Diesel engines are known for their durability and longevity. Many diesel engines can last up to 1 million miles with proper maintenance. However, even the most durable engine will eventually need to be replaced.
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
The average cost of replacing a diesel engine can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the type of replacement engine. However, generally speaking, replacing a diesel engine will be more expensive than replacing a gasoline engine.
This article will discuss the various steps involved in the replacement of a diesel engine, as well as factors that affect the overall cost. Furthermore, it will discuss the most common diesel engine problems.
Read on for more details on “the average cost of replacing a diesel engine!”
1. What factors go into the average cost of replacing a diesel engine?
Diesel engine replacement costs differ significantly depending on a variety of factors, including:
The make and model of the vehicle.
The vehicle's make and model are very important in determining the cost of replacing a diesel engine. The make and model are used to determine which type of engine and how much labor is involved in the replacement. A car will generally use a gasoline engine, whereas light trucks and heavy-duty vehicles often use diesel engines.
The year, mileage, and condition of the original engine.
Aside from the make and model, the year and mileage of the original engine can also affect diesel engine replacement costs. If an engine has low miles and is in good condition, replacing it will not be as expensive. In contrast, if an engine has high mileage and is older, the cost to replace it will most likely be higher.
The type of replacement engine.
As previously mentioned, there are different types of engines that can replace a diesel engine. For example, replacing a diesel engine with a gasoline or flex-fuel (E85) engine may affect the overall cost of the replacement. However, in the case of a gasoline engine, it will generally cost less to replace a diesel engine than to replace a gasoline engine with another gasoline engine.
Whether or not the new engine is a factory original
If the replacement engine is a factory original, it will be an exact match to the previous diesel engine. Other options can affect the overall cost if this is not the case. For example, a lower-cost aftermarket engine is used rather than a factory original engine may affect overall cost depending on its condition and reliability.
The installation labor required to replace the new engine
This factor is important to consider when determining the cost of diesel engine replacement because it does not include parts and components that may need to be replaced along with the engine. For example, suppose a new fuel system – or any other related system – must be installed to replace an old engine. In that case, this will affect overall cost even though it is not associated with the replacement engine itself.
How much would it cost to replace a diesel engine in a car?
The cost to replace a diesel engine in a car will vary greatly depending on the vehicle's make, model, and year. Furthermore, it may also depend on the type of replacement engine (gasoline vs. diesel) and if it is factory original or not. The following two examples help illustrate how much it can cost to replace a diesel engine in a car.
For example, in the case of a 2010 BMW X5, it costs just over $9000 to replace a 2009 diesel engine with another 2009 diesel engine. This includes parts and labor associated with both the replacement and new engines. However, if a gasoline engine is used to replace the same 2009 diesel model in this vehicle, it would cost significantly less – around $5000. Again, this is because gasoline engines are cheaper to replace than diesel engines.
As for the cost of replacing a diesel engine in a car, the following example demonstrates how much it can typically cost to replace a diesel engine with another diesel engine (in this case, it is assumed that the replacement engine is factory original).
The following example demonstrates an average of $10,764 to replace a diesel engine in a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550. This includes the costs associated with both the replacement and new engines. In comparison, replacing a gasoline engine with another gasoline engine may only cost around $5000 – if not significantly less – depending on the condition and reliability of the engine.
How much would it cost to replace a diesel engine in a truck?
The cost of replacing a diesel engine in a truck is similar to replacing a diesel engine in an 18 wheeler. This is because there are additional factors that affect the overall cost of replacement, including:
Parts and labor are associated with both the replaced and new engines. The type of replacement engine (gasoline vs. diesel). Whether or not the replacement engine is factory original.
Driving Distance between locations of donor and recipient vehicle. The time needed to complete the job (maybe longer for trucks).
How much would it cost to replace a diesel engine in a tractor?
The cost of replacing a diesel engine in a tractor is similar to replacing a diesel engine in an 18 wheeler. This is because there are additional factors that affect the overall cost of replacement, including:
Parts and labor are associated with both the replaced and new engines. The type of replacement engine (gasoline vs. diesel). Whether or not the replacement engine is factory original. Driving Distance between locations of donor and recipient vehicle. The time needed to complete the job (maybe longer for trucks).
How much would it cost to replace a diesel engine in an excavator?
The following example demonstrates an average of $6000 to replace a diesel engine in a 2010 Bobcat E35 Excavator. This includes the costs associated with both the replacement and new engines. As for replacing a gasoline engine with another gasoline engine, it may only cost around $3200 – if not significantly less – depending on the condition and reliability of the engine.
How much would it cost to replace a diesel engine in a bulldozer?
The following example demonstrates an average cost of $7000 to replace a diesel engine in a 2010 Komatsu D575A Dozer. This includes the costs associated with both the replacement and new engines. As for replacing a gasoline engine with another gasoline engine, it may only cost around $3200 – if not significantly less – depending on the condition and reliability of the engine.
How much would it cost to replace a diesel engine in a backhoe?
The following example demonstrates an average of $4000 to replace a diesel engine in a 2011 JCB 444 Backhoe Loader. This includes the costs associated with both the replacement and new engines. As for replacing a gasoline engine with another gasoline engine, it may only cost around $1500 – if not significantly less – depending on the condition and reliability of the engine.
How much would it cost to replace a diesel engine in a forklift?
The following example demonstrates an average of $2400 to replace a diesel engine in a 2005 Crown CM30 Forklift. This includes the costs associated with both the replacement and new engines. As for replacing a gasoline engine with another gasoline engine, it may only cost around $1500 – if not significantly less – depending on the condition and reliability of the engine.
What are some of the benefits of replacing a diesel engine?
Although diesel engine replacement cost is relatively high, drivers gain many benefits from replacing their diesel engine with new one. These include:
Ability to choose from factory original replacement engines. Ability to choose from currently manufactured OEM replacement engines (versus rebuilding an engine). Improved fuel economy. Increased horsepower. It has improved reliability and performance.
Is there a way to reduce the overall cost of replacement?
The overall cost of replacement can be reduced and the time needed to complete such a job if the replacement engine is factory original. This is because original factory engines are not only in excellent condition and reliability, but they require less time than a rebuilt or used replacement engine.
Automotive experts put together a list of 10 tips to save on diesel engine replacement costs:
- Tip 1: Compare parts and labor prices between a new engine and a used/rebuilt engine.
- Tip 2: Check to see if any online or auction sites have the part you need available at a discounted price.
- Tip 3: Ask for quotes from several shops specializing in diesel engine replacement.
- Tip 4: Select a shop based on their expertise with the specific brand of vehicle you have.
- Tip 5: Get an estimate or quote beforehand to determine how much they will charge for labor.
- Tip 6: Request only factory original replacement parts if possible, as these are in better condition and require less time to install than used/rebuilt parts.
- Tip 7: Additional repairs may be needed on top of the engine replacement. Save on labor costs by choosing one repair at a time rather than multiple repairs at once. Repairs might include replacing hoses, belts, filters, gaskets, etc… which can make up 50% – 70% of your total bill.
- Tip 8: If it is not factory original, some dealerships will offer remanufactured engines that are not assembled until they pass testing.
- Tip 9: Insist on factory original replacement engines from well-known dealerships, as these are often a better quality and more reliable than other options.
- Tip 10: Ask about the warranty on the replacement engine, as this will reduce your overall cost.
What are some of the things that can go wrong with a diesel engine?
Understanding the common diesel engine problems help drivers prevent getting to the point where they have to replace the engine. Here are the ten diesel engine problems:
- Oil leakage
- Water pump leaks
- Oil pan gasket fails
- Cracked cylinder head
- Turbocharger problems
- Air pump malfunctions
- Failed injector or injectors
- Broken piston ring(s)
- Bearing failure or broken bearing caps
- Clogged oil filter housing valve
Conclusion
The cost of replacing a diesel engine varies depending on your vehicle's specific model and year. The average cost is around $2400, but this may be less expensive for older models or those with gasoline engines instead.
There are many benefits to replacing an old diesel engine with a new one, including increased fuel economy and horsepower and decreased downtime during repairs.
Though it can be costly upfront, there are ways drivers can save money, such as buying factory original replacement parts from reputable dealerships. They'll help determine if it makes sense financially and suggests reducing the overall price tag.