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What's New: Information from JASPER and the Car Care Council

Will Your Car Outlive Its Engine?

Cars are lasting longer, much longer. It's not unusual, with proper preventive maintenance, for a vehicle to run 200,000 miles or more having needed no major repairs. The first big expense is the engine, which may begin burning oil, clattering or losing power. Temporary measures can delay the need for major work, but eventually overhauling the engine or installing a remanufactured replacement is necessary if the owner intends to keep the vehicle. The latter, a quality "reman", is the increasingly popular option.

The costly process of getting into an engine for valve, piston or bearing service often makes it more practical to have the old engine replaced with a factory remanufactured and warranted engine, says the Car Care Council. A valve job, for example, can cost $1,200 or, on some models, even more.

How does an owner determine the extent of repairs needed? The first indications are high emissions, oil consumption, noisy operation and poor performance. These clues usually lead to a consultation with a professional. An experienced technician's procedure may involve either the "old fashioned" compression check, cylinder by cylinder or, electronically, with an engine analyzer.

If the engine needs valve work, piston rings and/or other internal parts, a remanufactured engine may be the answer. Under controlled, factory conditions, it will have been restored to original equipment specifications. Further, thanks to improvements added by the remanufacturer, it can be better than a new engine of the same type.

Among new components in a quality remanufactured engine are piston and pins, piston rings, connecting rod, main and camshaft bearings, the timing gear and chain, valve lifters, oil pump, gaskets and seals, freeze plugs and pushrods. Valves, springs and guides, along with crankshaft and connecting rods are either remanufactured or replaced. Cylinder heads are cleaned and resurfaced, cylinders are bored and valve seats are resurfaced.

The Council offers an informative pamphlet on the subject. It's free. Just send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Car Care Council, Dept. PK98-NEPMA, 42 Park Drive, Port Clinton, OH 43452.

Provided as a public service by Car Care Council. Check out the Council's web site: www.carecarecouncil.org

It takes more than gas to run your car. It takes air. When the air filter is dirty, the engine will smoke, run poorly, waste gas, and add to pollution. Have your air checked seasonally.