Diesel engines are renowned for their superior torque and power outputs. They’re the workhorses of the automotive world, rugged, durable, and able to haul loads their petrol counterparts couldn’t hope to. But like any internal combustion engine, even the mighty diesel will experience mechanical wear and tear over time, forcing components and engine parts to fail.
When your diesel engine starts to fail or performance becomes an issue, there are usually a number of probable causes. But if your diesel engine is already several years old with a couple hundred thousand kilometers behind its wheels, you may need to consider an engine overhaul.
What is an engine overhaul? What are some important things to consider before overhauling your diesel engine? Find out below!
What is a Diesel Engine Overhaul?
A diesel engine overhaul is the process of replacing or rebuilding all major components of the engine. This usually includes the pistons, connecting rods, cylinder liners, bearings, and gaskets. In some cases, the crankshaft and injectors may also need to be replaced.
Diesel engine overhauls can be as simple as a piston replacement or as complex as a complete engine teardown. The type of overhaul you’ll need will depend on the severity of the damage and what parts need to be replaced.
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What Does an Engine Overhaul Entail?
The first step in an engine overhaul is to remove the old engine from the vehicle. Once the engine is out, it will be disassembled and all of the parts will be inspected for wear and tear.
If any of the parts are damaged beyond repair, they will be replaced with new parts. Once all of the parts have been replaced or repaired, the engine will be reassembled and reinstalled in the vehicle.
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Why Would My Diesel Need an Engine Overhaul?
As your diesel engine ages, various parts will start to wear down and fail. When this happens, you may notice a decline in performance or an increase in fuel consumption.
In some cases, you may also start to experience engine misfires or a loss of power. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to have your engine checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. If the damage is severe enough, an engine overhaul may be necessary.
Read More: Diesel Performance: Are Bigger Upgrades Always Better?
The Pros of Overhauling Your Diesel Engine
- You’ll Get a Like-New Engine
When you overhaul your diesel engine, you essentially get a brand new engine. All of the worn-out parts will be replaced with new ones, and your engine will be good as new.
- You Can Increase Your Engine’s Power
If you’re looking to increase the power of your diesel engine, an overhaul is one of the best ways to do it. By upgrading to larger pistons, connecting rods, and injectors during the overhaul process, you can significantly increase the power output of your engine.
- You Can Improve Your Fuel Economy
Another advantage of overhauling your diesel engine is that you can improve your fuel economy. By installing newer and more efficient components, your engine will be able to run more efficiently, using less fuel in the process.
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The Cons of Overhauling Your Diesel Engine
- It Can Be Expensive
One of the biggest disadvantages of overhauling your diesel engine is that it can be quite expensive. Depending on the severity of the damage and which parts need to be replaced, an engine overhaul can cost anywhere from several thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars.
- It Takes Time
Another downside to an engine overhaul is that it can take a significant amount of time. The process usually takes several weeks from start to finish, so you’ll have to be without your vehicle for a while.
- You Might Not Need an Overhaul
In some cases, you might not actually need an engine overhaul. If the damage to your engine is minor, a simple repair may be all that’s needed.
Overhauling your diesel engine is a big decision. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. If you’re not sure whether or not an overhaul is right for you, talk to a qualified diesel performance expert at Just Autos to get their opinion.
Why a Genuine Engine is Best
At Just Autos, we’re big on performance – but we’re just as focused on engine safety and reliability. For this reason, whenever a customer of ours is considering overhauling their engine, we advocate for authentic and genuine builds. There are many reasons why we believe this is the best way to go.
First, genuine parts are designed specifically for your engine type. This means they will fit properly and function correctly, unlike some aftermarket or generic parts which may not be an exact match.
Second, authentic parts are made from high-quality materials that are built to last. This means they’re less likely to fail or break down, even under heavy use.
Finally, using genuine parts in your engine rebuild ensures that your warranty will remain valid. If you use aftermarket or generic parts, your warranty may be voided, leaving you without any protection if something goes wrong.
Whether you’re looking to increase the power of your diesel engine or simply need to repair some damage, we always recommend using genuine parts. If you’re not sure which parts you need or how to go about the process, our team at Just Autos can help. We have over 15 years of experience with diesel engines, and our expert technicians are more than qualified to help you with your engine rebuild.
For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get started on your engine rebuild project.
