At Red Rover Service we specialize in diesel engine repair service and diesel engine replacement. Today we want to talk a little bit about how you know when it’s time to replace rather than repair your truck’s diesel engine.
Diesel Engine Repair Service: Is It Time to Repair Or Replace?
Your diesel engine has seen better days, but how do you know whether it is time to repair or replace your engine?
Engine overhauls are a popular choice when you are talking about big trucks. Rebuilding the engine can make the truck run like new, but that doesn’t mean that a rebuild is always the best option.
Unlike your traditional passenger car where engine rebuilds are only a concern when the engine ceases functioning altogether, rebuilding the engine of your truck is preventative maintenance. For most big trucks, an engine overhaul is common practice at around 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles.
Overhauling extends the life of your truck engine, and can be the solution if you aren’t facing major mechanical issues. If your engine has run a healthy lifespan, however, it may be a better option to replace your diesel truck engine.
How does the cost of the two compare? It’s no secret that overhauling your truck engine is always going to be cheaper than replacing your engine completely, but, you need to question what you are adding to the life of your truck with the overhaul.
If the entire engine of your truck needs overhauling in a major way, you are looking at a bill that comes very close to matching the cost of a new engine. In this case, it’s a better option to go for the new engine and know that you have a fresh start. A new engine essentially gives you a brand new truck.
What about when engine overhauls are minimal?
When you need a less extensive rebuild of the engine, it is worth considering a rebuild, but there are a few provisos that come into play here.
Firstly, do you have a mechanic who has the experience needed to do the job and do it well? Can you trust them with the job? Or do you anticipate missed deadlines, stories about why the job isn’t finished, etc.? This is likely something you can’t lose money waiting around for.
If you don’t have a good mechanic you can trust, find one!
Secondly, the quality of your engine rebuild is also dependent upon the parts being used. Talk to your mechanic and ensure that you are getting quality parts from manufacturers that you trust when they rebuild your engine.
Hint: If the mechanic is substituting low quality parts to save a buck, they aren’t a good mechanic who will do the job well.
When it all comes down to it, the best way to decide whether your truck engine needs overhauling or replacing is to talk to a couple of different mechanics. Find out what specifically needs doing, get a quote for that work, and find out what parts will be used for the rebuild.
Each mechanic you talk to should give you relatively the same answer in regard to what needs fixing, and they should be able to give you a ballpark quote as well as the manufacturers of the parts that will be replacing the older parts. Compare the information from each mechanic and find out what you are looking at.
In an ideal world, each mechanic will give a quote that is around the same price point. They will use only the best replacement parts, and they will be happy to break down each aspect of their bill to you. Reluctance in any of these departments may be cause for concern and is good reason to stay clear of that shop or at least do some more digging to get the answers you are looking for!
Are You Looking For a Diesel Engine Repair Service In Charlotte, NC
If you are looking for a diesel engine repair service or diesel engine replacement service in Charlotte, NC, Red Rover Service is here for you! Just give us a call today at 704-317-6161 and let us know how we can help you!
