Im looking to get a car that has a rebuilt motor, does it mean it has a new engine? what are the possible complications? insurance liabilities?
2006-11-19 10:09:42 · 7 answers · asked by krupa 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have rebuilt motors myself (for my project cars) and have used the sevices of a reputable engine rebuilder (for my daily driver).
Just to be clear, NO - it is not a new engine. The motor has most likely been rebuilt around the existing engine block using any number of the original manufacturers components. The reusable parts could include (but is not limited to) the cylinder heads and valvetrain, the fuel and induction systems, and possibly the crankshaft and connecting rods.
A common engine rebuild would include the machining of the cylinder bores to accomodate a minutely larger (anywhere from 10 to 30 thousandths of an inch depending on wear) piston and ring assembly, new internal bearings, new oil pump, new gaskets, and possibly the maching of any excessively worn crankshaft or connecting rod contact points. Please note that I am only touching on the basics so as not to bog you down with the technical details. I have one engine that has undergone a similar rebuild that has over 220,000 km on it and that truck has been used for towing.
The complications arise when you don't know who did the rebuild or what parts were replaced in the motor. If you can not verify that information I would either walk away from the vehicle or use that as a key factor in negotiationg a substantial price reduction. It all comes down to what you find an acceptable level of risk.
Most insurance companies ( to the best of my knowledge) do not have restrcitions on rebuilt parts of the car so long as the overall safety of the vehicle is not compromised. To be sure you will have to ask your insurance provider.
Hope you find this helpful.
2006-11-19 10:45:44 · answer #1 · answered by Sedg 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if the engine was purchased through a reputable rebuild company then absolutely it's a good engine. My uncle replaces lots of engines each year which he purchases rebuilts through these companies. Most carry a reasonable warranty and run just fine. Are they new..no...however in most cases they are bored out to a larger bore...new internal componets are used with the exception of the crank and sometimes the rods...which are machined to fit the application.
I would ask the seller for documentation of the rebuilt to be sure...best thing is to drive it and if it runs fine then go for it. You should also have your mechanic give it a look over...if he has nor problems with it then you shouldn't either.
2006-11-19 10:58:41 · answer #2 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A properly built and installed engine is as good as new. Emphasize properly... A professional job gets you quality results with a guarantee. That's why good mechanics "get the big money". In other words... "you get what you pay for". Honest qualified mechanics are hard to find, so check the references. If the engine runs and has no problems, it is probably a good buy. Unless there were extra high performance modifications, your insurance company doesn't care.
2006-11-19 10:27:49 · answer #3 · answered by MikeyDo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Speaking from experience..the warranty is too short! You do not know where it has been or what kind of life it has had before, nor can you trust mechanics!
2006-11-19 10:21:22 · answer #4 · answered by Dancing Queeen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that all depends on who rebuilt it .some auto shop or mechanic or some jack monkey
2006-11-19 10:49:40 · answer #5 · answered by jb 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you would need to be sure who is doing it there are a lot of cowboys out there, i wouldn,t trust it
2006-11-19 10:16:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uhhhhhh........It's not new. Why did they rebuild it?
What was replaced? Did they ballance it? Did they use quality parts? Did they do it right?
If I were you, I'd say "No thanks."
2006-11-19 10:27:25 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋