Jasper reman engines??

[im02crazy]

I spoke tob jasper and their authentic division told me they will rebuild my 251 block and cover shipping for $4100. Anybody here used Jasper? Any pros/cons? My local shops just don't want to mess with a 66 block, even though it runs, and is great shape , just a little noisey. All comments apppreciated. In baltimore md.

[Gordon Maney]

That seems really high.

There must be machine shops happy to do it for less, and do it well.

[im02crazy]

Local shops

Thanks for the reply. I agree on the way high side.

I'm still calling local shops, but all I talked to as of yet only want to do insurance work, or drop in reman units. nobody wants to rebuild. I'm looking for an older shop with a well seasoned owner that still knows how to do a rebuild, and isn't afraid of the job. The two machine shops I've used in the past have closed. There are others, I just need to do more homework.

If anybody can refer me to a shop in the Baltimore/DC area it would be much appreciated.

Thanks, and happy holidays.

[mannyc]

bill on the powerwagon page

used jasper for a wc 3/4 ton dodge with a 230. he owns a shop in pa and i cant believe his rebuild cost that much. i paid 2k for a 230 with removal and reinstall back in 1998 or so.

[Tom Petroff]

I don't think $4100. is that far out of line for a company like Jasper and considering there track record.
They do quality rebuild's with warranty.

I'm pretty sure Charles Talberts rebuild would be close to that.
You have to remember that these two companies will leave no bolt, nut, or part, untouched.
And if there not in spec. they won't be used.
Also parts are still out there but the price on them is steadily rising.

Agree you could do it cheaper if you find the right machine shop to do the work and your comfortable with your skill's.

Most of those shops are long gone and the ones left do mostly modern stuff and performance engines.
Not to say they can't do a flathead,but they will most likely have to spend time looking for there special tools that were put away years ago,then find a technician who knows or is willing to understand the engine.

TGP

[Charles Talbert]

Reality and engine building

We have a 251 in progress right now; parts are significantly higher in cost than for a 230, and not nearly as readily available.

Regardless of who does the work, you need to ask right up front what you will be getting for a specific $$ amount. Rebuilding just the block and internals is one thing; while a total engine rebuild to include starter, generator, clutch, carb, water pump, oil pump, distributor, with replacement of external lines, hoses, flywheel surfacing, rotational balancing, and so on is quite a different picture.

Long story short, there are rebuilds, then there are total rebuilds done right, bar nothing. Either way, expect to pay a fair price for what you are getting, and look at the total picture. A unbelievably cheap price will not be the deal of the century; but most likely the rip off of the century instead. Someone also mentioned what they paid back around '98; believe me that is TOTALLY irrelevant when compared to the cost of anything today, 13 years after the fact. The quality of service being offered will be obvious if you are dealing with a straight up service provider. A job done right won't be a cheapy, not even close, but I'm asumming you know that already.

[wayneh]

I spoke tob jasper and their authentic division told me they will rebuild my 251 block and cover shipping for $4100. Anybody here used Jasper? Any pros/cons? My local shops just don't want to mess with a 66 block, even though it runs, and is great shape , just a little noisey. All comments apppreciated. In baltimore md.

Wonder if you had any luck on a machine shop in Baltimore? I'm down here in Annapolis, but the machine shop I've used in the past (close to DC) shut down a few years ago.

Wayne

[75Crew]

Jasper rebuild

Shops around here use Jasper rebuilds quite a bit. (Their factory is located about 60 miles from here.) My Dad used to use them way back in the 50's and 60's when he owned an auto repair shop - never had an issue with poor quality. They have a very good warranty. This month, I just had a Jasper transfer case installed in my 2003 Suburban - has a 3 year warranty on parts and labor. They are a quality manufacturer for sure! Not cheap but quality usually isn't.

[im02crazy]

Helpful discussion on the options

You all make good points on the value and cost of an engine rebuild. It's still very possible that the engine does not need a full rebuild (suspect the lower bearings are shot), but I'm planning on a full rebuild anyway.

I did find a local shop in Baltimore, well known, highly regarded, and cost competitive. I am convinced that Wallace Engines in Baltimore has the knowledge, skills and capabilities to do a good job.

A few thoughts to summarize what I've learned in this process: There is no cheap and adequate rebuild. The real cost of a complete rebuild has got to include: (1) the parts, which make a rebuild expensive to start, (2) the shop's labor rate, and (3) the built-in cost of a warranty. Maybe the most important concern for me beyond the cost is the confidence in the rebuild. I don't want to have to use the warranty, but I am impressed by the Jasper 3/100,000 coverage. The local Jasper rep would do the work, but only part of that warranty labor is covered under most situations. Most shops only provide a 90 day warranty, and only on parts failure.

At this point the body shop is completing the bed, and then the truck goes to a local shop (Milstread Motors, Westminster, MD) for evaluation. They are also a Jasper rep, but I'm still not sure which way I will go.

Price wise, the local rebuild would break down as such: JASPER: $1,300 engine removal and re-install, setup to running order by local shop, and about $4,500 for the Jasper "authentic works" rebuild "remanufacturing" and shipping TOTAL $5,800. LOCAL: Still need a local shop to pull and reinstall the engine, again about $1,300, with the local engine rebuild quoted at $3,800-4,800, TOTAL $6,100.

I also contacted Precision Engine Rebuilds in Texas that quoted $2,100 for a rebuild and $300 shipping.

My understanding is that Jasper uses a computer-based engine test system, and does not actually run the engine. The Jasper engine is actually started for the first time when the local rep installs and runs it. The local shop will actually rebuild and test fire and run the engine at their shop.

This is expensive anyway you price it out. The main justification for the expense is the overall condition of the truck, and the rising value of the Power Wagons.

Your thoughts and comments appreciated.

[Ggg6]

From my experience I would stay away from Jasper. Their warranty isn't worth the paper its written on.

[Charles Talbert]

From my experience I would stay away from Jasper. Their warranty isn't worth the paper its written on.

You get my curiosity up.

I would assume from your statement that you have had a warranty experience with Jasper that did not go well. I'm not upholding Jasper at all as I've never dealt with them and can't say I've had personal experience with anyone that has.

I would be interested to hear more about your issue, what the problem was and why they apparently chose not to honor their warranty in your case. There must be more to this story?

[Ggg6]

I have had several issues with Jasper not honoring the warranty on both engines and transmissions. Jasper came up with all sorts of excuses for how the warranty was voided, or not valid anymore, application of said engine was not covered, oil brand was wrong, etc. Jasper got such a bad rap in the diesel industry they stopped offering reman diesel engines, and stopped reman transmissions for light duty diesel applications. Now Jasper may have restarted some of those lines since I last dealt with them but I haven't even considered them as a source in several years. I know there are some on here who like Jasper and I am glad those people have had good luck.
I am not trying to start any sort of argument over this topic because IMO Jasper isn't worth the time or energy. The OP just wanted input and I had some to offer.

[Charles Talbert]

I have had several issues with Jasper not honoring the warranty on both engines and transmissions. Jasper came up with all sorts of excuses for how the warranty was voided, or not valid anymore, application of said engine was not covered, oil brand was wrong, etc. Jasper got such a bad rap in the diesel industry they stopped offering reman diesel engines, and stopped reman transmissions for light duty diesel applications. Now Jasper may have restarted some of those lines since I last dealt with them but I haven't even considered them as a source in several years. I know there are some on here who like Jasper and I am glad those people have had good luck.
I am not trying to start any sort of argument over this topic because IMO Jasper isn't worth the time or energy. The OP just wanted input and I had some to offer.

Understood, I can't argue for or against Jasper, no dealings what so ever with them. We do our own engine and trans building in house, thus we offer our own warranty. I always wonder about companies that offer extended warranties on rebuilds. I mean after a while other issues besides defective parts and workmanship issues come into play. Our warranty runs 12 months or 12,000 miles under normal operating circumstances. This is more than enough time for issues to come out if they exist. Our warranty does not cover vehicle components used in competition, extreme off road situations, or other abusive situations; to my knowledge nobody offers these types of warranties. We also specify service intervals, oil brand and type, and filter brand, that are to be used during the warranty period. We install coolant filters on all our rebuilt engines also. They must be kept in place and serviced correctly or warranty is void. Any warranty claim also requires the engine or other component come back to us for inspection and repair service; we can't stand behind a repair unless we perform the service.

I'm happy to report we have never had an engine come back with a warranty issue. In fact, the only issue ever was with a rebuilt transfer case. Based on what I was told, all indications pointed toward a simple oil seal failure. After the guy noticed the leak, he continued to drive 25 miles to a buddies shop before checking the oil level. By then the bearings in the rear drive unit were seized. He took it to a local repair facility who removed the rear unit from the case and broke the housing while attempting to press the seized bearing off the shaft. I know this because the repair guy called us looking for a replacement housing that they destroyed. They didn't get parts from us, so I really don't know details of the repair they made. I do know a few days later the owner called me saying the local guy's repair did not hold up and wanting to file a warranty claim. Obviously I was not going to stand behind a repair made by someone so dumb as to break a cast housing trying to service a component he had no clue about servicing. I told him to go back on the folks who did the repair if their work failed. He wanted to go off on me and said that was just an excuse.

This is the same as if I bought a new Dodge truck, had a warranty issue and took it to the Ford dealer for repair. When the Ford dealer's repair failed, then I go back to Dodge with my butt on my shoulder about it; how rediculous is this? I use this example just to make plain the stunts some will try to pull in an effort to get something for nothing. If we are responsible, I'm glad if a person gives us the chance to make it right. My experience, most people are honest about the details, but there are a few that will try anything.

[Ggg6]

I agree with you that you need to inspect and perform the repair or at least an approved shop in order to be able to stand behind your product. That is one place where Jasper got into trouble their approved shops had little to no training or procedures.
I agree with you your customer screwed up and then got screwed, then went looking for a scape goat.
I will mention one thing for you to check out. I believe it is illegal for a shop to specify brand name fluids and filters. This went to court decades ago with the Big 3 stating you could only use GM, Mopar, or Ford fluids and filters for their warranty to be valid. Federal court ruled they can only require the fluid and filter specifications, not brand. So long as the fluid and filter meets said specifications it can't be used as a reason to void warranty.

[Charles Talbert]

I agree with you that you need to inspect and perform the repair or at least an approved shop in order to be able to stand behind your product. That is one place where Jasper got into trouble their approved shops had little to no training or procedures.
I agree with you your customer screwed up and then got screwed, then went looking for a scape goat.
I will mention one thing for you to check out. I believe it is illegal for a shop to specify brand name fluids and filters. This went to court decades ago with the Big 3 stating you could only use GM, Mopar, or Ford fluids and filters for their warranty to be valid. Federal court ruled they can only require the fluid and filter specifications, not brand. So long as the fluid and filter meets said specifications it can't be used as a reason to void warranty.

You may be right on federal court ruling, I should have verified though that we install only top of the line oil. Almost or possibly no others will come close to meeting their specs. If specs aren't meet, warranty does not fly. Simple oil analysis of today will prove this in an instant. Example, Fram filters are total junk as anyone who has done even minor research knows. I expect if this were challenged, these issues would shine out quite readily, and certainly it would not be hard to prove if substandard oil or filters were in use. My analysis would be this real quick, if I were running an engine under warranty coverage, I would go to all extremes to comply with the standards of the warranty during that period. Doing anything different is only offering fuel to the party furnishing warranty to have mutiple ways of denying a claim should an issue arise. I would much rather get immediate action on the claim than having to go through in fighting because I chose not to follow the standards of the policy.

After already dealing with claim denial from Jasper in multiple incidents as you revealed in a prior post; I think I'd do all I could to play by their rules. This is your game to play as you wish, now you have my curiosity peaked again about the particulars of why you were denied warranty coverage by Jasper. Doesn't really matter, I'm not looking for an argument as to stipulations and rules of the game, just makes me wonder.