What Is a Remanufactured Engine?
What Is a Remanufactured Engine?
If you're replacing a failed engine, you have several options—including buying new, purchasing a used engine, rebuilding your existing engine, or choosing a remanufactured engine. Understanding what "remanufactured" actually means can help you make a more informed decision.
A remanufactured diesel engine begins with a core engine that is completely disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, and carefully inspected. Every component is restored to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
Most internal and high-wear parts—such as pistons, bearings, rings, gaskets, and seals—are replaced with new or requalified components. The engine block is precision-machined and inspected, and all remanufactured parts are tested to ensure they meet exact tolerances and original production standards.
The result is a like-new engine that delivers reliable performance and long service life—at a significantly lower cost than purchasing a new engine.
What Happens During the Remanufacturing Process?
Remanufacturing is much more than repairing an engine that has failed.
A remanufactured engine is completely disassembled so that its individual components can be thoroughly cleaned, inspected, machined, requalified, or replaced as needed. Worn components are replaced with new or requalified parts, while components that can be reused are restored to meet the required specifications.
The engine is then precisely assembled and tested to ensure it meets or exceeds OEM specifications.
This comprehensive process is what separates a true remanufactured engine from a basic rebuild or refurbishment.
How Does a Remanufactured Engine Compare to a New Engine?
A brand-new engine from the original equipment manufacturer provides the factory-new experience, but it is also typically the highest-cost option.
A remanufactured engine provides another option: OEM-level performance and reliability without the same cost as purchasing a new engine.
Remanufactured engines are restored to original—or better—quality, and reputable remanufacturers provide parts and labor warranty protection. They can also offer faster availability, helping reduce vehicle and equipment downtime.
For many applications, a remanufactured engine provides a strong balance of quality, reliability, cost, and availability.
How Does a Remanufactured Engine Compare to a Rebuilt Engine?
A rebuilt or refurbished engine generally involves selective repair, with only visibly worn or failed components being replaced.
A remanufactured engine goes through a much more comprehensive process. The engine is completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, machined, and rebuilt using new or requalified components. The finished engine is then tested to verify that it meets the required specifications.
Quality can vary widely with rebuilt engines depending on the shop, parts used, and extent of the work performed.
With a properly remanufactured engine, the goal is to restore the engine to meet or exceed OEM specifications—not simply repair the components that failed.
Why Do People Choose Remanufactured Engines?
There are several reasons customers choose remanufactured engines.
Cost-Effective Savings
Remanufactured engines offer significant cost savings compared to buying new. You get comparable performance and reliability at a much lower initial investment.
For commercial applications, remanufactured engines are typically about 20% less expensive than new engines.
High Quality and Reliability
During the remanufacturing process, the engine is fully disassembled, precision-cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt. Worn components are replaced, and the final build meets or exceeds OEM specifications.
This comprehensive process provides dependable performance and long-term reliability.
Reduced Downtime
For commercial vehicles and equipment, downtime can be costly.
Remanufactured engines are often available sooner than a new build or a complex repair, allowing a failed engine to be replaced more quickly and helping get the vehicle or equipment back into service.
Warranty Protection
Reputable remanufacturers provide warranty coverage for their engines. This protection helps reduce the risk associated with major engine replacement costs and provides additional peace of mind.
A More Sustainable Choice
Remanufacturing reuses major engine components, reducing waste and minimizing the need for new raw materials.
Choosing a remanufactured engine can extend the useful life of existing equipment while making a more sustainable choice.
Why the Remanufacturer Matters
Not all remanufactured engines are necessarily produced using the same processes, which makes the engine provider an important part of the decision.
When remanufacturing is the right solution for your application, Pilot Engines is proud to offer engines remanufactured by Reviva—a company with more than 80 years of engine remanufacturing expertise and three generations of family ownership.
Reviva was founded during World War II to help meet the growing demand for reliable engine alternatives while original equipment manufacturers focused their resources on the war effort. Since then, Reviva has built a long-standing reputation for quality, precision, and dependable performance.
Today, Reviva combines decades of experience with modern remanufacturing technology and advanced manufacturing processes. Engines are machined using state-of-the-art equipment and assembled using precise, repeatable methods. Documented lean manufacturing processes help ensure consistent quality throughout the remanufacturing process.
Reviva uses OE or OE-equivalent components throughout its remanufacturing process. Complete drop-in engines undergo full dyno testing, while long block engines are SIM tested to verify performance and help ensure they meet or exceed OE specifications.
How Long Does a Remanufactured Engine Last?
With new or refurbished components and strict quality testing, a properly remanufactured engine can deliver many years of dependable service—comparable to a new engine when properly maintained.
The quality of the remanufacturing process, the components used, proper installation, break-in procedures, and ngoing maintenance all play an important role in long-term engine performance.
What Support Comes With a Remanufactured Engine?
When you choose a Reviva remanufactured engine through Pilot Engines, support continues long after your purchase.
Warranty coverage varies by engine configuration, but whether you purchase a long block or a complete drop-in engine, you'll have access to nationwide warranty support.
Reviva works with reputable repair facilities across the country to help resolve warranty issues and get you back to work as quickly as possible. Reviva also maintains a detailed build file for each engine, providing valuable information that can help identify the correct parts and specifications should you need support in the future.
From skid steers to semi-trucks, Pilot Engines and Reviva are committed to providing dependable engine solutions that keep your equipment running and your business moving forward.
What Support Comes With a Remanufactured Engine?
When you choose a Reviva remanufactured engine through Pilot Engines, support continues long after your purchase.
Warranty coverage varies by engine configuration, but whether you purchase a long block or a complete drop-in engine, you'll have access to nationwide warranty support.
Reviva works with reputable repair facilities across the country to help resolve warranty issues and get you back to work as quickly as possible. Reviva also maintains a detailed build file for each engine, providing valuable information that can help identify the correct parts and specifications should you need support in the future.
From skid steers to semi-trucks, Pilot Engines and Reviva are committed to providing dependable engine solutions that keep your equipment running and your business moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people buy remanufactured engines?
People choose remanufactured engines to save money, get a high-quality replacement that performs like new, benefit from warranty protection, and make an environmentally responsible choice.
What are the key benefits of a remanufactured engine?
The key benefits include cost savings, high quality and reliability, reduced downtime, warranty protection, and the ability to extend the useful life of existing equipment.
Do remanufactured engines come with a warranty?
Yes. Reputable remanufactured engines typically include warranties that cover a specific duration or mileage. Warranty coverage varies by engine and configuration.
How long will a remanufactured engine last?
With new or refurbished components and strict quality testing, a properly remanufactured engine can deliver many years of dependable service—comparable to a new engine when properly maintained.
Ready to Find the Right Remanufactured Engine?
Pilot Engines makes it easy to find the right Reviva remanufactured engine for your application. From long blocks to complete drop-in engines, our team can help match you with the right engine for your vehicle or equipment.
