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Rebuild Cost of Engine


Decojuicer

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Hi folks,

 

I've lurked here before, but this is my first time posting. Here's my situation.

 

My 2010 AWD Edge developed a severe knocking noise. I took it to a backyard mechanic that was highly recommended by two friends. He said that it was a rod knock, and that the engine would have to be replaced. I was in a hurry to get a new engine because of an upcoming vacation, but I ended up getting scammed by a salvage yard for $750. Now that I'm not going to get the engine in time to replace it before the vacation, I'm thinking about just pulling the engine and taking it somewhere to get it rebuilt.

 

Most of the low mileage engines that I found (from places that appear to be reputable) run $1200-$1500. Would it be more cost effective to take my engine somewhere to be rebuilt? Would it last me longer in the long run? What would a fair price be for a rebuild? Other than boring out cylinders, is this a job that I could do myself in a reasonable amount of time (I haven't rebuilt an engine since high school, but I have a pretty decent understanding of the mechanics involved).

 

Thanks for any help that you can give.

 

 

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People don't really rebuild modern mass production engines these days. Easier just to replace the short/longblock or entire engine. Parts cost will kill you piecemeal if new. Tolerances are tight, so you have to have access to the appropriate equipment. As an enthusiast and hobbyist, sure it is possible. But for your daily driver, not really practical to rebuild.

 

At most, I would suggest buying a used block, then replacing the VCT solenoids, belts (maybe tensioner and alternator depending on mileage) timing set, and water pump, and regular maintenance (plugs, pcv valve, maybe intake gasket) before putting it back in the engine bay.

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If your Edge is in really good shape a Jasper or Motorcraft long block may be worth the cost. Michigan vehicles can get pretty rusty in 6 years so ya may wanna give it a good once-over before deciding. Just had some good friends put a Jasper in their 90,000 mile 2010 F150 for $6500.00 including labor. I think the motor cane with a 3 year warranty.

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Thanks for your replies. Unfortunately, a reman isn't in my budget right now. However, a friend of mine who lives close to the salvage yard that I ordered the engine from was able to straighten out the situation and get me the motor I ordered. The engine only has 39k miles on it. I'm going to take WWWPerfA_ZNOW's advise and replace the block and all of the important parts. Thanks again.

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  • 1 month later...

Thanks WWW. Here's the status of the project:

 

I ordered a used engine for what I thought was a great deal. It turns out that I got ripped off by the company (AA Used Auto Parts out of Tampa, if anyone wants to know). The company never sent me any info on the engine like I asked, they never sent the engine, and as of today I still haven't gotten a refund, though they swear that they issued it. I found another engine, this one on eBay. The seller has a 100% satisfaction rate, has already sent me the VIN on the engine, and has told me that eBay and PayPal will stand behind the seller completely to work out any issues. Carfax showed that the engine most likely has less than 30k miles on it (24k 4 months before the vehicle was totaled in an accident), and it comes with a 1 year warranty. I'm ordering the engine on Tuesday of this week, and as soon as I order it, I'll start removing the old engine. I even found a used engine hoist for sale locally for $90.

 

I'll make sure to keep a good visual record of the project with pics and video, and update often. I'm taking your advice and replacing everything that you recommended, plus a couple of other PITA items. Hopefully I'll have the car up and running within the next two weeks.

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For future reference, the bolts are grade 8 M10 - 1.5. They need to be about 2 inches longer than the bolts that hold the transmission. Also, they're a pain in the butt to find.

 

Next question, and I know this has been asked before in other threads, but I never really found a great answer. According to MOST of things I've read, the engine needs to come out through the bottom. That being said, I've noticed that after removing the upper and lower plastic cowls (at the bottom of the windshield) there is a piece of sheet metal that holds the wiper motor and a couple of other things. It appears that if I pull that piece of metal, there will be plenty of room to remove the engine from the top. Is there a reason that I shouldn't do this?

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I'm trying to put a new timing chain on the "new" engine. The Haynes Manual says that I need to pull the crankshaft pulley off, but that bolts not moving. I've go my a 2' breaker bar, but I couldn't find a two pin spanner wrench, like the manual says to use. Does anyone have any tips on how to break that bolt loose? The engine is on a stand.

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A possible answer from a friend: "I've used the engine starter to break a bunch of crank bolts loose. I would position the breaker bar where it would be against some part of the frame & then bump the starter & it would break the crank bolt loose."

 

I know the engine is on the stand, so likely this does not apply. Just thought I would add it to the thread.

 

If the pulley isnt solid, thread a breaker bar through it. And buy a new bolt, they're torque to yield.

Edited by WWWPerfA_ZN0W
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I'm trying to put a new timing chain on the "new" engine.

 

 

I gotta tell you, if the engine has 30K miles on it I wouldn't touch anything on it - just plug and play. Okay, I'd probably change the plugs as long as it's on the engine stand but that's it. At 30K miles, the engine is for all intents and purposes virtually new.

 

John

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I know, but it's apart now. That's the job I'm tackling today, getting the new engine prepped to go in. The old engine is out (came out easily through the bottom) and I'm hoping to get the new engine ready to go and attached to the transmission today. If I can find someone willing to help for a couple of hours, I may actually get it on the motor mounts.

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