How long is labor for engine replacement?

When an engine needs to be replaced in a vehicle, one of the key questions is how long the repair will take. Engine replacement is a major project that requires meticulous work by experienced technicians. The total labor time can vary quite a bit depending on the specific vehicle and engine involved.

What factors affect engine replacement labor time?

There are several key factors that can impact the total labor time for an engine replacement job:

  • Vehicle make and model – Labor times can vary widely depending on the specific vehicle. More complex vehicles with tighter engine compartments generally take longer.
  • Engine type – Larger, more complex engines generally have higher labor times for removal and installation. This includes variables like the number of cylinders and overall displacement.
  • Accessibility – The engine layout and accessibility can make the job faster or slower. Transversely mounted engines often take longer than longitudinally mounted ones.
  • Transmission – Is the transmission being removed with the engine or not? Removing both together adds more labor time.
  • Additional repairs – Are other components like cooling systems or electrical items being serviced at the same time? More repairs mean more labor hours.
  • Technician experience – An experienced technician will generally get the job done faster than someone less familiar with the specific vehicle.
  • Shop fees – Labor rates themselves can vary between different repair shops. Higher shop fees lead to more overall labor charges.

So when estimating total service time, it’s best to look up published labor times and add time for the specific vehicle configuration, any extra repairs needed, and experience of the technician doing the work.

Published engine replacement labor times

Auto repair guides like Chilton and AllData publish standard labor times for most engine replacement procedures. These guides provide a baseline time for the job assuming an experienced technician is doing the work.

Published engine replacement labor times can range from as little as 5-6 hours for very basic vehicles up to 18-20+ hours for large diesel trucks and other complex vehicles.

Here are some example published engine replacement labor times from AllData:

Vehicle Engine Labor Hours
Ford Focus 2.0L engine 12.3 hrs
Toyota Camry 2.5L engine 14.8 hrs
Chevy Silverado 1500 Pickup 5.3L V8 engine 15.5 hrs
Ford F-250 Diesel 6.7L V8 turbo diesel 18.7 hrs

These baseline times assume the engine and transmission are being separated. Additional time would be needed if they are being removed as an assembly.

Estimating total engine replacement labor time

When estimating the total time for an engine replacement, start with the published labor time for that vehicle and engine combination. Then consider these other factors:

  • Add 0.5-2 hours if engine and transmission are being removed as an assembly rather than separately.
  • Add more time if other repairs like cooling system overhaul are being done simultaneously.
  • Add or subtract time depending on technician experience and skill level.
  • Check if shop labor rate is higher or lower than the guides.

With all these factors included, a typical engine replacement may take 15-25% longer than the published time.

So for example, if the published time is 14 hours, the total could end up around 16-18 hours after accounting for all variables. Have the shop provide an estimate in advance so there are no surprises.

Engine replacement vs engine swap times

There is a difference between a straightforward engine replacement job and doing an engine swap upgrade to a different motor.

Published labor times are for replacing the existing engine with the same one. Swapping to a different engine can take significantly longer.

Some examples of additional time needed for engine swap vs replacement:

  • Modifying engine mounts – 4-8 hours
  • Custom wiring harness fabrication – 6-10 hours
  • Modifying fuel and cooling systems – 4-12 hours
  • Fabricating custom exhaust – 4-8 hours

So while a basic engine replacement may take 15 hours, expect an engine swap to a different motor to take 25-40 hours depending on the complexity. Get a written quote from the shop.

Can I do an engine replacement myself?

With enough automotive experience, it is possible for a home mechanic to replace an engine. But it is an enormous job that can easily get out of hand.

Things to keep in mind for a DIY engine replacement:

  • It can take 40-60 hours for an amateur to replace the engine the first time.
  • Help is needed – it’s extremely difficult to remove and install an engine alone.
  • You need an engine hoist and other specialty tools.
  • Reusing accessories like manifolds may require machining work.
  • Custom fabrication skills are needed for engine swaps.
  • Not using a shop means buying parts at retail prices.

While not impossible, an at-home engine replacement is only realistic for very dedicated DIY mechanics with automotive experience. For most, it is better left to professional technicians.

Summary

– Published engine replacement labor times range from 6-20 hours for most vehicles. This assumes an experienced technician separates engine and transmission.

– Add time for removing engine/transmission together, simultaneous repairs, technician skill level, and shop rates. Total time is often 15-25% longer than published.

– Engine swaps to a different motor take much longer – often 25-40 hours. Additional custom fabrication is required.

– Home mechanics can potentially do the job after 40-60 hours but it is a very difficult DIY project requiring much previous experience.

– Getting a written quote from the repair shop is recommended to avoid surprises on total labor time. Engine replacement is a major procedure.