How much for an engine rebuild?

af_thefragile

Anyone know how much it would cost to rebuild an engine?

This summer I'm thinking of giving my car a major overhaul. Starting with the clutch problem that developed a few days ago, I'll have to remove the transmission and stuff. So while I'm at that, I think it'ld be a good time to replace all the other worn out bits like the suspension, bearings etc. And it'ld also be good as while I'm sorting out these other bits, I could get the engine rebuild as well, as the engine in my car seems like its about to go anytime...

Also do you think its worth getting the engine rebuild or should I get it replaced instead?

Used engines on ebay seem to be around 400-500eur price tag (UK sellers though) . While a new one is hard to find and over 1000eur so doesn't really seem worth it for my car.

kingbrumak

What's the make \ model \ year of the car?

af_thefragile

Ford Puma 1.4l, Zetec SE engine.

It uses a liter of oil every 400-500miles and is slightly sluggish. Probably a problem with the gasket or a leaking valve.

Anan1

That's a Puma, isn't it? If you can get a brand new engine for €1000 i'd go for that, as a full rebuild would likely cost a lot more. Mind you, changing to a really good Puma would also be a lot cheaper than doing major work on your own.

af_thefragile

Well, I am planning on doing most of the work myself.
Like the suspension and the clutch. If I get stuck or something I can call a mechanic to help me out. So it should only cost me in parts and not labour.

I'm gonna have the car jacked up with the transmission out, its gonna be a good time to change the worn out bits I can for new ones or else if I've got to do it later (which I inevitably have to), i'll have to jack it up again, take out the wheels and all that.

It should keep the puma running for a year or so atleast. And then when the engine goes, I could probably break the car and sell the new parts on ebay or something...

I can't afford to buy another car for another few years so it'ld be good if I can manage to keep the Puma running for about 3 more years after which I should be out of college and hopefully have a job, I can buy myself something good.


Here's a new engine for a Focus from that time. I think its the one which has less power than the Fiesta/Puma one and not sure if it'll fit, but looks the same:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Focus-1-4-Zetec-SE-engine-brand-new-1998-2004-/280522533392?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM#ht_500wt_816
They're rare to find, a few months ago there were a few more new Fiesta/Puma engines for sale on ebay for about the same price. Still doesn't feel worth it for the car. Though if it helps with the resale, it could be worth it...

Anan1

If you're doing the work yourself then that's a different story! Would you be rebuilding the engine yourself? Re the engine, i'd start by doing a compression test, so you know where you stand.

af_thefragile

Anan1 wrote: »

If you're doing the work yourself then that's a different story! Would you be rebuilding the engine yourself? Re the engine, i'd start by doing a compression test, so you know where you stand.

I don't know if I have the skills to rebuild the engine myself.
I could change the clutch, suspension, bearings and stuff. For engine I'll need to take it to professionals. Though I think I should be able to replace the gasket, there's a tutorial for that on the puma forum... But I don't know if the problem is with the gasket because I don't see the engine leaking any oil. There's a lot of soot in the exhaust though so I think the engine's burning oil...

I might do a compression test though I'ld need to get that tool you use to measure the pressure in the cylinder...
Aah, the tool's only 30quid at halfords, I could do that...

Henry Ford III

af_thefragile wrote: »

I don't know if I have the skills to rebuild the engine myself.....

In that case don't bother trying. Rebuilding an engine will require specialist tools, a totally clean environment, and an intimate knowledge of what goes where, and when.

af_thefragile

Henry Ford III wrote: »

In that case don't bother trying. Rebuilding an engine will require specialist tools, a totally clean environment, and an intimate knowledge of what goes where, and when.

I was wondering if I could get the engine rebuild (or fixed) for under 500eur (or the price of buying a used engine), then I might get it done while I'm getting the clutch, suspension and all changed...
If its going to cost like a grand, then I'll just continue running the engine till it eventually dies and falls apart. Then I could think of either replacing the engine or selling/breaking the car...

ronaneire

If you are pulling the gearbox out of the car you may as well take engine and box together.
You don't know what the problem is yet with your engine?
What mileage is on the car and the year?
It seems like your spending a ton of money on it.

Anan1

af_thefragile wrote: »

I was wondering if I could get the engine rebuild (or fixed) for under 500eur (or the price of buying a used engine), then I might get it done while I'm getting the clutch, suspension and all changed...
If its going to cost like a grand, then I'll just continue running the engine till it eventually dies and falls apart. Then I could think of either replacing the engine or selling/breaking the car...

It all depends on what's wrong with the engine. I'd find that out before pulling anything apart.

af_thefragile

ronaneire wrote: »

If you are pulling the gearbox out of the car you may as well take engine and box together.
You don't know what the problem is yet with your engine?
What mileage is on the car and the year?
It seems like your spending a ton of money on it.

70k miles but the person didn't look after it too well. Its a 99.
I don't wanna spend more than 500eur on the clutch, suspension and all the other small bits (Clutch kit costs around 90eur, shocks+springs cost around 200-300eur I think and I could spend a bit more on CV joints and such). And when I come to sell/break the car, I could sell them on ebay as they won't be too used, I should be able to get something back.

The engine on the other hand does run fine. Its a little sluggish, but its still running fine (does 0-100kmph in about 11-12secs). I just need to keep topping up the oil every 400-500miles and the exhaust is very sooty so it might have a bit problem passing its NCT next year... But apart from that, for now its running.

Henry Ford III

af_thefragile wrote: »

I was wondering if I could get the engine rebuild (or fixed) for under 500eur (or the price of buying a used engine), then I might get it done while I'm getting the clutch, suspension and all changed...
If its going to cost like a grand, then I'll just continue running the engine till it eventually dies and falls apart. Then I could think of either replacing the engine or selling/breaking the car...

You'd be lucky to get the engine box etc. removed and put back in again for that!

Parts needed for a rebuild - it will need head gasket, oil pump, water pump, head bolts, various seals & gaskets....Might need a whole lot more (I see you are burning oil).

A full rebuild with rebore, pistons would cost over €1500

ronaneire

af_thefragile wrote: »

70k miles but the person didn't look after it too well. Its a 99.
I don't wanna spend more than 500eur on the clutch, suspension and all the other small bits (Clutch kit costs around 90eur, shocks+springs cost around 200-300eur I think and I could spend a bit more on CV joints and such). And when I come to sell/break the car, I could sell them on ebay as they won't be too used, I should be able to get something back.

The engine on the other hand does run fine. Its a little sluggish, but its still running fine (does 0-100kmph in about 11-12secs). I just need to keep topping up the oil every 400-500miles and the exhaust is very sooty so it might have a bit problem passing its NCT next year... But apart from that, for now its running.

TBH I wouldn't go spending a whole lot on it. Any part once used is usedm regardless of it's condition.
The car only has 70k miles, doesn't seem a lot.
Rather then spending money on the engine get a mechanic to check it over and let him give you his verdict on it.
What is wrong with the suspension? Does it need both shocks and springs?

edit: if you are looking for and engine I may know of where there is one. but I can't see too much wrong with your own.

af_thefragile

ronaneire wrote: »

TBH I wouldn't go spending a whole lot on it. Any part once used is usedm regardless of it's condition.
The car only has 70k miles, doesn't seem a lot.
Rather then spending money on the engine get a mechanic to check it over and let him give you his verdict on it.
What is wrong with the suspension? Does it need both shocks and springs?

Yup, suspension is definitely gone. Front end has become very wooly lately. Front end dips in when you break and all. But even if I sell the shocks for like 50eur or something, its not too bad (It'll only be a few thousand miles old and I'll be getting something back). I just need the car to last another 2-3years.

I am going to get a mechanic to check it out first before I start taking bits apart so I can know exactly what I need to fix and replace.

And yeah 70k isn't a lot, which is what I thought when buying the car. But its 70k very badly maintained so the engine is very stressed.
The major concern is it using a lot of oil. For not I just keep checking it every few days and topping it up when it goes low but I don't know for how long it's gonna last that way.
Which is why I was thinking if I get the engine fixed, I can know the car should be running fine even after 3 years. Or else its like the engine will break down someday the the next couple of years and then I'll need to buy a new one or break the car.

ronaneire

af_thefragile wrote: »

And yeah 70k isn't a lot, which is what I thought when buying the car. But its 70k very badly maintained so the engine is very stressed.

Think maybe your pocket might get a little bit stressed too. But the best of luck with it.

af_thefragile

ronaneire wrote: »

Think maybe your pocket might get a little bit stressed too. But the best of luck with it.

Haha, I don't have a lot to spend.
I don't really have more than 500eur to spend. Which is why I've decided to do all the work myself. I've got nothing much else to do this summer anyway so that should keep me busy.

Bout the engine I was only thinking of saving me future hassle which seems inevitable. But hopefully if I drive a bit carefully the engine should last the 3 years. But its hard to have a light right foot while driving the puma. Its really fun giving it the beans when on an empty twisty road... Its a really lively chassis and there's incredible amounts of feel and feedback. Its a joy to drive which is why I'm willing to spend on it.

I wouldn't be spending so much if it was a micra or a yaris or some other dreary hatchback like that...

ronaneire

af_thefragile wrote: »

Haha, I don't have a lot to spend.
I don't really have more than 500eur to spend. Which is why I've decided to do all the work myself. I've got nothing much else to do this summer anyway so that should keep me busy.

Bout the engine I was only thinking of saving me future hassle which seems inevitable. But hopefully if I drive a bit carefully the engine should last the 3 years. But its hard to have a light right foot while driving the puma. Its really fun giving it the beans when on an empty twisty road... Its a really lively chassis and there's incredible amounts of feel and feedback. Its a joy to drive which is why I'm willing to spend on it.

I wouldn't be spending so much if it was a micra or a yaris or some other dreary hatchback like that...

True enough, if you enjoy driving it why not.
As I said in a previous post if you are looking for an engine I may know where there is one.

af_thefragile

ronaneire wrote: »

True enough, if you enjoy driving it why not.
As I said in a previous post if you are looking for an engine I may know where there is one.

I don't want a new engine right now because the one I have is still running. I'ld like to get it fixed so it runs more smoothly and uses less oil but if that's very expensive, I'll first have to run this one to the ground before I change it...

voxpop

You do have the tools to do all this work - yeah, and a bit of mechanical experience ? Doing clutch/suspension/ taking the engine out is going to be a bit of a pain on axle stands on your own - especially if you are just winging it. Then when you have it all out it will probably start raining - your better off planning exactly what you want to do, get your tools and parts for the job, get info off the net and a haynes/bentley manual - take pictures before you take anything apart and do each job at a time, rather than everything at once.


It can be good fun and is very satisfying working on your own car or it can be the most frustrating pain in the arse job you've ever done. Preparation and the right tools are key. Good luck

mecanoman

When i was younger i changed the engine in a Ford XR3i
3 times! :pac:
Real learning curve. Be prepared for things going wrong.
But when it works out its a great feeling. Good luck.

af_thefragile

voxpop wrote: »

You do have the tools to do all this work - yeah, and a bit of mechanical experience ? Doing clutch/suspension/ taking the engine out is going to be a bit of a pain on axle stands on your own - especially if you are just winging it. Then when you have it all out it will probably start raining - your better off planning exactly what you want to do, get your tools and parts for the job, get info off the net and a haynes/bentley manual - take pictures before you take anything apart and do each job at a time, rather than everything at once.


It can be good fun and is very satisfying working on your own car or it can be the most frustrating pain in the arse job you've ever done. Preparation and the right tools are key. Good luck

Cheers for the tips.

Halfords is not too far away from my place so I can always pop down there to pick up any tools. The Ford garage is about 15-20mins away so that's not too bad either.
I've got a garage, its not very big but it'll fit the car and so I can work in there and I don't need to do all at once as I can leave the car on the stands in the garage and work at my own pace.

I wanna learn how to do all of this on my own and so the Puma should be a good car to learn on. And then when I do the job myself, I can know I've done a proper job and not a half arsed one (which I suspect after I get my car back from most garages) and I know what parts I've replaced and all that. So it should be quite fun. College doesn't start till october so I've got lots of time...

I don't think I'll be doing anything to the engine. Just clutch and suspension and maybe the wheel bearings and CV joints and anything I find that looks worn out...

voxpop

Well if you dont have any tools - you gonna probably need to spend 100-200 on socket sets, torque wrenches, and any speciality tools(ie balljoint,spring compressor,etc). Then 50/60 for jack and axle stand and another 50/60 for haynes/bentley manual.