Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing Corporation Says Remanufactured vs. Rebuilding Is Really No Contest

TOOELE, Utah, Sept. 8 -- While today's hard-working diesel engines from Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) commonly log up to one million miles or more, eventually every fleet manager and owner/operator will have to consider a service option to maintain engine performance.

Deciding whether to install an OEM-supplied remanufactured engine or use an independent rebuilder to perform a rebuild can be a tough choice. But there are compelling reasons to consider an OEM remanufactured product, according to Jim Morrow, president of Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing Corporation.

The Basic Difference

"First of all, let's clarify the difference between a remanufactured engine and one that is rebuilt. Our reliabilt(R) Series 60(R), MBE 900 and MBE 4000 engines are totally remanufactured, returning them to the latest blueprint specifications and tested to original equipment standards," explains Morrow. "The typical rebuilt engine is only repaired to the level of failure. That means any components beyond this level are left intact. And testing procedures often vary among individual rebuilders."

A Question of Quality

Quality is perhaps the most significant difference between the remanufactured and rebuilt engine according to Morrow. "All components of our reliabilt engines are remanufactured to meet original specifications, or they are replaced with only genuine DDC components."

But in the "fix what broke" scenario of the rebuilt engine, many other remanufacturing operations replace only failed components and a short list of wear items. This carries the risk of unpredictable service life.

Taking It to the Next Level

Performance upgrades are yet another advantage to remanufactured engines. "When you replace your current engine with a reliabilt engine, you're getting today's Detroit Diesel technology -- because we incorporate the latest engineering advancements," Morrow noted.

Once assembled, every reliabilt remanufactured engine is tested on DDC factory-specified dynamometers, using new engine performance parameters. This stringent validation process is not available to any other remanufacturer or rebuilder.

You Get What You Pay For

In the short run, a rebuilt engine may seem like the less expensive route to take. But in general, a rebuild will require more downtime than a remanufactured swing engine. This means more time out of operation.

And because rebuilt engines are typically repaired only to the level of failure, there may be downtime later because non-repaired components may not be as durable. reliabilt engines are designed and tested to original equipment specifications, so they're ready for the long haul.

There's another incentive to purchase remanufactured engines and components -- better warranties. For instance, reliabilt Series 60 engines are covered by a standard 2-year/200,000 mile coast-to-coast warranty. In addition, 3-year/500,000 mile extended service coverage plans are available. Many independent rebuilders are unable to provide nationwide warranty coverage.

"With our reliabilt products, customers enjoy the original equipment quality and peace-of-mind they've come to expect from Detroit Diesel Corporation," concluded Morrow.

Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing Corporation, a subsidiary of Detroit Diesel Corporation, remanufactures and markets a complete line of diesel engines and related products in North America, including the reliabilt brand. For more than 40 years, reliabilt has been one of the most respected names in the aftermarket business with ready-to-install products for on-highway and off- highway power-systems.

Detroit Diesel Corporation is the leading manufacturer of on-highway heavy-duty diesel engines for the commercial truck market. The company offers a complete line of engines from 170 to 515 horsepower for the on-highway and vocational markets. Through its corporate headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, Detroit Diesel is engaged in the design, manufacture, sale and service of these products, in addition to supporting alternative and hybrid engine strategies for the commercial truck marketplace. Detroit Diesel is a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler and part of the Freightliner group of companies.