The debate over overhauling vs swapping that I still can't settle

About 4 years ago, I was working on a 2008 Freightliner Columbia in Billings, Montana, and an older mechanic named Dale told me I was crazy for wanting to overhaul a Series 60 with 850,000 miles. He said just swap it for a reman and be done, save yourself the headache. But I argued I could do the inframe for about $4,500 in parts and keep the original block that's proven itself. We stood there arguing for 20 minutes in the shop, and honestly I still go back and forth on which side was right. What's your rule of thumb for when to overhaul versus just buying a new or reman engine?

3 comments

3 Comments

mark_ward1mo agoMost Upvoted

Dale probably had a point. 850k is a lot of miles on a block even if it ran fine. But I've also seen guys spend $4500 on an inframe only to find the crank is junk or the block has a hairline crack. My rule of thumb is simple. If the block and crank check out perfect, overhaul it. If there's any doubt at all, swap it. That extra dollar or two in parts ain't worth pulling the whole job twice. Besides, a reman comes with a warranty. Your overhauled block only comes with the hope that Dale doesn't show up to say I told you so.

wade2501mo ago

Did you read that article in Diesel Tech mag about 750k block failures?

rileygarcia1mo ago

Man that's a REALLY solid way to look at it.