A failed engine can create a major repair decision for a car, truck, SUV, or other vehicle. Replacing the engine with a used unit, rebuilding the existing engine, purchasing a new replacement engine, or installing a remanufactured engine are several different approaches.
A remanufactured engine is different from a used engine pulled from another vehicle.
A used engine generally comes from a salvaged or dismantled vehicle. Its history, mileage, maintenance record, and previous operating conditions can vary significantly.
A remanufactured engine goes through a more extensive process. JASPER states that its engines are disassembled, cleaned, inspected, machined, fitted with new or requalified components, assembled, and tested according to applicable specifications. Wear components are replaced as part of the remanufacturing process.
The objective is to return the engine to a condition suitable for continued service rather than simply placing a previously used engine into another vehicle.
The remanufacturing process involves multiple stages.
The original engine core is taken apart so that individual components can be examined.
Disassembly allows technicians to inspect major components such as the engine block, cylinder heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and other internal parts.
Components are thoroughly cleaned before inspection. This helps technicians identify wear, cracks, distortion, corrosion, and other conditions that could affect engine performance.
JASPER states that core material is closely inspected and checked against original equipment specifications for dimensional tolerances.
Machining is an important part of remanufacturing.
Depending on the engine design and condition of the components, machining can involve processes such as cylinder honing, crankshaft machining, resurfacing, and other precision operations.
The purpose is to restore critical dimensions and ensure that mating components fit correctly.
Many wearable components are replaced rather than simply reused.
JASPER states that its remanufactured engines incorporate new wear parts and that replacement components may be new or requalified according to applicable standards.
The exact components replaced can depend on engine design and the remanufacturing program.
After inspection and machining, the engine is assembled using the appropriate components and specifications.
Proper assembly is critical because clearances, torque specifications, lubrication passages, valve settings, and other details can affect long-term engine operation.
Testing provides another important distinction between a remanufactured engine and a basic used engine.
JASPER states that its engines undergo run testing and that its engine process includes 50-hour runability testing before new engine releases.
Testing is intended to identify problems before an engine reaches the installation stage.
JASPER remanufactures gas engines for a broad range of cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and other applications.
The company states that it remanufactures practically any domestic gas engine along with numerous foreign applications. Its gas-engine product line also includes marine, performance, industrial, and restoration-related applications.
JASPER says its remanufactured gas engines are built to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer measured tolerances. Most consumer gas-engine applications carry a nationwide parts-and-labor warranty of three years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The exact warranty depends on the application, so the written warranty terms should be reviewed before installation.
JASPER also produces remanufactured diesel engines for automotive, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and construction applications.
The company reports that it remanufactures more than 6,500 diesel engines annually across domestic and imported applications. Diesel engines are cleaned, inspected, remanufactured to applicable specifications, and may be reengineered to address certain design issues.
Warranty terms for diesel applications differ from those for most gas engines. JASPER's diesel-engine FAQ states that most running-complete diesel applications receive a two-year, unlimited-mileage nationwide parts-and-labor warranty, although specific applications can have different terms.
Warranty coverage is one of the major factors considered when comparing remanufactured engines.
For most JASPER gas-engine applications, the company lists a three-year or 100,000-mile nationwide parts-and-labor warranty, whichever occurs first. The warranty is also described as transferable for qualifying applications.
Certain commercial and specialized applications have different coverage periods. JASPER specifically lists shorter warranty periods for categories such as taxis, tow trucks, transit buses, police vehicles, snow-removal vehicles, certain off-highway applications, and vehicles exceeding one ton.
Warranty coverage can also contain limitations involving installation, maintenance, accessories, labor, and other conditions. Reviewing the written warranty for the specific engine is therefore important.
A core is the original engine being replaced.
When a remanufactured engine is supplied, the old engine may be returned to the remanufacturer so that usable components can enter the remanufacturing cycle.
JASPER's diesel FAQ states that all JASPER remanufactured units have a core and skid charge billed at the time of sale.
Core charges can differ depending on the engine and application. The condition of the returned core can also affect whether the core charge is refundable under the applicable terms.