When it comes to engine overhaul and rebuild kits, many people in the diesel engine industry are constant victims of price gouging. There are two main ways that people are victimized. The most common method is that people are told they must have original parts for their rebuild. This is simply not so. Original parts can often cost you more than double the price of aftermarket parts. There are several reputable brands in the aftermarket that make high-quality products that last just as long and perform at the same level. These are brands like Interstate-Mcbee, PAI, IPD, FP Diesel, Mahle-Clevite, and MaxiForce. These companies offer high quality parts for Detroit Diesel, Cummins, CAT, International, Perkins, Komatsu and many others. Companies like Interstate-Mcbee and others on the list often use the same factories as the original part manufacturers. Another way that people fall victim is by taking the word of a mechanic who they think is siding with him. Sad to say, many stores take advantage of customers who are unaware of market prices for engine rebuild kits or replacement parts.
Some also take advantage of the fact that customers may not know enough about their engine to know what they need. You just have to be careful and make sure the parts you receive are the ones you need and one of the brands above. Aftermarket parts get a bad rap because of cheap, usually no-name replacement parts from disreputable companies. Getting multiple repair quotes will also help with price gouging. Make sure you get a complete breakdown of the parts you’ll need for your engine repair. Compare these lists and you should be able to see if someone is trying to take advantage of you.
Standard rebuild kits include the following items: cylinder kits (pistons, liners, rings, retainers), main bearings, connecting rod bearings, a head or top gasket set, rocker cover gasket, and a crankcase gasket. oil. Commonly needed items also include thermostats, head bolts, camshaft bearings, water pumps, oil pumps, and fuel injectors.
Knowledge is the best way to prevent these two things from happening to you. Educate yourself and always do your research. The purpose of this article is to ensure that people have the option of finding the correct parts for their rebuild at affordable prices. Knowledge is power and with the right information you can keep your diesel running at its best, for less.
