Apart from the fact that out- sourcing re-engineering ser- vices offers the advantage of no longer having to provide large infrastructures with the requisite machinery, it is now considered more practical and, indeed, cost-efficient, for a company to opt for this route while concentrating on its core activity, suggests Metric Automotive Engineering (MAE) operations manager, Andrew Yorke.

Yorke tells Engineering News that this new trend can, however, present its own problems. “With the upswing in the market, a number of small companies have sprung up, offering re-engineering services.

“The danger inherent in this situation lies in ensuring that the final quality is as good and that the work is in line with original-equipment manufacturer specifications. Both of these factors will influence the operational reliability of plant and equipment at the end of the day,” he cautions.

As a leading automotive engine and component remanufacturing business, MAE is well positioned to both advise plant and equipment owners concerning the economic factors involved in the rebuilding decision, and to undertake the work, Yorke adds.

“Whether one is discussing a small lift truck or a large mining excavator, economic considerations play a vital role in deciding whether or not to rebuild the piece of plant.

“And probably the most important aspect in the decision-making exercise is whether the vehicle which will carry the engine is worth the cost of the engine rebuild,” Yorke says.

Installing a rebuilt engine in a worn-out carrier could prove to be uneconomical and impractical. Other factors which should be reviewed include ancillary equipment, such as cooling systems, injectors, turbochargers and exhaust systems. Specialist companies, such as MAE, have the requisite machinery and infrastructure to undertake engine or component remanufacture, and this has made many fleet owners view this as the most viable option. The accurate assessment of engines and components prior to the remanufacturing decision ensures that the most appropriate decision is made. Engines and/or components deli- vered to the company are thoroughly cleaned, stripped and then, following discussions between all parties concerned, a decision is reached concerning the replacement and reworking of particular components.

Processes undertaken by MAE include resleeving, reboring, honing, crankshaft grinding with magnetic crack detection and hardness testing, precision line boring, camshaft and cam follower reprofiling, conrod resizing, small-end machining and cylinder head remanufacturing.

“Close contact with our customers and an understanding of their businesses enables us to interpret their specific needs and satisfy these requirements.

“Our customers are kept informed of the progress on the job at all stages. Once the work is completed, engines are put on the company’s dyna-test bed to validate the specifications,” Yorke explains.

In addition to offering the engine and component remanufacturing facility, MAE’s sister company, Reef Fuel Injection Services (RFIS) offers the full spectrum of testing and cali- bration to meet the exacting specifications for fuel injection systems on all diesel engines.

Both MAE and RFIS are ISO- accredited companies, and have established records for consistently high quality workmanship.

“Reliability, cost-effectiveness and profitability are the main priorities of any owner of large diesel- driven equipment.

“Achieving these objectives depends on the operational availability of the machines in question and this, in turn, relies on the quality of the servicing, repair work and refurbishment. This is, perhaps, one of the most important reasons why companies should be careful when considering the selection of an automotive engineering shop. An investigation into the capabilities of an automotive engineering workshop should include more than a cursory visit to the company’s premises,” Yorke advises.

A detailed enquiry into aspects such as quality control, calibration of workshop equipment, staff training and testing facilities should all be on the list.

MAE is a family concern that was established in 1969 and is today considered one of the top automotive engineering facilities in the world. The company was the first outside North America to be voted ‘Machine Shop of the Year’ by US-based Automotive Rebuilder Magazine in conjunction with the American Engine Rebuilder’s Association.