Behind the Scenes: What Goes Into Reconditioning a Used Mitsubishi Engine


Behind the Scenes: What Goes Into Reconditioning a Used Mitsubishi Engine

Reconditioning a used Mitsubishi engine is a meticulous process that involves restoring the engine to optimal performance, often bringing it back to or close to its original condition. This process can significantly extend the life of the engine and improve its reliability and performance. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into reconditioning a used Mitsubishi engine.

1. Initial Inspection and Assessment

  • Visual Examination: The first step in reconditioning is a thorough visual inspection of the engine. Technicians check for obvious signs of wear, damage, corrosion, or any missing components. This includes examining the cylinder head, engine block, pistons, crankshaft, and camshaft.
  • History and Background Check: Gathering information about the engine’s previous use, maintenance history, and any known issues is crucial. This helps in identifying potential problem areas that may require special attention during the reconditioning process.

2. Disassembly

  • Complete Tear-Down: The engine is completely disassembled to allow for a detailed inspection of each component. This includes removing the cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, oil pump, and other internal parts.
  • Labeling and Organizing Parts: As components are removed, they are carefully labeled and organized. This ensures that parts can be accurately reassembled later in the process and that nothing is misplaced.

3. Cleaning and Degreasing

  • Thorough Cleaning: All engine components undergo a thorough cleaning to remove oil, grease, carbon deposits, and other contaminants. This is typically done using industrial-grade degreasers and cleaning solutions.
  • Ultrasonic Cleaning: For intricate parts or those with stubborn deposits, ultrasonic cleaning may be used. This process uses high-frequency sound waves in a liquid solution to clean parts more effectively.

4. Inspection and Testing of Components

  • Microscopic Inspection: Critical engine components, such as the crankshaft, camshaft, and pistons, are inspected under magnification to identify any cracks, wear, or imperfections that could affect performance.
  • Pressure Testing: The cylinder head and engine block are pressure tested to check for cracks or leaks that could lead to performance issues. Any detected flaws must be addressed before reassembly.
  • Measuring Tolerances: Key measurements such as cylinder bore, piston diameter, crankshaft journals, and bearing clearances are checked against manufacturer specifications to ensure all parts are within tolerances.

5. Repair or Replacement of Components

  • Machining: If components like the cylinder head or engine block have surface irregularities, they may be machined to restore a flat and smooth surface. This is essential for proper sealing and compression.
  • Part Replacement: Worn or damaged parts are replaced with new or reconditioned components. Common replacements include piston rings, bearings, gaskets, and seals. If major components like the crankshaft or camshaft are too worn, they are replaced or sent out for reconditioning.
  • Rebalancing: The crankshaft and other rotating components may be rebalanced to ensure smooth operation and reduce vibration during engine operation.

6. Reassembly

  • Careful Reassembly: The engine is carefully reassembled, with each component installed in the correct order and according to precise torque specifications. Special attention is given to critical areas such as the head gasket installation and valve timing.
  • Use of New Seals and Gaskets: During reassembly, new seals and gaskets are used to ensure proper sealing and prevent oil or coolant leaks.

7. Testing and Tuning

  • Engine Testing: Once reassembled, the engine is tested to ensure all systems function correctly. This may include a compression test, leak-down test, and running the engine on a test bench to monitor its performance.
  • Initial Break-In: The engine may undergo an initial break-in period, where it is run at various speeds and loads to ensure that all components seat properly and to identify any potential issues early.

8. Final Quality Control

  • Performance Verification: The reconditioned engine is checked to ensure it meets or exceeds factory performance standards. This includes verifying power output, fuel efficiency, and overall smoothness of operation.
  • Documentation and Reporting: A detailed report is typically created, documenting all work performed, parts replaced, and test results. This report provides transparency and assurance to the customer regarding the quality of the reconditioning process.

9. Packaging and Delivery

  • Proper Packaging: Once the engine passes all tests, it is prepared for delivery. This often includes securely packaging the engine to protect it from damage during transportation.
  • Installation Support: Some reconditioning services may offer support during the installation process, ensuring that the engine is installed correctly and runs as expected in the vehicle.