Rebuilding an F150 engine is a complex undertaking. When your F150 engine fails, you might be tempted to replace it. However, a mechanic will start by giving you the option of rebuilding it. But does that make sense? Consider the following:
1). What Does It Mean To Rebuild An Engine?
Rebuilding refers to taking an engine apart, inspecting every component, replacing the defective parts, and reassembling the engine. The process involves the following:
- Read the car’s manual. If the manual mentions rebuild procedures, review them.
- Remove the coolant and oil.
- Unbolt the engine and take it out of the car.
- Mount the engine.
- Disassemble the engine.
- Spread all the parts out and look at each component.
- Clean every part and make replacements if necessary. You may require new bearings, seals, rings, belts, and chains.
- The damage you’ve observed may also encourage you to get a new crankshaft and camshaft.
- Realign the engine block with the crankshaft main bores.
Many drivers want to know the cost of this procedure because they prefer to hire a mechanic. However, some consumers rebuild their own engines. The Car Colony expects a DIY project to take two weeks.
You’re better off hiring a professional because you may incur injuries. But if you’re determined to perform this task yourself, make a plan. Additionally, make sure you have ample space. Don’t forget that you need to spread the engine’s parts out on the floor to inspect them.
2). Signs You Need To Rebuild An Engine
You don’t have to question whether or not an engine needs rebuilding. The following symptoms will let you know:
- Smoke – Excess white smoke is a sign of trouble because it points to worn-out rings. You should also look for metal shavings in the engine oil. They may produce a knocking sound.
- Rattling – Rattling is symptomatic of loose and worn-out internal components. The noise will become worse until you find and fix the cause. This applies to cluttering.
- Oil Consumption – Many drivers obsess over excess oil consumption, especially when they connect it to leaking oil and white smoke. This response is correct because leaking oil can expedite the engine’s wear and tear.
- Engine Turn Over – The engine can refuse to turn over because of a dead battery, a defective alternator, and a faulty starter motor. If you rebuild the engine, you may trace the problem to the ignition system.
- Overheating – Overheating engines usually manifest additional signs such as white smoke, knocking, and leaking oil.
3). Cost of Rebuilding An Engine
You will spend $2,500 to $4,500. If you rebuild the engine yourself, the experts at Auto Chimps expect the replacement parts to cost as much as $2,000. If you take the car to a mechanic, the labor costs will range between $500 and $2,000.
Mechanics charge an average of $150 per hour for this sort of work. Therefore, the longer it takes to rebuild the engine, the more you will pay. If you’re lucky, the mechanic will disassemble and reassemble the engine within 24 hours.
This assumes that your mechanic has a state-of-the-art garage with sophisticated tools and a team of experts on hand to provide assistance if the need arises. The following factors will influence your overall expenses:
1). Model
The more sophisticated the model, the more you will spend, especially if your car requires specialized parts and mechanics. Do you need to lift the engine out entirely? Is the engine imported? Does your local mechanic understand the engine’s workings, or does he expect to consult Ford’s personnel?
Your mechanic’s invoice will explain the price tag by mentioning all the obstacles they must overcome to rebuild your engine. Some of those obstacles will prevent you from rebuilding the engine yourself.
2). What parts require fixing and replacement?
If you’re rebuilding a healthy engine to extend its lifespan, you can expect a lower cost. Your mechanic will replace a few seals and bearings before reassembling the engine.
But if the engine is damaged, you will spend more on expensive components such as the cylinder head and pistons. Some people rebuild their engines every few years to protect them from expensive wear and tear.
3). Where do you live?
Garages in the big city are more expensive than repair shops in small towns. Additionally, the mechanic’s expertise matters. Some professionals charge exorbitant fees because they are highly sought after for their skills and experience.
You can avoid labor costs by rebuilding the F150 engine yourself, but it will take longer. While you can minimize costs, you may spend $1000 or more on replacement parts and tools.
4). Should You Rebuild Or Replace The Engine?
It depends. You will spend $4,000 to $8,500 to replace an engine, including the cost of the parts ($4,000 to $6,000) and labor ($500 to $2,500). This assumes that it takes 20 hours to replace the engine, and your mechanic charges roughly $120 per hour.
Clearly, these prices are higher than what you encounter when you rebuild an F150 engine. However, that is not always true. According to Cost Hack, rebuilding can cost as much as $10,000 if you have a cracked engine block. You have to machine it, which is an expensive undertaking.
You should compare the cost of each option before making a decision. Your-Mechanic appreciates engine rebuilding because your engine is already compatible with the car’s ECU and electrical system. This doesn’t always apply to a new engine.
Sometimes, the ECU fails to communicate with a new engine, forcing you to spend even more money to reprogram or replace the ECU.
You can’t compare a rebuilt engine to its newer counterpart. Ultimately, the new engine doesn’t have the wear and tear you find in a rebuilt engine. However, a rebuilt engine can last longer than a new one, especially if you get compatible replacement parts.
| Model | Duration | Labor Cost | Total Cost |
| 1990-2013 | 15 – 20 Hrs | $80 – $125 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
Don’t expect to find more definitive estimates than the figures above until a mechanic inspects your car and gives you an accurate quote. The price tags will vary widely depending on your location and the extent of the damage. The duration will also change accordingly.
For instance, dedicated rebuilding shops can complete your engine in 15 to 20 hours. However, a conventional garage will keep you waiting for several days because they can’t dedicate their staff to your engine. They have other clients to accommodate.
You should budget for a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $4,500 just to be on the safe side.