Market On Diesel Head Rebuids.

I'm thinking about starting to offer rebuilds for Mercedes diesels (and others probably), since there's so many running around town these days. There are very few machine shops around town, and I know one of the ones that does the most business (as far as I can tell) will not touch a diesel.

Do you all think there's enough of a market to make any profit?

I ran the numbers and came up with ~$375 for a rebuild on a Merc 5 cylinder (parts and labor), which would not include new valves or any valve train components other than the valve seals.

I think it's a brilliant idea. I also think that strangers on the internet offer great advice, especially when it comes to generating sound business plans.

Anything else I can help with?

Bryce

By "rebuild", do you mean check for flat, mill, check surface for proper finish, cut seats, pressure test, cut valves, check spring pressures, and provide warranty? or do you mean wash it and grind the valves? For the first, you are underpriced, for the second, overpriced.

Streetwiseguy wrote: By "rebuild", do you mean check for flat, mill, check surface for proper finish, cut seats, pressure test, cut valves, check spring pressures, and provide warranty?

I do that on 3 and 4 cyl heads for only slightly more and make money doing it. I also install new bronze manganese guides and seals, and a performance, or economy cam at the same time. I thought his price was a little high.

Clean, resurface, pressure test, cut valves/seats, valve seals, replace prechamber seals (for diesels). New valves, springs, retainers, keepers, guides, etc etc etc all available for extra cost. Labor is about the same (except for guides). $375 would be for a 5 cylinder, of course parts costs vary. I've rebuilt lots of gasser heads for around this price, give or take.

Streetwiseguy wrote: By "rebuild", do you mean check for flat, mill, check surface for proper finish, cut seats, pressure test, cut valves, check spring pressures, and provide warranty? or do you mean wash it and grind the valves? For the first, you are underpriced, for the second, overpriced.

I can't resurface in house, drives the price up some.

Zomby Woof wrote:

Streetwiseguy wrote: By "rebuild", do you mean check for flat, mill, check surface for proper finish, cut seats, pressure test, cut valves, check spring pressures, and provide warranty?

I do that on 3 and 4 cyl heads for only slightly more and make money doing it. I also install new bronze manganese guides and seals, and a performance, or economy cam at the same time. I thought his price was a little high.