FINANCE BLOG

At Keystone, we're committed to helping truckers maximize the lifespan and performance of their rigs. One effective way to achieve this is through an engine rebuild. In this blog, we'll provide essential insights every trucker should know about the engine rebuilding process and how it can lead to significant long-term savings.

What Is an Engine Rebuild

An engine rebuild involves disassembling the engine, inspecting, cleaning, and replacing any damaged parts with new parts. This is different than an overhaul, where you aren’t dissembling the entire engine and used parts can be utilized.

Optimal Timing

The optimal time for an engine rebuild is before it becomes a necessity. For instance, if you bought your truck new, and put 750,000 miles on it, an engine rebuild is a good option to extend the life of your truck. Many truckers may wait until their engine has completely broken down to do a rebuild. At that point, the rebuild can become more costly and may have to be performed at a time when you can’t afford the significant amount of downtime.

Engine Issues: What to Watch For and When

According to FreightWaves, there are a few signs indicating that you might need an engine rebuild. These include more smoke than normal coming from the exhaust system, knocking sounds under the hood, burning oil at a faster rate, or the engine overheating.

However, if the engine starts showing these signs, a rebuild might not be economically feasible.

Factors to Keep in Mind

In Frame vs. Out of Frame

When thinking about engine rebuild options, there are two primary approaches to consider in-frame and out-of-frame. An in-frame rebuild involves servicing the engine while it remains within the vehicle frame. An out-of-frame rebuild involves taking the engine out of the vehicle and provides more thorough servicing.

Pricing

Regarding pricing, an in-frame rebuild may total around $25,000 whereas an out-of-frame rebuild can cost up to $40,000. However, parts and labor costs can vary significantly, with labor times potentially spanning 2 to 4 weeks. Whether it's worth the cost depends on factors like the potential mileage gain and whether it's more economical to invest in a new truck instead.

Ensure Quality and Warranties

Full rebuilds typically come with a 3-year warranty, assuring the work's quality and longevity. Vetting the mechanic is important because this impacts the quality of the rebuild.

Benefits of Rebuilding Your Engine

Extend the Life of The Truck

A well-executed engine rebuild can add in excess of 500,000 miles to your rig's lifespan. Truckers can prevent problems and keep their vehicle reliable by investing in maintenance before issues occur.

By replacing damaged parts early, before excessive wear and tear occurs, you can maximize the lifespan and performance of your equipment.

Optimized Efficiency

Depending on the truck and the quality of the work performed, a rebuild can optimize your fuel efficiency and overall performance.

Savings

While rebuilding an engine is a large expense, purchasing a brand-new truck can be an even greater financial strain. Choosing to rebuild the engine in your current rig can delay the need to buy a new truck, saving you money in the long run. This also may be an excellent option to avoid the upcoming engine emission requirements starting in the 2027 model year.

You Can Finance an Engine Rebuild

If your truck is currently financed, contact your lender to check if you have equity in your equipment, which could qualify you for a working capital loan. If your truck is not financed, reach out to Keystone, and we may be able to assist you with the capital needed for your engine rebuild.

Keystone’s National Sales Manager, Steve Waxman, gives his input on this subject:

“Before it's too late, communication with your lien holder would be beneficial so you can know your options. The sooner you do that, the better.”

To begin the process, our team at Keystone will need a comprehensive estimate for the engine rebuild. This detailed estimate will specify the scope of work required and provide a breakdown of the associated costs.

In addition to the estimate, we will need thorough information about your truck, including its current mileage and service history. This information is essential to accurately assess the value of your truck, process your loan application, and ensure a smooth approval process.

Tailored Equipment Financing Solutions

Keystone’s equipment financing options offer the flexibility needed to accommodate your financial situation. We work with you to create a payment plan that aligns with your budget and operational needs.

Contact our team for more information on how to get started and learn about engine rebuild and other equipment financing solutions.