LKQ Remanufactured Engines: Guide to Quality and Cost

If your car’s engine has failed, you know the feeling of facing a major, expensive repair. You might be wondering about your options, and you’ve likely come across LKQ remanufactured engines. This guide provides a clear, detailed breakdown of what they are, the quality you can expect, and how much they cost, helping you make a smart decision for your vehicle.

What Exactly is a Remanufactured Engine?
Before we dive into the specifics of LKQ, it’s crucial to understand what “remanufactured” means. This term is often confused with “used” or “rebuilt,” but the difference is significant.

Used Engine: This is an engine taken directly from a salvaged or junked vehicle. It’s sold as is, with its original mileage and wear. Its history is often unknown, and it may come with a very limited warranty, if any.
Rebuilt Engine: A rebuilt engine has been partially disassembled to fix a specific problem. A mechanic replaces only the failed or worn parts, such as pistons or bearings, and puts it back together. The quality can vary widely depending on the skill of the rebuilder.
Remanufactured Engine: This is the most thorough process. The engine is completely disassembled down to the bare block. Every single part is cleaned, measured, and inspected. Any component that does not meet the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications is replaced with a new or re-machined part. The engine is then reassembled to factory standards and rigorously tested. It is essentially returned to a like new condition.
A remanufactured engine offers a balance of quality and value, providing reliability close to a new engine but at a much lower price point.

The LKQ Remanufacturing Process: A Deep Dive into Quality
LKQ is one of the largest suppliers of remanufactured engines, and they follow a strict, standardized process to ensure consistent quality. This isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about proactively replacing components to prevent future failures. Here is a step by step look at how they bring an engine back to life.

1. Core Selection and Complete Disassembly
The process begins with a used engine, called a “core.” LKQ carefully sources these cores and performs an initial inspection. Once approved, the engine is completely taken apart. Every nut, bolt, and internal component is removed until only the bare engine block and cylinder head remain.

2. Rigorous Cleaning and Inspection
All parts are put through an intensive cleaning process, often involving hot tanks and chemical baths, to strip away all grease, carbon buildup, and grime. This is essential for the next step: detailed inspection. Technicians use precision tools to check for cracks, warping, or wear. Key components like the engine block, cylinder heads, and crankshaft are tested using methods like magnafluxing, which uses magnetic particles to reveal microscopic cracks invisible to the naked eye.

3. Machining and Component Replacement
This is where a remanufactured engine truly separates itself from a rebuilt one.

Cylinders are bored or honed to be perfectly round and smooth.
Engine blocks and cylinder heads are resurfaced (decked) to ensure a perfect seal for the head gasket.
Crankshafts are ground and polished to precise specifications.
Crucially, all wear and tear parts are automatically replaced with new ones, regardless of their condition. This includes:

Pistons and piston rings
Main and rod bearings
Gaskets and seals
Timing belts or chains and gears
Oil pumps
4. Controlled Assembly and Testing
The engine is carefully reassembled by trained technicians in a controlled, clean environment to prevent contamination. They follow OEM specifications for torque settings and clearances. Once assembled, the engine isn’t just shipped out. It undergoes a series of quality control tests. This often includes “spin testing,” where the engine is spun by a machine to check for proper oil pressure, compression, and oil circulation before it ever gets installed in a vehicle.

Understanding the Cost of an LKQ Engine
One of the main reasons drivers choose a remanufactured engine is the cost savings. An LKQ remanufactured engine is significantly less expensive than a brand new crate engine from the dealership, often saving you 30% to 50%. However, it costs more than a used engine from a salvage yard. You are paying for the extensive labor, new parts, and warranty that ensure its reliability.

Several factors influence the final price:

Engine Type: A common 2.0L 4-cylinder engine for a Honda Civic will be much less expensive than a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine for a Ford F-350. Complexity and demand are major price drivers.
Core Charge: Most remanufacturers, including LKQ, include a “core charge.” This is a deposit you pay upfront and get back when you return your old, failed engine. This ensures they have a steady supply of cores to remanufacture.
Shipping: Engines are heavy, so shipping costs can be a factor depending on your location.
Warranty: The price includes a comprehensive warranty, which is a major part of the value.
To give a general idea, you might expect to pay between $2,500 and $4,500 for a remanufactured engine for a popular car or SUV. For larger trucks or performance vehicles, the price can range from $4,000 to $7,000 or more.

The LKQ Warranty: Your Peace of Mind
The warranty is a critical component of the value proposition. LKQ typically backs their remanufactured gasoline engines with a 3-Year / 100,000-Mile warranty. This is one of the best in the industry and is often comparable to the powertrain warranty on a brand new car. This comprehensive coverage for both parts and labor gives you confidence that you are making a sound investment, not just a temporary fix.

### Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “long block” engine? Most remanufactured engines are sold as “long blocks.” This means you get the core engine: the block, crankshaft, pistons, and cylinder heads all assembled. You will typically need to transfer over your old accessories, such as the intake manifold, fuel injectors, alternator, and power steering pump, to the new engine.

Who should install a remanufactured engine? While some experienced home mechanics can do the job, it is highly recommended to have the engine installed by a certified, professional mechanic or repair shop. An improper installation can cause damage to the new engine and may void the warranty.

Is an LKQ remanufactured engine a good choice? For many drivers, it is an excellent choice. It provides a reliable, long-term solution to a major engine failure without the high cost of a new engine from the dealer. If you plan on keeping your vehicle for several more years, the quality, performance, and warranty of an LKQ remanufactured engine make it a very smart financial decision.