Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a remanufactured engine?

   A remanufactured engine is exactly that – an engine which has been
  returned to the manufacturer’s specification to provide levels of
  performance, reliability and life similar to that of the original engine.
  It is not a “replacement”, “exchange” or “rebuilt” engine.

  The British Standard Automobile Series Code of Practice BSI AU
  257:2002 fully details how for spark and compression ignition
  (diesel) engines, components shall be inspected and checked against
  manufacturers tolerances. Key components including piston
  assemblies, big and small end bearings / bushes, gaskets, seals,
  timing chains and drive belts are renewed whilst items such as
  tensioners and dampers are checked and replaced where necessary.

  Important additional operations such as crack testing machined
  components or deburring reworked oilways ensure original
  performance is achieved with reliability.

  As well as having all key clearances, tolerances and end floats
  checked after assembly complete engines are also required to be
  checked for oil pressure and compression.

  Finally, remanufactured engines offer the additional advantage of
  having their own unique serial number stated in the accompanying
  documentation which details renewed components, completion date,
  test records and relevant instructions

Q. Is a remanufactured engine different from a rebuilt one?

A. Yes. A remanufactured engine has gone through a rigorous
  programme of cleaning checks etc. A rebuilt engine, although
  perhaps suitable for some applications, will not be to the same
  standard.

Q. Why is a remanufactured engine better?

A. Because it has been built to a much higher standard with new
  components and tolerances to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Q. Can all engines be remanufactured?

A. Generally yes, but it depends on the damage that may have been
  done to the engine. For example, if a conrod has gone through the
  side of the block than the block cannot be reused.

Q. How long does it take to remanufacture an engine?

A. This depends very much on the engine size and specification, but
  typically 3 to 5 days.

Q. When a engine is remanufactured, is it my own engine that I get
  back?

A. This depends on what you have agreed with the member. In most
  situations it will be your engine. The member, however, will consider
  the work that needs to be done and work out a cost for this. In some
  cases it may be a less expensive option to have an exchange engine.
  In this case you will not get your own engine back.

Q. What is an exchange engine?

A. An exchange engine is just that. Within the industry there are
  companies that remanufacture engines on a production line basis.
  This gives them economies of scale that allow them to market
  engines at prices lower than taking an engine and remanufacturing it
  from scratch. In this instance your engine is sent to them on an
  exchange basis for them to remanufacture.

Q. Is that a good thing?

A. A very good thing. Remanufacturing engines is a very ‘green’ thing to
  do. From the collecting of the raw materials, to making the steel, to
  making the engine itself, an enormous amount of energy goes into
  this process. It goes without saying , therefore, that a huge amount
  of energy is saved by remanufacturing. Good for the pocket and good
  for the planet.

Q. Is it only the engine that is remanufactured?

A. No. It is possible to remanufacture a cylinder head or a short engine.
  Both would be remanufactured to the same standard as a complete
  engine. Again, exchange units are available if that is better for the
  situation.

Q. What else should I consider when having my engine
  remanufactured?

A. You will need to consider that if, for example, your vehicle is eight
  years old, when you fit the remanufactured engine it will be as good
  as new and work as efficiently as new. Not so the other parts and
  ancillaries to the engine, which are still eight years old. The classic
  example is the water pump. When a remanufactured engine has
  been fitted and connected to the water pump it will probably be
  driving harder that when the engine was taken out. This could lead to
  failure and subsequent loss of coolant, which in turn could cause
  damage to your newly remanufactured engine. We will advise what
  else should be done to ensure the best job.

 Remember..............., if you are paying to have the engine remanufactured 
                                          it pays to be sure everything else will keep up with it!