Investing in a New Engine Rebuild Kit vs. Fixing an Old Engine
Diesel engine rebuild kits are one of the most popular items our customers purchase. . This is because a large number of today's automobiles and machines are diesel applications. Unfortunately at times, these engines can be a pain in the neck when they fail. We have found that they generally either fail to operate at full power, start and stall, or not even turn over at all. In these situations, you may find yourself weighing the option of investing in a new diesel engine versus "fixing" your old one.
The problem is that it may not be easy to determine when you need to rebuild the engine. It could be that the engine is showing signs of wear, or perhaps you want to add more power and efficiency. Whatever your reason, it's vital that you know that rebuilding the engine could be a better option, especially if it's been around for a long time or has seen extensive use.
The decision between these two options depends on your circumstances and figuring out which option best appeals to your needs can make all the difference for your machine.
Signs That It’s Time to Repair or Replace a Diesel Engine
A diesel engine has dozens of moving parts, which can be a factor in why you need to repair or replace your diesel engine — two areas we’ve got great experience with here at Heavy Duty Pros. If you're experiencing an issue with major components in your diesel engine, then it makes sense that you'd want to prevent further damage or replace the engine as quickly as possible.
Here’s a look at some warning signs indicating it’s time to repair or replace a diesel engine.
Loss of power
A loss of power is one of the most common symptoms associated with a diesel engine. The engine may lose power when idling, accelerating, or experiencing inconsistent power output. Worn parts can cause these symptoms in the fuel system, air leaks in the intake system, and low compression. Loss of power is one of the most visible ways to tell if your diesel engine is due for immediate repair or replacement.
New noises
Some of the noise from a diesel engine is normal — even with a rebuilt engine — and can be easily dismissed as nothing more than normal wear and tear. However, if you notice any unusual noise from your diesel engine, it could indicate something is wrong with your vehicle. The most common sounds include knocking from the pistons or the connecting rods bearings or a clatter sound coming from the valve train components.
Excessive vibration
Diesel engines are known for delivering high levels of performance and reliability, but they also have drawbacks. One drawback is excessive vibration from these powerful engines and transmissions. This vibration can cause noise as well as vibrations felt outside the engine.
Excessive vibrations can cause damage to parts inside your diesel engine, such as electrical wiring and switches. So if you notice excessive vibration during normal operations with your machine, this may indicate that your diesel needs repair or replacement.
Abnormal Wear on Engine Components
Abnormal wear on engine components is a sign that something is wrong. Engine wear is normal, but excessive wear can signify excessive use or abuse. That includes things like worn-out pulleys, oil pumps, or gaskets that should be replaced if they become damaged or worn out.
Poor Fuel Economy
Diesel engines are highly efficient but can have difficulty achieving their maximum potential in certain situations. The main culprit is often poor fuel economy. When your engine requires more fuel than it gets from your tank, it will not run at its best efficiency, and that means you’re paying for more than you need to.
Benefits of Replacing a Diesel Engine
While our services include all the information you need about diesel engine rebuilding and repairs, the best and most efficient way to save fuel and money is to avoid the need for repairs in the first place. Like any other mechanical device, the diesel engine can break down and require repair. However, when you replace your diesel engines rather than repairing them, you also gain many benefits:
Less Extensive and Frequent Repairs
If you're replacing your diesel engine block instead of repairing it, for example, you're avoiding the expense of repeated trips to the mechanic's shop. In addition to saving money on repairs, replacing your diesel engine will reduce fuel consumption and improve the performances of key components like the oil pump and piston rings. Replacing an older diesel engine with a new one will cut down on maintenance costs as well as the usable life of your vehicle.
Replacing Requires Less Downtime
If your diesel engine has been running for decades without significant issues, you might not even notice when the problem occurs. However, when something goes wrong with your engine, it is often necessary to replace it altogether.
Prolonging engine replacements can take time away from your business operations. By replacing the entire engine rather than just the broken or worn-out parts, you can avoid this problem and get back to business as soon as possible.
Guaranteed Output and Performance
Replacing an old diesel engine with a new one means you will get back exactly what you had before. You can expect better fuel economy, improved power, and higher torque output with a new diesel engine than an older model. In addition, new diesel engines are designed to run at higher temperatures and pressures than their predecessors, ensuring they perform at their best under all conditions.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Replacing a diesel engine can save you money in the long run because it will require less maintenance and repair. The fuel injection system is designed to stay clean and last for years, but it's not uncommon for them to break down at some point.
These breakdowns can cause oil leaks and other problems, creating long-term expenses for truck owners. Replacing an older engine with one that has been fully overhauled is an excellent way to get back on track with keeping your truck running smoothly. The result is less wasted energy, which means lower maintenance costs and less pollution.
Better on the Environment
Newer diesel engines are generally more efficient than older models and notably better than gasoline engines, making them more environmentally friendly. For example, newer diesel engine models can operate at even lower speeds without much fuel.
This better efficiency is because diesel engines operate with a high compression ratio to generate power. As a result, they require much less fuel to reach the desired speed in more modern models available today. Even when the engine operates at higher speeds, it still uses less fuel than gas engines.
Benefits of Repairing a Diesel Engine
There are plenty of reasons to fix a diesel engine if you just discovered that your diesel engine isn't running quite like it used to. Below are some benefits you could get by repairing your diesel engine with high-quality engine rebuild kits rather than simply replacing it with a new one.
Rebuilt Engines Deliver Better Cost Savings
First, it should be noted that getting your engine rebuilt is often cheaper than getting a new one. You should take advantage of this option with your damaged engine especially if it's covered by an extended warranty.
Another obvious benefit of repairing a diesel engine is that it reduces operating costs. Once a diesel engine is repaired, it will be able to operate longer and more efficiently than it did before the repair. That can significantly reduce the amount of fuel you use daily.
Longer Operation Lifespan
In addition to other benefits of a diesel engine repair, the life expectancy of your machine can be increased when you get your engine rebuilt. Rebuilt engines typically have longer operation lifespans, even if they are not as efficient as new ones. Which makes sense as diesel engines are typically built to last and will not wear out as quickly.
Regardless of what fuel grade you use in your engine, all diesel engines require regular maintenance to keep them running at their optimum performance level. The most common maintenance items include adding changing oil, coolant, filters, and checking for leaks.
A Rebuilt Engine Means Improved Fuel Efficiency
Repairing a diesel engine can also improve fuel efficiency by 10 percent or more which can be pretty appealing. A diesel engine can deliver more power per pound of fuel than a gasoline engine, so it is crucial to maintain your diesel engine properly to get the most out of it. If you have a diesel engine that is not running correctly or performing at its full potential, it may be time to repair it instead of investing in a new one.
Extended Life of Engine Parts
Engine parts are subject to wear and tear over time. For example, when your diesel engine runs, the pistons wear down, and the cylinder walls can become scored from dirt, debris, or lack of lubrication. Over time, these parts can become damaged beyond repair or worn out enough that they need replacing with new ones.
Typically if you get your diesel engine repaired when it's needed, the fix is fast and you can continue enjoying your vehicle for quite some time before needing a replacement part.
Fewer emissions
Another benefit of repairing a diesel engine is its fewer emissions.
When an engine has been repaired, it uses less fuel. In addition, the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the exhaust decreases due to better emissions control technologies and new emission control equipment.
If you do not have the time or money for a complete rebuild, you can still significantly reduce emissions and gain a better return on your investment by repairing your diesel instead.
Which Choice is Right For You?
When it comes to investing in a new engine rebuild kit or fixing an old engine, there are several factors that you should consider. First and foremost, each option has its pros and cons.
For example, if your engine had a catastrophic failure, where major engine components are broken beyond repair, then replacing your engine may be the way to go. On the other hand, if your engine is running, but you've noticed a slight loss in power, then fixing it with an engine rebuild kit may be your best option.
When You Should Fix An Engine
Your Engine Is Less Than Four Years Old: If you want to save money on a diesel engine repair, you may consider repairing your diesel engine rather than purchasing a new one. Doing this will likely save you money in the long run because replacement usually costs much less than repairing an existing engine.
Your Engine Is Still Under Warranty: Most diesel engines come with a warranty, so it's worth having it repaired if you have an older model that has been sitting unused for some time and is still under warranty. In many cases, the cost of repairs over time will make up for the cost difference between buying and fixing an older model.
Repair Costs Are Cheaper: The price difference between a new and used diesel engine isn't just about money; it also comes down to how much time and effort it takes to fix both models. Generally, the less work needed for your repair job, the less time and resources you'll have to spend on what should be regular maintenance tasks over time.
Access to Specialized Repair Workshops and Technicians: If you don’t have an engine expert on hand, it could be a huge problem. If you have the option, it’s best to get your diesel engine fixed by a specialist, which is why we pay particular attention to even the tiniest details here at Heavy Duty Pros.
We have access to the latest equipment and software to help you diagnose and repair your engine faster and more efficiently. This way, we can efficiently carry out the necessary repairs on your diesel engine as quickly as possible.
When Engine Block Replacements Are Better
If your diesel engine has been operating for a long time and requires repairs or replacement, you may be better off getting a new engine than repairing the old one.
When repairs take too long: There are certain situations when you can’t wait for your diesel engine to be repaired. The most common ones include when the problem is very severe or you need your vehicle for urgent business purposes. In these cases, you should consider investing in a new one instead of risking a possibly delayed repair process.
Repair Cost Is More Than Half the Cost of Engine Replacement: In some cases, repair costs for diesel engines can run as high as 50 percent of the total cost of replacing an engine. At first glance, it may seem cheaper to fix an engine than investing in engine rebuilding kits, but additional maintenance and repairs mean you may spend more than that investment over time.
The Quality of Replacement Parts Is Substandard: If you've got a diesel engine in the shop a few times, you might have noticed that the engine keeps coming back with more problems. While there could be many reasons for this, one of them is likely to be bad quality parts. So when this happens too frequently, you may want to replace your diesel engine instead.
Shop Diesel Engine Parts or Rebuild Kits at Heavy Duty Pro
We hope that this guide has been helpful for you. As you can see, it's essential to consider a few factors when looking into engine overhauls. There are plenty of options; take your time and figure out which is best for you.
If you're torn between two engines, don't worry—that's a normal feeling! Don't let buying diesel engine rebuild kits be your worst nightmare—let us make it your best decision. Feel free to visit our website for superior quality parts or call us at 888-919-7767 anytime for expert technical advice.