How Much Does Engine Reconditioning Cost?

Engine Reconditioning Melbourne

The car’s engine begins to show signs of wear and tear as the car ages. One of the best ways to get the full power of the engine is by opting for the reconditioning of the engine. It’s a better alternative to replacement as you get to keep the original engine, and it is also cost-effective.

However, the question still prevails – which is better between reconditioning and replacement? This blog will decipher the answer depending on the factors like make and model of your car, the extent of damage and the parts and labour involved.

You will get a full understanding as you will see the key cost considerations. 

Let’s understand the process of reconditioning:

Engine Reconditioning is the process of dismantling, inspecting, cleaning and repairing the damaged components and assembling them again. The primary purpose of this process is to restore the engine to its optimal condition.

The detailed process involves cylinder head resurfacing, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft grinding, valve and gasket replacement, and cleaning and testing of components.

If necessary, the worn-out parts are replaced if the repair is not possible.

Factors affecting reconditioning costs:

  • The type and size of the engine

The make and model of the engine will significantly impact the cost of the reconditioning process. If your car has a larger engine with high performance, then the cost of reconditioning will be higher. As these engines need complex components and the extent of their availability, the cost tends to be higher.

  • The extent of damage

If the engine is worn-out lightly, then the engine needs minimal repairs. it will be cheaper when compared to reconditioning a heavily worn-out engine. An extensive damaged engine reconditioning will involve repairing a blown head gasket, cracked block or heavy wear on internal parts.

  • Parts and labour costs

The kind of parts installed during reconditioning will determine the total cost of the process. If the parts are cheap, then the total cost will be less, however, the functionality of the engine may be compromised. The cost also depends on who is doing the installation. An amateur may cost you less when compared to a certified professional doing the reconditioning process.

  • Professional or DIY reconditioning

Always aim for the reconditioning of your engine in a professional and licensed environment. As people will work on the original engine of your vehicle, you should take care that the quality of the engine is maximised but not the other way.

Costs Of Engine Reconditioning in Melbourne – At a Glance:

Basic Repairs: $300–$800 for minor fixes

Diesel Engines: $5,000–$12,500, depending on complexity

Labor: Around $1,195 in Sydney, $1,270 in Melbourne

Is it worth reconditioning your engine?

Reconditioning of your engine is worth your money if the engine is in good condition. You can extend the life of the engine by repairing the worn-out parts or replacing them. You get to keep the original engine that came with the vehicle without having to replace it with a third-party engine. You can also make your vehicle fully functional at an affordable rate when compared to the cost of total replacement of your engine.

However, if the engine is heavily worn out or each part has to be replaced during reconditioning, then it may not be worth it to go for it. The cost will be higher with no guarantee that the engine will become optimal. In such cases, you have to go for an engine replacement.

Whatever you choose, ensure that you are going to a certified and licensed professional. It will help preserve the value of your engine without compromising the quality of the parts repaired or replaced.