Does anyone know anything about SRC (Springfield Remanufacturing Corp)???? I know they used to be a division of International/Navistar. How is their reputation? Quality product?

 

Obviously due to liability issues I have to be careful in how I state my opinions on this. Understand that what I am about to say is personal experience, opinions and anecdotal from other sources. I am quite familiar with SRC as a company and because I used to work in the Auto Parts business in this part of the country for a well know parts supplier. I have also had personal acquaintainces work for SRC.

1. They are a MASS producer of rebuilt engines. This isn't necessarily the worst thing and they will stand behind their warranties if proper installation is documented. That said-if you need a quick fairly inexpensive replacment GAS engine excluding some quirky 4 cylinders, and you need a fairly coherent short term warranty then this might be a good option.

2. Diesels are more sensitive to rebuilding errors and I wouldn't recommend very many companies that come under the category of mass rebuilders for buying one. Find somebody with a good reputation for rebuilding Diesel and who will stand behind the motor and you will have less heartache 3 months after it is installed.

3. The store that I worked for, before transferring to the main warehouse was in a rural farming community that averaged about 4 motors a month and a diesel about every 3 months. Everyone of the diesels sold while I worked at that store except for one had to be warrantied. I honestly couldn't tell you if this was the motors or the installers. However, this seemed to be a common problem with other stores in our chain too. We tried several vendors ( can you say the cheapest mass producers) that we could find and had the same problems.

4. The guys that I know that have the biggest success with rebuilds go to a shop that specializes in this type of engine. Around here we are blessed with a mechanic that has his own shop that is so good that the Ford dealerships send there chronic unsolvable problems to him to fix.

5. The installer does make a difference. While the old 6.9-7.3 is a fairly straightforward motor that is pretty basic. It is still a good idea to find a mechanic you can trust to install it. AND, MAKE SURE HE PREOILS IT BEFORE INITIAL STARTUP. This is one of the number 1 causes of failure of newly rebuilt engines gas or diesel.

I own a 91 F250 heavy duty, 7.3 diesel with a 5 speed. I bought it new and intend to own it until it collapses, then I'll probably keep it anyway. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Finding mechanics that truly understand it-especially at dealerships have been a problem. But it is worth it, will pull anything, and with the right tires will drive in some amazing places. Take the time to find the right guy to do your work if you don't do it yourself and you'll never regret it.

There, I managed not to say anything to ugly about SRC or Jack Stack (the real owner, not the employees like he claims) but still managed to make my points. :-)

Good luck