Sos Roofline Systems

Professional and amateur mechanics have been changing out used engines for rebuilt engines ever since tire tracks first appeared on dirt roads. There’s serious pride involved but also a chance to save good money. Set your tools out because here’s how to do it.

Think about this as a reason to swap an engine out. Many times the rebuilt engine is actually more reliable than the original that came with the car. Improvements are always being made by manufacturers and, with time, they upgrade the parts. The used engine will have those upgrades built in.

These engines go by many names – recycled, rebuilt, used, re-manufactured, or if it’s high performance, crate. But the thing is it’s up to your hands, tools, time, and skills to make it move smooth and fast.

Heres some good news. Get this right and a used engine can save you some serious money. You need the ride but times are harder now. Buying a new car is a huge investment. But if you take that sweet car and fix it up with some cosmetics, pay attention to the transmission (you can get those rebuilt too) and the rest of the drive train youre gold.

Heres the way we do it and ask that our customers replace their engines with remanufactured engines. Remember that used engines are sold as longblock engine assemblies. That means that there are cylinder heads, engine block and all internal components.

Here’s a pre-installation checklist that will help save you a lot of grief.

Check the engine for damage before letting the delivery guy go. Make sure you got the right longblock assembly by comparing it with the engine you’re replacing. See if there are any change over parts from the old engine to the rebuilt engine. Inspect the timing components and replace if they are over the manufacturer’s mileage recommendation. Replace any leaking or brittle gaskets.

1. Flush cooling system prior to installing engine to remove any debris left over the the previous engine. 2. Clean or replace oil strainer and pick screen. 3. Replace oil pan gasket and rear main seal. 4. Drain and replace engine oils to manufacturers suggested levels. 5. Replace the oil filter. 6. Timing belts, water pump, thermostat, spark plugs, fluids and seals are routine maintenance items and should be replaced at the time of installation and at the vehicle manufacturers recommended service intervals. 7. Replace any water hoses or vacuum lines that need replacing. 8. Prior to starting engine prime oils system and check to be sure you have oil pressure. 9. Proper operation of the cooling and electrical system must be checked during the installation of products that can be affected by those systems. 10. Replace valve cover gasket as needed. 11. Install new belts and hoses.

Get in and cruise.