How much should an professional engine rebuild cost

[Essex Stag]

Took the Stag to a well know Triumph specialist as it was puffing lots of steam and losing water . everything pointed to the inlet manifolds
They drained the oil no sign of water and did a chemical test no sign of exhaust gasses in the coolant.
They did the inlet manifolds and it did not cure it they now say it is the head gaskets . So they said engine out and send away to have it rebuilt from the bottom up as they now say I have very poor oil pressure They are quoting 12 to 16 weeks . I have been quoted Just over £6K to remove the engine have it rebuilt at a cost of £ 3,800 and refitted .
I have not shopped around yet just wanted to feel the waters before giving them the go ahead. I will ring around tomorrow for my peace of mind . I do trust the garage as they know Triumphs and have a good relationship with the SOC first impressions of them was a very good and honest firm . I know there are many out there that will say rip off but I do not have the knowledge tools or skill to tackle a head gasket
The engine has done 53000 so was surprised it needs a rebuild . opinions please printer-able only please
Derek

[len]

Sounds expensive.
Have you tried Carlow engineering. Or our well respected Russ.

[Andrew S]

Hi Derek, that sounds over the top and on that mileage if genuine, should not need a rebuild. The problem here is, they don't know exactly what and where the cause is. Easy way out is to replace everything eh?
Let's see what others think
Cheers
Andrew

[HersnotHis]

Not required this (thankfully) on our Stag. But recently had my 1966 Daimler V8 engine removed, rebuilt by the acknowledged No1 engineer and reinstalled. OK I had other work done by him which was opportune and found to be necessary but extracting the costs for what you describe was £4850. However this guy is now semi retired and thus since he only does 1 engine a month is not VAT registered. So perhaps around £6000 inc VAT for a full rebuild is not so astronomic.

HTH

H

[Staggard]

I'll fly over and do it for 6 grand

[HersnotHis]

I'll fly over and do it for 6 grand

Not doubting your ability but how would you arrange workshop/machineshop services/facilities (who may also be VAT liable)?

H

[fussydave]

I have just been quoted a maximum of 4K includng VAT at EJ Wards, John rebuilds them himself and I am number 5 in the queue. The price includes removal, rebuild and refitting, setting up and re-torqueing of the heads at 500 miles. Unfortunately he does not have a rebuilt engine on the shelf at the moment to do a straight swap.

Dave.

[Staggard]

Not doubting your ability but how would you arrange workshop/machineshop services/facilities (who may also be VAT liable)?

H

Strangely enough the people that I worked with when I was in the trade are mostly still alive and still working so facilities are not a problem. As far as I know the engineering firm we used are also still in existence Neismith in Wimbledon. I am not an expert on British tax laws but I think you have to earn over a certain amount to pay VAT. As far as my ability goes I have rebuilt enough engine's in my time ( which are now regarded as classics ) not to cause any concern, including working for Coopers at Shannon's Corner. I hope this answers all your questions but if it does not please do not hesitate to contact me, and I would like to thank you for your interest.

[Andrew S]

Derek, I think the point here is, if its a head gasket, why rebuild the engine? Why enter such costs? The oil was checked and no mixing with water and for some reason, their gas checking didn't find a head gasket leak. Something doesn't add up.

[LAMBRETTLAD]

Derek, I think the point here is, if its a head gasket, why rebuild the engine? Why enter such costs? The oil was checked and no mixing with water and for some reason, their gas checking didn't find a head gasket leak. Something doesn't add up.

I'm confused too

[stagmyson]

sounds expensive to me.
ask them for a breakdown of work

[Lingen]

Derek. Did they find the inlet manifold gaskets had failed? Presumably they had, because if they were ok, why would they expect just replacing them with other good ones to cure the problem? It may well just be that the new ones are now leaking. They can be real pigs to fit successfully, and I have often had more than one attempt to get them to seal totally when changing them.
As for the bottom end needing a rebuild, that seems most unlikely at that low mileage, even on a Stag. I would certainly check other items such as the oil pump, first. In printable form (!) I think you need to get it back home and get a second opinion, perhaps from a knowledgeable nearby Stag owner, and also another reputable quote. If I have read your figures correctly, you are being quoted just over £2k to remove the old engine and refit the new one. The Triumph quoted time for dealers to do this job is around 13 hours. This works out at around £160 per hour at your "Specialist!
Most charge around £60.
Mike.

[flying farmer]

Almost certainly the new inlet manifold gaskets have failed for the same reason as the old ones, the inlet manifold does not sit in the V properly.

Needs doing by someone who actually knows what they are doing.

The low oil pressure is a different issue, might just be bearing wear which could be sorted with the engine in place, but if the crank needs a regrind then it would be engine out time.

Neil

[Another Peter]

When I had my Stag's engine rebuilt nearly four years ago, I paid just over £4K and that included some other bits and pieces which were done at the same time.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the one man company who did it and indeed have encouraged other owners in the NW to use him too.

[mjheathcote]

A fully rebuilt engine is the easiest route for a garage.
When I first bought mine in the late 80's, it was suffering from low oil pressure.
As I was at college on a budget I dropped the sump, took off the heads, re shelled the crank, glaze busted the bores, cleaned up the heads and refitted. All without removing the engine.
That lasted 4 years as everyday transport until I did a full restoration in the early 90's, and I decided to rebuilt the engine completely, although it was still running fine.
Unless you do it yourself, I don't think a garage would do this today as a customer today wants a full warranty. Shame really for most of the time, a full rebuild is not always necessary.