Engine Overhaul & Rebuild
An engine overhaul means taking the engine apart, measuring every wearing surface, machining or replacing what is out of tolerance and putting it back with new seals and gaskets. It is the answer when the engine is worn out inside, and the alternative is usually a replacement engine.
From AED 4,999Written quote after diagnosis, before work startsConvenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- Typically several days to two weeks, depending on machining and parts availability
- Pickup and delivery from your door
- Convenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- Diagnosis free with repair
Signs you need engine overhaul & rebuild
- Blue-grey smoke from the exhaust, especially on start-up or when you lift off the throttle
- Oil consumption so high you add a litre every few hundred kilometres
- Low or uneven compression readings across the cylinders
- A deep knock from the bottom of the engine that gets louder as it warms
- Loss of power and difficulty starting, with oil pressure light flickering at idle
- Metal particles in the oil or on the magnetic drain plug
What usually causes it
Worn piston rings and cylinder walls
Over time the rings stop sealing against the cylinder. Combustion gas leaks past into the crankcase and oil gets into the combustion chamber, which causes smoke, oil use and weak compression.
Bearing wear from oil starvation
Crankshaft and connecting rod bearings ride on a thin oil film. Overdue oil changes, running low on oil or sustained overheating wear the bearing shells, and the knock that follows is the clearance opening up.
Overheating damage
A severely overheated engine can warp the cylinder head, scuff pistons and score cylinders. Once these surfaces are damaged, a gasket alone will not bring the engine back.
Lack of maintenance and age
Sludge from neglected oil, a failed timing component or simple high mileage all end in the same place: clearances beyond what the manufacturer allows. The measurements show which of these applies.
How we do engine overhaul & rebuild
- 1
Confirm that a rebuild is justified
Before anything is dismantled we run compression and leak-down tests and check oil pressure. Sometimes the fault is a head gasket or a valve, and a smaller repair is the honest answer.
- 2
Strip and measure
The engine is removed and taken apart. Bores, crankshaft journals, the head surface and valve guides are measured against the maker's limits, and the results are written up so you see what is worn.
- 3
Machine and renew parts
Bores are honed or re-sleeved if needed, the crankshaft is ground or replaced, and the head is skimmed or reconditioned. Rings, bearings, gaskets, seals and the timing parts are renewed.
- 4
Assemble, refit and run in
Clearances and torque figures follow the workshop manual. The engine is refitted, filled with fresh oil and coolant, and started with a gentle break-in instruction for the first period of driving.
In Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
Engines in the Emirates live a hard life: short city hops that never warm the oil fully, then long highway runs at high ambient temperatures. Oil quality and change intervals matter more here than the brochure suggests, which is why we look at the condition of the removed oil and filter as part of the strip-down findings.
Questions about engine overhaul & rebuild
Is an overhaul cheaper than a replacement engine?
It depends on the engine. A rebuild saves money when only some parts are worn, while a used or reconditioned unit can be quicker. We put both routes on the quote so you choose with numbers in front of you.
How do I know the engine is beyond a smaller repair?
Compression and leak-down figures, oil pressure and the condition of the oil answer it. If one cylinder is weak the cause might be a valve or gasket, so we do not recommend a full overhaul without that evidence.
Will you use new or used internal parts?
Wearing parts such as rings, bearings and gaskets are replaced new. For bigger components you can pick OEM, aftermarket or used where available, and the quote states which.
Do I need to keep the car off the road during the work?
Yes, an overhaul takes the engine out. We handle the pickup and delivery of the car.
Does a rebuilt engine need special running-in?
A short period of gentle driving lets the new rings seat. We tell you the limits at handover and recommend an early oil change after that period.
Last updated
Get a written quote
Tell us about your car. You get an itemised quote before any work starts, and you choose OEM, aftermarket or used parts.