Inboard Engine
Gas inboard and sterndrive engine rebuilds in Long Beach and LA County. Diagnosis, rebuild and sea trial to bring back reliable power. Request a quote.
- 2 services
- Labor $150/hr
- Trip fee from $30
- At your slip or in the shop
Inboard Engine Rebuilds in Long Beach and Los Angeles
We rebuild gasoline inboard and sterndrive engines, including MerCruiser, Indmar and Volvo Penta. We work at your slip, dock or storage yard from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or at our San Pedro shop.
What the work covers
A gasoline inboard rebuild covers teardown, inspection and measurement of the block, crankshaft, cylinder heads and valve train. We replace what is worn or send it to a machine shop we work with for machining, then reassemble the engine with new gaskets and seals. Parts, machine-shop work and any crane or haul-out needed to take the engine out are listed on your written estimate.
- Block work: engine block boring and honing, done by a machine shop we work with. Boring brings worn cylinders back to round at a new size, and honing gives the walls the finish new rings need to seal.
- Exhaust: water that gets past a failed riser or manifold is a common cause of inboard damage, so the exhaust side deserves a close look before the rebuilt engine runs. See exhaust manifold and riser repair.
Signs your inboard may need a rebuild
- Low compression on a compression test
- Milky oil or water on the dipstick
- Blue smoke, or oil use that keeps rising
- A knock that changes with engine speed
- Hard starting and lost power that a tune-up does not fix
Questions about inboard rebuilds
Does the engine have to come out of the boat?
For a full rebuild with block machining, yes. Cylinder head work can sometimes be done with the engine in place. The check shows which job your engine needs, and we quote it before any work is done.
What else should be checked while the engine is out?
It is a good time to look at the motor mounts and alignment. On direct drive and V-drive boats, check the damper plate between the engine and the gearbox too. See marine transmission repair.
Book a visit: submit a ticket with the boat, where it is kept and what the engine is doing, or call (562) 542-7296.
See also: gas inboard losing power compression smoke and rebuild signs.
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#218 Common question asks
What if the starter engages but the engine will not turn at all?
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That usually points to a weak battery or a poor connection, a starter that has failed, or an engine that is seized or has water in a cylinder. Do not keep cranking it: we test the batteries, cables and starter and check whether the engine turns by hand, then give you a written estimate for the repair.
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#216 Common question asks
Can you bring back a diesel engine that has been sitting for years?
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Often, yes. We start with a compression test and a check of the fuel, starting and cooling systems, then tell you what can be repaired and what needs replacing, with a written estimate. Old fuel is drained and disposed of, and the fuel system cleaned, before the engine is started.
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#214 Common question asks
Can the overhaul be done with the boat at my dock?
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Yes. Whether your boat is in the water or on a trailer, we come to you in San Pedro, Wilmington, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour, Marina del Rey and Newport Beach; farther places on request. Each visit has a one-way trip fee by distance, from $30 in San Pedro to $110 in Newport Beach.
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#212 Common question asks
Do you check the cooling system during an overhaul?
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Yes. Overheating is often caused by a clogged raw-water intake or strainer, a worn impeller or a stuck thermostat. We check the whole cooling system, find the cause and quote the repair before we do it.
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#210 Common question asks
How much does a diesel engine overhaul cost?
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Labor is $150 an hour, plus parts and the trip fee for work at your boat. A diagnosis is at least $300 for each engine; then you get a written estimate for the repair, and nothing is done without your OK.
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#208 Common question asks
What is the difference between repairing a diesel engine and rebuilding it?
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A repair fixes the part that failed, such as an injector, a pump or a gasket. A rebuild takes the engine apart and renews its worn internal parts, such as rings, bearings and gaskets, with any machining done by a machine shop. We tell you which one your engine needs after the diagnosis, with a written estimate.
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#206 Common question asks
Should I rebuild or repower my diesel engine?
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It depends on the engine's condition, its hours and what parts for it cost. We check compression, the fuel and cooling systems and the oil, then give you a written estimate for each option, so you can compare a rebuild with a replacement engine before anything is done.
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