Buy cheap . . . buy twice! Pitfalls of re-conditioned engines (From Smallholder)

Buy cheap . . . buy twice! Pitfalls of re-conditioned engines

11:30am Saturday 10th September 2011 in Machinery

Although seen as controversial by some, four wheel drive vehicles are still popular due to their durability, size, strength and ability to negotiate some of the roughest terrain. For smallholders it's not simply the ability to go off-road but the space makes them a popular choice and indeed, makes them a vital workhorse for many.

But, given the tough economical climate, what do you do if the engine in your 4X4 gives up but your vehicle is otherwise in good condition? Well, growing numbers of owners are going down the reconditioned engine route. Reasons for growth in this sector are believed to be largely due to the downturn in the economy and increases in the tax on new 4X4’s.

On the surface, the concept of a reconditioned engine appears a simple one to grasp – your engine blows up so you buy a reconditioned one to replace it with for an all in cost of around £2,000. Job done and you’re back on the road in the vehicle you’ve cared for and maintained with a new lease of life.

If only it were that simple. There are numerous 4X4 owners out there who can bear testament to the fact that purchasing a reconditioned engine is more like entering a snake pit for the unwary.

Proceed with caution is the watchword. Reconditioning engines may not be rocket science but there are cowboys out there who will take your money and sell their grandmother without a backward glance.

So how do you decide which supplier and fitter to use?

You might try sourcing an operation through the Federation of Engine Re-Manufacturers. This body has been in existence since 1937 and has praiseworthy aims of ‘establishing higher standards of workmanship within the engine re-manufacturing industry’.

The Federation aims to mediate in an effort to resolve any problems but the reality is that the organisation has no clout or means of bringing pressure to bear.

The Federation does inspect its members before they join and can tell you if there have been complaints against any of its members and provide background on the company’s trading history, beyond that it’s a lottery.

So, you need to do your homework: scan the internet, motor trade publications and there are numerous suppliers and fitters promising you the earth.

By far the best way of sourcing your provider is through recommendation. If personal recommendation isn’t an option then try motoring advice contacts. There are columnists who will give you the benefit of their experience and point you in the right direction of a credible engine re-manufacturer.

Check with Trading Standards to see if there are any complaints against the supplier. Google the company to see if there are any comments, good or bad, flying around on internet chat rooms.

Popular myths A reconditioned engine will only last a few thousand miles. No, a good properly supplied and fitted engine can last as long as a new one.

It doesn’t need to have an engine number.

Yes, it should always have an engine number displayed as this will need to be registered with DVLA.

Anyone can fit a reconditioned engine.

Well in principle, any good mechanic should be able to but there are pitfalls to avoid and mechanics experienced in fitting engines could and should be able to fit them more adeptly and within an average time frame of approximately 10 hours.

You also need to consider warranty issues and who will take responsibility for resolving any issues arising.

Case in fact: Smallholder, Mike Corfield had a Mitsubishi L200 Pick-up. Mike tells his story: “The engine in my Mitsubishi L200 4x4 pick-up blew up last year and because the vehicle was in good working order apart from this vital element and had excellent bodywork, we decided to purchase a reconditioned engine and have our local mechanic fit it.

“We purchased the engine at a cost £1400 our local mechanic who we trusted, unfortunately took over two months of trial and error to fit the engine at a cost of £1600. When our vehicle finally came back, it was losing oil and water and the radiator kept overheating. The mechanic blamed the engine supplier and the engine provider blamed the mechanic.

“On the advice of the mechanic, we returned the engine to the supplier who took it apart and said it was swarf in the sump caused by the fitter. The fitter disputed this. The supplier refused to return our pick-up until we had paid a further £1100 for their time examining it and replacing it. We had no choice but to comply.

“About half an hour after collecting the vehicle, a large dent was noticed that had already been filled above the rear tail light. The vehicle had been parked against a wall which meant it wasn't noticed until after we had driven away.

“The supplier refused to take any responsibility for this despite us calling just 35 minutes after leaving. 200 miles later and the second engine blew up. We had no faith in the supplier, so refused to return it to them on this occasion. We finally found a reputable engine supplier and fitter through a motoring column - API Engines in Warwick - who supplied and fitted a reconditioned for £1 800. Ten thousand miles later and it is still going well.

“This summarises a traumatic six months which involved trading standards and lawyers, who were not able to help us.

“We are now attempting to claim back some money through the small claims court but have little hope left.