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What Type of Engine Rebuild Does Your Car Require? Here Are the 3 Main Types of Engine Rebuilding to Consider!

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Wondering whether your engine rebuild is going to be a major investment or only a minor expense? It all depends on the degree of the damage and exactly what needs to be done. Your preferences and your mechanic's recommendations may also play a part in the type of engine rebuild you get. Here are the three main types of engine rebuilding done today, from cheapest to most expensive.

When It's Good News: The Cheapest Engine Rebuild Jobs

The cheapest type of engine rebuild is the ring and valve repair. If your engine is still running, but it's lost compression in at least one cylinder, this may be the type of rebuild needed. The ring and valve job is also used when an engine is burning oil. 

Part of the reason that this job is a less costly engine rebuild is that it's done whilst the engine block stays in the vehicle. It includes:

  • The head is removed and then rebuilt
  • The pistons are removed and then re-ringed
  • The rod bearings are replaced

To have a ring and valve job, the other components of your car's engine must be in good condition. Therefore, this type of rebuild is usually best suited for vehicles that don't have very high mileage.

When The Engine Needs Help -- But It's Still Viable

The next option for rebuilding is the mid-range rebuild that might have started as a ring and valve job. During a ring and valve job, additional issues might be found whilst the head, pistons, and rod bearings are being inspected. If these extra problems are found, it will be necessary to remove the engine block before proceeding. The job typically includes: 

  • The head is removed and then rebuilt
  • The pistons are removed and then re-ringed
  • The rod bearings are replaced
  • The main bearings are replaced
  • The freeze plug are replaced
  • New timing parts are installed

The parts are reassembled and placed back in your vehicle afterward, giving you a partly-new engine that should run well now and into the future. 

When You Need a Full-Scale Engine Rebuild

In some cases, you may need a full-scale engine rebuild. This may be because your engine is damaged beyond repair, with all parts of it being affected. However, it could also be simply because your vehicle repair provider recommends a fresh start on a vehicle with 100,000 km or more. For example, there may be a few components of your engine that don't technically require rebuilding but it may be best to rebuild everything at once. This gives you a common lifespan amongst all engine components and may allow the old and new parts to work together better.

In a full-scale engine rebuild, every component of the engine is removed and then either rebuilt or replaced. Essentially, you'll have the next best thing to a brand new engine. Whilst this is the most costly rebuild, your engine rebuilder may provide a warranty on parts and labour -- much like what you'd get if your engine were brand new. 

Ready to talk about a rebuild? Contact your local auto engine rebuilder today to discuss which type of rebuild might be best for your vehicle. 


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