Engine Rebuild cost....

[SteveMelchiorre]

I just got a quote of $5,400 (parts and labour) to completely rebuild the engine in my 52 B3B.

What do you guys think of that price?

Steve...

[chucky07]

i paid 1500 10 months ago...included 20 over pistons..new bearings, oil pump, machine work...they used the same crank and cam.....They even painted it the nice alum. color....

I think the price varies according to region...

Wish i couled have assembled it myself (not confident enough) would probably have saved quite alot.

[grey beard]

I would suggest you get several estimates. Plan on boring the blocki, so that yuo are really comparing apples with apples when you shop for price. That way each vendor will be bidding on the same job.

These engines are not difficult to rebuild. Younger guys with little experience with them will bid higher. Experienced machinists who have built flatheads many times will typically be more reasonable. My personal opinion is that unless you are on the west coast, where labor rates are highest in the country, the entire job - parts and labor - should cost less than twenty five hundred dollars.

One last suggestion - Whoever builds the engine for you - make very certain that they rebush the connecting rod wrist pin bushings. This step is often omitted by shops. Several on this forum in the past few years have been bitten by this omission. The only way to correct the flaw when it happens is to pull the entire unit down again - no fun at all.

[greg g]

700 in parts about 800 in machine work and labor to short block assembly stage. Did the finish assembly at home. New pistons, rings bearings gaskets, milling boring, flywheel resurfaced, and ring gear flipped.

[Guest Kuster13]

I might suggest that you enquire with places like Bond Mechanical or Canada Enigines for pricing on having a rebuild done. These shops only rebuild engines where as a repair shop would have to send all the machine work out and they will most likely be marking up that aspect of the rebuild work.

Tom

[SteveMelchiorre]

Thanks to everyone that posted back. I'll be taking your advice and calling some local engine rebuilders and comparing quotes.

One other question.... Would you advise pulling the engine myself or letting the shop do it? I'm comfortable doing most auto repairs but I've never pulled an engine before.

Any advice is appreciated.

Steve...

[Jerry Roberts]

Go ahead and pull it yourself , save some money and have some fun too .

[greg g]

Don't be intimidated by the engine. Makes it easier to do if you pull the front sheet metal. As far as the engine goes it ain't much more than 6 briggs and strattons in a row with liquid cooling.

[SteveMelchiorre]

Is it really that easy to remove the butterfly hood, pull out the radiator, unscrew and few bolts and the entire front clip comes off?

Steve...

[55 Fargo]

Steve , pull the engine yourself, it ain't that difficult, get several estimates as already mentioned. I would even get estimates in Washington State, you could drive the few hours to the Seattle area and may be save some bucks.

Or try and find another engien,used and in good shape, if that is possible........Fred

[55 Fargo]

i paid 1500 10 months ago...included 20 over pistons..new bearings, oil pump, machine work...they used the same crank and cam.....They even painted it the nice alum. color....

I think the price varies according to region...

Wish i couled have assembled it myself (not confident enough) would probably have saved quite alot.

Steve, heck you could hall the engine to where Kevin had his done in California, and still save bucks, and have a holiday at the same time.

Seriously, shop around, pull the engine yourself, then take the block in for the rebuild.........

[streamer]

I just did what you are contemplating. I pulled the motor, had it rebuilt and installed it and the trans tonight. I have extensive pictures in the DPETCA gallery on the second page -- STREAMER. With a little planning, a rented engine hoist and a helper -- best to have one who knows more than you do -- you will be able to do it yourself and learn a great deal about your truck as a result. Good luck.

[55 Fargo]

I just did what you are contemplating. I pulled the motor, had it rebuilt and installed it and the trans tonight. I have extensive pictures in the DPETCA gallery on the second page -- STREAMER. With a little planning, a rented engine hoist and a helper -- best to have one who knows more than you do -- you will be able to do it yourself and learn a great deal about your truck as a result. Good luck.

See see you can do it, Steve either rent, borrow, or buy from Princess Auto an engine hoist, get a buddy who "knows how", and pull the engine.

At the same time clean up the trans, bell housing, take the flywheel in for machining and balancing, flip the ring gear or get a new one, clean up and paint firewall and innner fenders, starter motor, genny have rad cleaned, paint and clean fan and pulleys, etc.

Once the engine is rebuilt, and everything is cleaned up and painted, you can re-install,the engine. Gte a new clutch and pressure plate if yours is old, or have the old clutch rebuilt.

Once this is completed, you should be good for many years, don't forget to check out the intake and exhaust manifolds, make sure your heatriser isn't stuck in the wrong position..........good luck

[SteveMelchiorre]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I'm currently in contact with 2 engine rebuilders to quote the job. I'll post back with updates as they occur.

All best...

Steve...

[David Muma]

Here is a break down, from the world wide web , of rebuild service prices offered by one company. If you search you could find many more. Will help with your price and estimate comparisons.

http://www.aacncclub.com/crucemotor/MACHINESHOPPRICES.html