Is it worth the effort to repair an engine?

You might need to replace your motor if you are experiencing severe problems. However, this isn’t a step many people will take lightly, especially when considering the cost to rebuild an engine.

Rebuilt engines cost on average between $2,000-$4,500. The cost of a rebuilt engine will vary depending on which car you drive and the location it is to be rebuilt. The cost of repairing an engine is significantly lower than it would be if the car were new. 

Here are the main factors that influence the price of an engine rebuild. You will also see some indicators that this might be a good time to repair.

There are many factors that affect the cost of rebuilding an engine

1. Make/Model of Car

Your car's type will have a major impact on how much the rebuilding of the engine costs. A small four-cylinder engine will cost you far less than one with a larger V8.

As an example, $2,000. You will also need fewer parts and less labor. 

2. You will need parts

The bearings and seals can be easily rebuilt. You might get back on your way if there are no major damages.

The cost of severe problems can add up quickly. If the crankshaft is damaged or the head of the engine has been removed, it could lead to a significant increase in cost. You might consider replacing the engine. 

3. Rebuild location

It will be much cheaper to rebuild in the country than in a large city. You should also consider the shop that you frequent.

If your cousin’s friend is rebuilding the engine, you will spend less than if you go to a dedicated engine shop. A typical engine rebuild takes between 10 and 20 hours. The bulk of your bill will be spent on labor. A $25 per hour cost difference could quickly add up. But are you prepared to give up the knowledge for a better price?

Signs it’s Time for Engine Rebuild

1. Rattling/Knocking

You can tell if the engine is making rattling and/or knocking noises that it's in serious trouble. These sounds are indicative of serious problems. 

When the engine is running, pay attention. You might be able repair the issue if you can hear it faintly. Don't let the situation worsen. Rebuilding might be needed if an internal part or bearing wears.

RELATED: 7 Engine Noises You Should Not Ignore (& What They Mean)

2. Clattering

Is there a clanging sound that you are hearing when you push the accelerator pedal? You could have too many pistons in the cylinders. Piston Slap is a term used by mechanics. If you get it repaired right away, you might be able to avoid an engine rebuild, but you don’t want to wait.

But, this can happen when the timing chain or belt breaks. You can reduce the repair cost by having the engine checked as soon as you notice any problems. 

RELATED: What's Piston Slap? (& Why Does it Occur)

3. Coolant/Oil Combination

There’s never a reason to see coolant in the oil or vice versa. If they are mixing, there’s an internal malfunction that must be dealt with.

A mixture of both can indicate that your head gasket is leaking. It can indicate a cracked engine block or a damaged piston. Each of these will need serious engine repairs. Still, there are times when fixing a blown head gasket won’t require rebuilding the entire engine, but it can still be quite expensive to deal with. 

RELATED: Oil In Coolant Reservoir? Should I be Worried?

4. Seized Engine

If the engine won’t turn over, your first thought isn’t that the engine has seized. You should consider replacing the battery, or looking into any ignition system problems. However, it could be a seized engine, especially if you haven’t been taking care of it.

You will not be able to get your car started if the engine is seized. All electronics work normally, however. The starter will simply turn the key and click. A burning smell may also be detected from the motor. 

5. Extraordinary Exhaust Smoke

Thin smoke coming out of the tailpipe is sometimes the first indication that oil has entered the combustion chambers. If the smoke is blue, you are dealing with infiltrating oil, while white smoke indicates coolant is going where it shouldn’t. 

It is likely that your head gasket or engine block has cracked. You could be looking at an expensive engine repair bill. 

RELATED: Short Block vs. Long Block Engine (What’s the Difference?)

Rebuild engine vs. Replacing the Engine

A new engine might be more attractive than a used one. All new parts will be used in the replacement engine. There is also a warranty from the factory. Your engine will still work as it did before it was replaced, which gives it a lot more longevity. 

You can expect to pay more for a new engine. A rebuilt engine will cost you more, but not less. You might spend more on a powerful engine than you vehicle, and that could be up to $10,000. 

To ensure longer engine life, the engine was completely rebuilt. It’s been taken apart and inspected for damage. Anything that’s defective is refinished, repaired or replaced with new components. It’s the same as a new engine, in part. 

To rebuild an engine, you need to be skilled. You won’t be able to take your vehicle to just any garage. You also have to trust the mechanic that’s working on it. After all, you don’t want to spend a ton of money and have the engine fail because it wasn’t done properly. 

Remanufactured engines are also available. While it’s not new, everything inside has been replaced, so it operates in factory condition. They can be more expensive than a factory-rebuilt engine, but they are cheaper than new engines.

Re: How to Repair Your Car or Replace It? Eight Things You Need to Know 

How can an engine be rebuilt?

Rebuilt engines require that defective parts be taken out and replaced. Each engine is different, so the process will vary depending on which problem you have. The steps the technician will use are these.

1. You must remove the engine from your vehicle.
2. You can see all the components of your engine by disassembling it.
3. Each part will be inspected by the mechanic. The mechanic will inspect every part to determine if it is cleanable and can be reinstalled. Some parts will need to be replaced. 
4. To begin with, mechanics can replace damaged valve springs or oil pumps. 
5. The mechanic might also have to replace either the crankshaft or the camshaft depending on how severe the damage is. 
6. It’s also possible that the engine block needs to be realigned with the crankshaft main bores. 

Before you agree to have any engine work done, ask the mechanic about the process. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the work that will be performed.