6 Signs You Should Have Your Engine Rebuilt

There's nothing worse than hearing loud knocking noises from under the hood of your meticulously restored and carefully maintained classic car and finding your joyride to the Top of the World suddenly cut short by an engine failure.

Getting stranded on the side of the road because your car's engine suddenly gave out is never a positive experience, but it's especially disheartening for a classic car owner because replacement parts aren't as easy to come by as they are for newer automobiles.

Luckily, getting an engine rebuild in Orange County is a highly effective way to restore your engine back to its former glory. But what exactly does it mean to rebuild a classic car engine? That's what we'll be discussing in the following article. Read on to learn more.

When should an engine be rebuilt?

Rebuilding a classic car engine extends its life and protects the passengers by making sure it complies with the relevant safety standards. Furthermore, it improves the compatibility and connectivity with the car's existing ECU and electrical system.

Here are 6 telltale signs it's time to rebuild the engine in your classic car:

1. The exhaust smoke is white

Piston rings are designed to seal when subjected to expanded gases produced by the gasoline burning inside the engine. However, worn rings that can no longer seal correctly will allow oil to get past them and burn within the cylinder together with the gasoline.

This will result in large amounts of white smoke coming out of your classic car's tailpipe.

2. There's sludge in the oil pan

This is a clear sign that your engine is not working as it should. Sludge is wasted coolant or oil that becomes mixed with oil and causes it to thicken. In addition to being gross, this can interfere with the way your engine works.

3. The engine isn't what it used to be

There are many different reasons why an engine may not perform as well as it did in the past, and not all of them call for an engine rebuild. Whatever the root cause may be, you should take the car to a reputable classic car shop and have it examined by the experts as quickly as possible.

4. Loud knocking noises from the engine

A car engine contains various moving parts that rest on engine bearings. These parts are lubricated using engine oil, which runs through the engine during operation. High mileage or low oil levels will eventually cause these bearings to become worn out and start producing a harsh knocking sound. If left unaddressed, this issue can lead to complete engine failure.

5. The car is misfiring

Compression loss often causes a classic car to misfire. On top of being unpleasant, this can also damage your engine over time and result in severe failures later on.

6. The engine oil is full of metal shavings

Did you notice any metal flakes in the oil while you were draining your engine? That means metal is grinding against metal inside your engine. This often occurs in older engines and can come from various sources, including a worn down crankshaft or rubbing cylinders.

Where can I get a professional-grade engine rebuild in Orange County?

Having your oldtimer restored, serviced, repaired, painted, and reupholstered by the finest vintage car mechanics in the area is the single most effective way to make sure it stays healthy and looking its best for many years to come.

This is where Chimera Motors comes in. As the premier classic car repair and restoration shop in Orange County, we are uniquely equipped to attend to your beloved car's every need. Reach out to us today.