviceable. A really bad shop will not change the parts and tell you they did, knowing full well you probably aren’t going to be checking to see if you have new valve rockers or connecting rods.
A re-engine will usually come with a warranty. Typically 12months or 12000 miles but it varies between 30 days and 1000 miles and 3 years and 30000 miles. Typically dealerships offer the longest warranties.
What does a warranty cover? The warranty covers only what the shop repaired or replaced, and only defects in materials and workmanship. So if you crash into a tree, don’t expect them to warranty your engine. However, if you just got a re-man engine back from the shop and it throws a rod it will typically be covered. Always get your warranty in writing and make sure that you keep a copy.
Labels: Motachanic, Used Cars
Stumble It!
posted by Miss Mota Mouth@ 3:01 PM 0 Comments
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