2. How long does an engine rebuild take? (2024)

FAQs

2. How long does an engine rebuild take? ›

This is always a difficult one to answer as it depends on what type of rebuild we undertake and also if any additional work is identified during the strip down process. However, a typical rebuild process takes around 3-5 weeks.

Depending on the parts needed, rebuilding an engine can take many weeks, if not months for a casual DIY person. You need a lot of gumption to rebuild an engine, as well as a wide array of equipment and a keen eye for detail and a strong ability to follow instructions.

To put it simply, replacing the engine does not affect mileage. The odometer is not connected to the engine.

The cost to rebuild the engine will vary depending on the complexity of your vehicle's engine and what's wrong with the car. However, an engine rebuild cost can be approximately half of what you'll pay for a replacement. A typical engine rebuild may cost around $2,500 to $4,000, including parts and labor.

Rebuilding an engine typically involves: Removing the engine block and disassembling it. Cleaning and inspection to determine the condition of the engine. Replacing damaged parts with new or refurbished parts that meet OEM standards, including piston rings, bearings, gaskets, seals, and lubricants.

Better Fuel Economy and Performance – with new, freshly replaced parts, a rebuilt engine is bound to have far better fuel economy and performance than before.

After an initial start, the engine should be run for 20 minutes at 2000 RPM to ensure initial break-in of the camshaft. Once past that hurdle, the car (assuming the engine is a car engine) should be driven at moderate and varying speeds for a couple of hours.

One of the most common problems with rebuilt or Re-Conditioned Engines is worn and tear from high mileage or difficult use. This is often due to a lack of proper maintenance after the rebuild. In order to avoid this, it's important that you keep up with all the recommended servicing and repairs.

The Average Lifespan of a Rebuilt Engine

Generally, a well-rebuilt engine can last anywhere from 100,000 to 150,000 miles or more, providing a vehicle life comparable to a new engine.

You may not get the same performance as a new engine

This is because rebuilt engines add more air and fuel, which can reduce performance.

Is it cheaper to rebuild an engine or swap it? ›

Rebuilt engines typically cost less but the job might not use high-quality replacement parts. A remanufactured engine can be as good as a new engine, last for many years and miles, and have attractive warranty coverage.

Rebuilding – Rebuilding an engine is exactly what it sounds like. In this instance, your old engine is pulled out of the car, and the damaged parts are replaced. Any components that are still in operating condition are not usually replaced, but are reused once more.

The exact cost of an engine rebuild will naturally vary depending on the vehicle type and condition. It is often in the range of £700-£2000. Often, the majority of this cost can be attributed to labour costs with the average engine rebuild requiring 15-25 hours of labour.

If you want to be extra gentle, after 200 miles do five or six medium-throttle accelerations, a couple hard throttle accelerations and coast back to about 20 mph. From 500 to 1,000 miles, drive normally but keep rpm below 5,000. Always avoid long periods of idling during this time, says Summit.

If you need to replace the engine in your new vehicle, it will take an average of 15-25 hours for a mechanic to complete the job. You could save money by buying a long block or short block rather than having the mechanic put old engine parts on the new block.

Subaru engines tend to be one of the easiest engines to rebuild and have a low rate of failure. All Drive Subarus usually have one of each engine in stock at any time ready for despatch, so it is easy to find the right part for your car.

I have seen rebuilt engines last as little as 5000 miles when the rebuild was done down to a budget and, for example, it was not re-bored and fitted with new pistons, whilst other rebuilds done to a really good standard with all new parts and careful assembly can easily last over 100,000 miles.

However, the typical break-in period is within the first 500-1000 miles. If you give in to the common urge and start pushing your engine too hard early on, you risk accelerating this process, causing minute imperfections in the size and shape of engine components.

Pros of Buying a Car with a Replaced Engine

The technician or repair facility that replaces the engine may also extend their warranty to guarantee the quality of their work. While this coverage does not cover other vehicle components, having such a major part covered by a new warranty can be helpful.