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An engine rebuild is a cost-effective way to keep your vehicle running and may be the only choice when a major component like the camshaft or crankshaft breaks. A rebuild also gives you the opportunity to upgrade performance, which can be important for those who use their car to commute or race. Whether your vehicle is a classic that you’re not ready to part with or a track car that’s been driven a little too hard out of the corners, an engine rebuild at a Calgary machine shop can make it last much longer than a newer, more expensive replacement engine.

In general, an engine rebuild involves removing the engine block and disassembling it, cleaning and inspecting each piece, and replacing damaged components with new parts to meet OEM specifications. This includes new gaskets, seals and lubricants. The piston rings must be reconditioned to ensure that they seat properly against the cylinder walls. The cylinder bores can be checked for wear by measuring the distance from the top of the ridge to the bottom of the bore. Very worn cylinders may be too far gone to allow for a successful rebuild.

The reason that the moving engine components (rods, crankshaft and pistons) need to be lubricated is because they move at high speeds with a lot of friction. If the oil doesn’t lubricate these moving parts adequately, they will quickly begin to wear out and cause problems with the engine’s operation. This usually manifests as a loud tapping or knocking noise that indicates worn bearings and loose or misaligned internal components. Another sign that your engine needs a rebuild is if the oil in your engine is contaminated with excessive amounts of sludge. This is waste oil mixed with coolant and thickened by excessive friction.

Before you start the actual rebuild, it’s a good idea to remove all the accessories, wiring and hoses from the engine. Be sure to support the vehicle on jack stands so that it doesn’t move during the disassembly process. Next, carefully remove the battery to prevent electrical accidents during disassembly. Use a clean rag to wipe away any oil and grease residue on the surface of the engine block, then use a micrometer or tape measure to check clearances and tolerances and replace parts that are out of spec. Be careful when working with the crankshaft, as it can be easily damaged by incorrect handling. Apply assembly lube to all critical components before reassembling. Be careful not to skip any steps in the rebuild process, as doing so could damage your engine before it ever starts up. Tighten bolts and nuts to manufacturer specifications and carefully align timing marks before finishing the job.