Discussion
Years back 100,000 miles up on the car and it would invariably be considered to be fit for the scrapper, stuff like Ford, Vauxhall etc from the 1950’s & 60’s. Now some of these cars somehow survived and have been rebuilt to varying degrees, so how long can a rebuilt engine be reasonably expected to last given normal driving and sensible service routine?
Theoretically - indefinitely....
If parts are modern (as opposed to old-stock original), the materials for pistons, rings, bearings etc could be of better quality now than they were when the car was new
Add in the considerably better properties of modern oils and there's no reason a well-maintained engine shouldn't do several hundred thousand miles
If parts are modern (as opposed to old-stock original), the materials for pistons, rings, bearings etc could be of better quality now than they were when the car was new
Add in the considerably better properties of modern oils and there's no reason a well-maintained engine shouldn't do several hundred thousand miles
Nigel_O said:
Theoretically - indefinitely....
If parts are modern (as opposed to old-stock original), the materials for pistons, rings, bearings etc could be of better quality now than they were when the car was new
Add in the considerably better properties of modern oils and there's no reason a well-maintained engine shouldn't do several hundred thousand miles
I agree.. A professionally overhauled engine that`s correctly lubricated and cooled should last indefinitely. All that is needed is regular oil and filter changes.If parts are modern (as opposed to old-stock original), the materials for pistons, rings, bearings etc could be of better quality now than they were when the car was new
Add in the considerably better properties of modern oils and there's no reason a well-maintained engine shouldn't do several hundred thousand miles
I think the answer is in the original post. fords and Vauxhalls. the reason why their engines became a can of rusty bolts around that mileage is because they were rubbish. i'd never own either brand and never have. poor built quality and poor fitting materials. who would want to drive around in something like that?
I still have a 1970's Mercedes with over 250K on the original engine. it runs great and my only problem with it is I don't have the time to drive it more often.
I still have a 1970's Mercedes with over 250K on the original engine. it runs great and my only problem with it is I don't have the time to drive it more often.
austina35 said:
I think the answer is in the original post. fords and Vauxhalls. the reason why their engines became a can of rusty bolts around that mileage is because they were rubbish. i'd never own either brand and never have. poor built quality and poor fitting materials. who would want to drive around in something like that?
I still have a 1970's Mercedes with over 250K on the original engine. it runs great and my only problem with it is I don't have the time to drive it more often.
A Mercedes engine is just run in at 100,000, especially the older ones, they are just bullet proof and will last for ever.I still have a 1970's Mercedes with over 250K on the original engine. it runs great and my only problem with it is I don't have the time to drive it more often.
Cars may be kept going for ever, if enough money is spent on them.
Three years ago, an unique 1914 DeLarge had a new engine block made, by laser scanning of the damaged original and 3D printing a mould for the new. I don't know the cost, but it was said to be cheaper than traditional methods.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-27/saving-the-...
Three years ago, an unique 1914 DeLarge had a new engine block made, by laser scanning of the damaged original and 3D printing a mould for the new. I don't know the cost, but it was said to be cheaper than traditional methods.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-27/saving-the-...
Well if you look after any car, it'll give you good service. This looks brand new!
https://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id...
https://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id...
Why the focus on engine life ?
It's doubtful if many of us will do stellar mileages in these cars anymore.
As others have said, most engines will last a very long time with better materials and lubricants,regular oil changes and correct maintenance. The biggest killer of most engines is the owner !
The issue with most older cars is structural corrosion and that's much more difficult to prevent if you're contemplating regular use and bigger mileages.
It's doubtful if many of us will do stellar mileages in these cars anymore.
As others have said, most engines will last a very long time with better materials and lubricants,regular oil changes and correct maintenance. The biggest killer of most engines is the owner !
The issue with most older cars is structural corrosion and that's much more difficult to prevent if you're contemplating regular use and bigger mileages.
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