Thread: Engine Rebuild

Originally Posted by Dave_S

It was about 5 or 6 years ago now. I paid a bit over $5,000 and wanted a proper rebuild. I went to a mechanic a friend recommended. Unfortunately the week it was supposed to take stretched to 6 weeks and the engine blew the head gasket after about 30,000 kms. I don't think those guys are in business any more

If I was to do it again, I would take the engine (not the whole car) to a specialist diesel engine shop. Specify all genuine parts for the rebuild and don't cut any corners. Tell them you want to get a million kms out of it. Get a written quote, and tell them to call you once they've torn it all down to discuss what needs doing. Also make sure you get a written warranty and read the fine print (eg is the warranty void if you install the engine yourself, do you have to fit a new rad, etc). If they are not prepared to do all this, go elsewhere.

The reason I'm so careful (or painful ) is that the engine I had rebuilt started giving me trouble on a long trip between Mexico and Panama. Not the best place to break down. I reckon half way along the Canning Stock Route would be just as bad.

Ah yes that's right. It all comes back to me know. I remember the "mechanic" set up the timing retarded by ~5 degrees. Was the pump just not adjusted or was it a tooth out? Also was a non-genuine head gasket wasn't it?

Originally Posted by isuzurover

Ah yes that's right. It all comes back to me know. I remember the "mechanic" set up the timing retarded by ~5 degrees. Was the pump just not adjusted or was it a tooth out? Also was a non-genuine head gasket wasn't it?

I think the timing was just way out - we didn't pull the pump all the way off. It wasn't just the head gasket that was non-genuine either. Also, a lot of bits seem to have been re-used (I replaced everything I could find with genuine). I paid for all new hoses too, but found that my old ones had been stuck back on as they were in good shape.

At the end of the day, it really pays to get the work done by someone you are sure you can trust. Get references if you can and if they treat you like they are doing you a big favour, go somewhere else.