Engine Rebuilding
The engine is the heart of any propulsion system, so it will have a lot of moving parts, sometimes hundreds of them. It’s important to get your Hybrid's engine repair, overhaul, rebuild or conversion service from certified mechanics. Some of the most important parts that can need repair include:
- Pistons
- Rings
- Rod bearings and main bearings
- Gaskets and seals
- Valve guides
- Valve seats
- Valve springs
- Timing gears and tensioners
- Your engine’s starter, generator,
- Water pump
- Fuel pump
- Thermostat
- Oil filter
The thing about engines that makes them so much more complicated than other parts is that there are countless ways they can fail, and without enough knowledge, it’s hard to know exactly what’s wrong with which part.
For example, damage to your engine could result from something as simple as running too long with low oil levels or something as complicated as a faulty fuel injector.
The first symptom you’re likely to notice is the dashboard’s check engine light coming on. You shouldn’t ignore this. Another sign that your engine is in distress is sound. You should listen closely to your engine for any unusual sounds, especially popping or pinging noises that are louder than usual.
Also, keep an eye on the driving. If your car is jerking around or stalling, you’ll want to have it looked at. The longer you wait, the more damage is done, and the bigger your bill could be.
Mileage recommendations: 180,000-500,000 miles
Solutions for Engine Problems
If you have an engine problem, your first step will be to call up your mechanic for a diagnosis which may or may not include removal of the engine for further inspection.
It’s possible that your engine just needs a tune-up, but it could also need extensive repairs to the pistons, valves, etc.
Pistons are one of the most common parts for failure because they get extremely hot during operation and work very hard. Oil is meant to lubricate them while they move up and down in the cylinders, but when it’s not replaced in time, it can cause engine failure.
Engine Overhaul
An engine overhaul is when your mechanic will replace your pistons, rings, bearings, and other engine parts that can wear out over time. It’s important to note that an overhaul isn’t the same as a rebuild; it’s simply when you replace certain components that can cause damage if left too long without service.
You can replace nuts, bolts, and other removable parts with clean original factory pieces, but you should know that engine overhauls are complex and time-consuming.
Engine Conversion/Swap
In some cases, you might not have a choice but to get a new engine. When your engine is outdated, has been in an accident, or just isn’t worth repairing, it might be time to look into getting a whole new propulsion system.
