Overview
Most expensive engine jobs start as a small symptom: a little smoke on a pull, a power loss that comes and goes, coolant that keeps going down. We start with the data. A connected scan, the freeze-frame from when the fault set, and then the pinpoint test the code calls for: boost and back-pressure readings, injector balance rates, a coolant pressure test or an oil sample.
Then you get a written estimate with the options laid out. Sometimes the honest answer is a $300 sensor, not a $6,000 turbo. Sometimes it is an overhaul, and we will tell you whether in-frame or out-of-frame makes more sense for the miles and the truck's value.
We work on the engine families that run through this crossroads every day, from Class 8 tractors to medium-duty box trucks. We are an independent shop, not a dealer, and we are not affiliated with any engine or truck maker.
Call us about
- Loss of power, derate or a check-engine light that keeps coming back
- Black, white or blue smoke, or a new noise from the turbo
- Coolant loss with no visible leak, or oil in the coolant
- Hard starting, rough idle or a misfire under load
- High oil consumption or blow-by out of the breather
Every job includes
- Connected scan and fault history saved to the unit's file
- Written estimate with parts and labour split out, sent by text or email
- Your approval before any work past the diagnostic
- Old parts kept for you to see unless they go back as a core
- Road test and a final scan before the truck leaves
Symptom, likely cause, first test
Common starting points, not a diagnosis. The first test is what we run before anyone quotes a part.
- Black smoke on a pull, low power Likely: Boost leak, charge air cooler, turbo, injector First test: Boost and back-pressure test
- White smoke, coolant going down Likely: EGR cooler, head gasket, injector cup First test: Coolant pressure and combustion gas test
- Blue smoke, oil use climbing Likely: Turbo seals, worn rings or liners First test: Oil analysis and crankcase pressure
- Derate with an aftertreatment code Likely: Sensor, DEF dosing, loaded DPF, EGR First test: Full aftertreatment data review
- Hard start, long crank Likely: Fuel supply, injector leak-back, batteries First test: Fuel pressure and cranking tests
Typical prices
- Turbocharger replacement, Class 8 New or remanufactured unit, gaskets, oil and coolant top-off $3,200 to $6,500
- Injector set, 6-cylinder heavy-duty Parts drive most of the range; cups or sleeves extra if needed $4,500 to $9,000
- EGR valve or cooler Valve alone sits at the low end; a cooler and its gaskets at the high end $2,000 to $5,500
- Head gasket, heavy-duty inline-6 Head checked for flatness and cracks before it goes back on $6,500 to $11,000
- In-frame overhaul Liners, pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets; out-of-frame quoted separately $18,000 to $32,000
Typical ranges for common jobs, labour at $165 per hour plus parts. Your estimate is written for your truck after the diagnostic, and it does not change unless the job does and you approve it. Example figures for this demo.
Typical turnaround
- Diagnostic and written estimate Same day for most trucks in by noon
- Turbo or EGR job, parts on hand 1 to 2 days
- Injector set 1 to 3 days, depending on parts
- In-frame overhaul 1 to 3 weeks, depending on parts
Ranges, not promises. You get an update at every checkpoint, and straight away if anything changes.
Questions we hear
Do I have to use you for the repair after the diagnostic?
No. You pay the diagnostic fee and leave with the written finding. If you approve the repair with us within 7 days, the fee is credited to the bill.
New or remanufactured parts?
Your call. The estimate shows both when both exist, with the warranty each one carries, so you can match the part to the truck's age and plans.