How much does it cost to rebuild and engine?
 

I gotta customer that wants me to pull his '97 7.3, replace the rings (probably blew them using EITHER to start it) and then reinstall it. SO- aside from parts and fluids, what's the usual labor charge for something of this magnitude? Anybody know how long it takes to tear everything apart and pull the block? I normally charge $30 an hour, so I don't want to over or worse under charge the guy!

$30 an hour is cheap. Stealerships are running $75.00 an hour and most mechanics that I know here are charging from $45 to $65 an hour.

And that's why I only charge $30. I'd rather do 10 hours of work for $300, than 3 hours of work at $75 for $225. Plus already having a full time job, if I don't get work I'm not dying. PLUS, I'm a glutton for punishment, I enjoy getting greasy LOL!

Danny, I'd confirm this first, but why don't you subscribe to alldatadiy.com ? There a sponsor here and for a pretty cheap price you get access to the full Ford service manual. I'm pretty sure it also gives you labor time as well. I think Pete (F250_) has a subscription. Maybe he can verify the labor time being included in the subscription.

Sounds like you're getting some side work. Having access to labor would be useful.

I got access to labor- my outta work buddy LOL! I figure I'd split the $$ with him- it's better to have something than nothing, and help him out at the same time.

Lima Oscar Lima. By labor, I meant book time the mechanics charge. AllData is one of the services the pro's use to fix and charge customers. The DIY version is the same info, it just is cheap since it only covers one vehicle.

OH, hehe- I got all data at the base hobby shop. I can use that then!

Dang, thats actually cheap too! My dealer is at $102/hr! :'(

Yeah my stealership is $96 an hr

Ever heard the saying "No good deed goes unpunished."?

That's the first thing that came to my mind...:-X21

Same here PLUS mine has unqualified mechanics!

I usually "flat rate" the jobs I do for my friend's water well service. I use his shop and tools (except when I need specialty stuff). His employees do the cleaning for me and he has a hot water pressure washer. I figure "per hour" time at $35. We do anything from brake jobs, clutch jobs, trans & gear box rebuilds, to engine overhauls and hydraulic & pneumatic system fabrication on his service and well drilling equipment. I am usually involved in all his mechanical projects and advice.

To R/R (Remove/Replace) and 7.3 is 24 hours book time. This doesn't include anything you do once the engine is out. I would probably charge for about 30 hours..