What are the typical symptoms of engine problems?

Excessive smoke from tailpipe; excessive oil consumption; knocking or tapping sounds; low oil pressure; low compression; water mixing in oil; oil getting into the air cleaner and/or radiator.

What are the typical causes?

Normal mileage wear and tear; lubrication problems; excessive overheating.

How do I find out what can be done to correct the problem?

Take your vehicle to a reputable service shop, dealer or installation center and get a second opinion. Not all engine problems call for engine replacement- often the problems are not serious and may only require relatively minor repair or maintenance.

If the problems are serious, what are the alternatives?

Whether you plan to keep or sell your car, continued operation in this instance will require engine overhaul or replacement. The basic options are: a) rebuild the same engine, b) replace it with a locally rebuilt engine, c) install a factory -supplied remanufactured engine or d) put in a new engine. New engines are not always available for all makes/models and are much more costly than remanufactured units.

Should I invest in an engine or transmission or buy a new car?

Engine or transmission replacement is more affordable than many people realize and has become one of the fastest growing segments of the automotive industry. It can save thousands of dollars compared to buying a new car. Just as there are many new car owners who invest in other key components such as exhaust and clutch assemblies, so do millions of owners each year elect to replace their worn-out or damaged engines or transmissions. As a rule, replacing the engine or transmission only makes good economic sense if the rest of the car is in relatively good condition.

Do I have to go to a dealer for engine replacement?

No. While dealers generally install quality remanufactured engines or transmissions, the cost is usually high. A specialized engine or transmission replacement shop carrying the same or better quality engines or transmissions will almost always give a better overall value- in terms of quality, service and price.

What are the typical costs and savings?

Installation of a quality remanufactured engine will usually cost $1,700 to $2,700 for a typical American car. To rebuild or install a rebuilt engine can range from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on who does the job. Rebuilt engines, however, have fewer new components, are not subject to uniform industry quality standards and specifications, and have limited warranty protection. In either case, these figures translate to about 5-15% of a typical new car cost. Additional savings in annual insurance costs can also be significant compared to a new car.

How do you know if the engine or transmission is rebuilt or remanufactured?

Be sure to ask the installer before you commit. Warranty for a rebuilt engine or transmission is normally provided only by the local installer and is usually short in duration. A remanufactured engine or transmission should carry a nationwide guarantee backed by the engine or transmission maker, usually for 3 years/unlimited miles or 3 years/100,000 miles.

What is different about rebuilding and remanufacturing?

Typically a rebuilt engine or transmission will have a much shorter life than a remanufactured unit because the process is much less precise and, therefore, less predictable. Here are a few key differences: Rebuilding is done mostly in local shops. Each job is handled differently and depends upon the judgement and skill of the individual mechanic. Parts believed to be serviceable are cleaned and reused to the maximum extent possible. Only worn or broken parts are actually replaced. If reused components subsequently fail or break, diagnosis and repair can be very costly. Remanufacturing is a factory process. It starts with a sound, undamaged engine or transmission core that is carefully cleaned, conditioned and machined to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) tolerance specifications. All wearable components are systematically replaced with new parts including pistons, piston rings, valves, lifters, or in the case of transmissions, torque convertors, clutches, etc. Remanufacturing is similar to building a new engine- including standardized procedures and quality controls- and final factory testing before shipment.

Are all remanufactured engines and transmissions built to the same quality levels?

No. As for every product, some manufacturers are better than others, and some are far more superior. Quality suppliers conform to strict manufacturing and testing standards, use only OEM quality components, and back their products with solid warranties. Only a relatively small number are fully certified by original car makers. For example, of dozens of suppliers in the US, only five are fully certified under Ford Motor Company's stringent Q-1 program. Bridgewater Motorworks handles only quality remanufactured engines from Q-1 companies and other proven, reliable suppliers.

How important is the installation process?

Very important. For a good quality remanufactured engine or transmission, the chance of a defect is well under 5%. The risk of problems can increase to over 50%, however, with improper installation. Replacing an engine or transmission is a skillful and complex task requiring knowledgeable and experienced people. Bridgewater Motorworks specializes in this business and employs the right equipment, tools and highly experienced mechanics. Our shop typically replaces between 15 and 25 engines per week, as compared to what may be only 1 or 2 in an entire month at general repair centers and even many dealerships. Be sure to check on the experience of the installer before investing in a replacement engine or transmission.

How long will the replacement engine or transmission last?

A quality remanufactured engine or transmission, with proper maintenance, is capable of lasting as long as a new engine or transmission. The process of rebuilding engines or transmissions is less predictable and may only last through the limited warranty period or not much beyond.

What warranty period should I get?

A minimum to look for is 12 months/12,000 miles, we offer warranties up to 36 months/100,000 miles on engines and transmissions. . Be careful about extended coverage plans. This is not necessary for a high quality engine or transmission that is backed by the manufacturer. Some installers boast about a much longer warranty period but rarely back it up or stay in business long enough to handle any claims.

Why Bridgewater Motorworks?

Finding a reliable engine or transmission specialist when you need one- at an affordable price- is not an easy task. There are thousands of gas stations, garages and dealers who may handle engine or transmission work- usually at very high prices- but very few who are expert. And what about choosing from more than 120 remanufacturers and over 6000 rebuilders? Bridgewater Motorworks has done the research for you- you can be assured of the best quality, installation and price. Before investing money in your car's engine or transmission, be sure to check with Bridgewater Motorworks where the very best really does cost much less.