Engine repair and overhaul

Engine repair — from minor adjustment to full overhaul

The engine is the heart of the car and the single most expensive component. When something starts knocking, smoking, leaking or stops working, it's critical that the job is done right the first time. We perform everything from routine maintenance like timing-belt replacement and valve adjustment to comprehensive repairs involving cylinder-head removal, valve-seat grinding and overhaul of the crankshaft and bearings. All engines on all car brands are welcome — petrol, diesel and hybrid.

Top-end and bottom-end repair

Top-end repair (cylinder-head overhaul) involves removing the head, grinding valves and seats, checking and replacing valve guides, new gaskets and camshaft work if needed. Common causes are a blown head gasket, poor compression on a cylinder or oil in the coolant. Bottom-end repair is the more extensive job — the engine is removed, the crankshaft is inspected and re-ground, new bearings are fitted, and the cylinders may be sleeved. Bottom-end repair becomes relevant when the engine has damage to bearings, cylinder walls or crankshaft — typically after low oil or after several hundred thousand kilometres.

Timing belt and timing chain

Timing belts are typically replaced every 80,000–150,000 km or 5–10 years depending on the make. If the belt snaps while the engine is running, the valves collide with the pistons and the engine is destroyed — the repair cost can then approach the value of the whole car. Timing chains have a longer life (often 200,000+ km), but once the chain rattles or stretches it must be replaced — otherwise you risk the same disaster. When changing the timing belt we always recommend replacing the water pump at the same time, since it is driven by the same belt and the work is in the same area.

Diagnosis and price drivers

We always start with a thorough diagnosis: fault-code reading, compression test (measuring pressure in each cylinder), leak-down test (measuring how much air bypasses valves or piston rings), and a visual inspection of the drivetrain. Only once we know exactly what's wrong do we provide a quote. The price drivers are primarily labour hours (many engines need 10–25 hours for larger jobs) and whether we use original or aftermarket parts. On older cars many choose aftermarket for cost reasons — on newer cars under warranty we use original parts to preserve the warranty.

Preventive maintenance

Most major engine damage could have been avoided with correct oil changes, coolant levels and attention to warning lights. We recommend oil changes every 10,000–20,000 km depending on the engine, monthly coolant-level checks, and never ignoring the check-engine light. An oil change costs a fraction of an engine repair — it's almost always worth being a little careful.

Book your repair online or call us on 41 17 32 24.