2012Express4.3

Do any engine remanufacturers exist that actually know what the hell they are doing? Is there any way to test an engine (reman OR otherwise) to determine if it is a lemon waiting to reveal itself later? I take it there must NOT be given that these rebuilders keep sending out junk engines that die quickly. Have to decide whether to cut my losses and sell this Express van with its bad/failing reman engine or to replace the engine again (was first replaced before I owned it) and hope for the best. I have zero confidence in these rebuilders. In my experience a 150k miles OEM junk yard motor would probably be superior to anything they put out.
Only slight silver lining is that there is a parts warranty on the engine in it, but the labor is not included (of course). Hard to decide what to do here.

mountainmanjoe

Jasper
you could run some tests. Compression/leakdown test. Dyno test. cooling system pressure test, etc.

it is if you get it done

2012Express4.3

So Jasper vs Junkyard engine vs sell it for a huge loss. I think the book labor hours is about 20+ hours. Supposedly about half as many hours if you can lift the body off of it. Any experience replacing these engines or any express van engines in general?

mountainmanjoe

I pray that I am never in that situation.

og52

GM rebuilt engines have a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. Not as expensive as you would think.

mountainmanjoe

It wouldn't surprise me if GM hires it out to one of the major 3rd party suppliers anyway, and just puts their markup on it.

2012Express4.3

The labor time is the main cost on these vans. Needs to be a one and done for 300k+ miles . Basically everything else on the van has already been replaced at least once.

2012Express4.3

1st reman motor died at 80k miles. Second one 11k. Original OEM motor had nearly 400k on it

2012Express4.3

Quoted a 5 year, 50k miles parts AND labor warranty on a 68k miles used engine for ~$1500 with free shipping. Seems too good to be true. Warranty in particular seems hard to believe (the Labor being included especially).

mountainmanjoe

Sounds good, but like you said if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. I have never heard of them.

Try Powertrain Products