Engine Overhauls and Rebuilds
In-frame overhauls, full rebuilds and major component repair for diesel and natural gas engines, in the field or in our shop.
Engine Services covers the prime mover itself: diagnostics, in-frame overhauls, full rebuilds and major component repair for the diesel and natural gas engines that drive generators and compressors. Buffalo Power Solutions does the work in the field or in our shop for sites in Texas and Louisiana, served from our Texas branches, and in our regional coverage area.
When the Engine Itself Is the Problem
Most generator calls are about something around the engine: a battery, a sensor, a fuel filter, a controller alarm. Those belong with generator repair and troubleshooting. Engine Services starts when the engine has to be opened up, because wear inside it is now the limit on reliability.
An overhaul done at the right time returns an engine to service for a fraction of what a new generator costs, and keeps the alternator, enclosure and switchgear you already own. Done too late, after a failure, the same job costs more and takes longer. Our first task is telling you which situation you are in.
Engine Work We Do
Engine Diagnostics
Oil analysis, compression and blow-by checks and internal inspection to find out what is worn before anything is torn down.
In-Frame Overhaul
Liners, pistons, rings and bearings replaced with the engine left in place on its base.
Full Rebuild
The engine removed and rebuilt in the shop, with the block, crank and heads inspected and reconditioned.
Cylinder Heads and Valvetrain
Head reconditioning, valves, seats and injector sleeves.
Turbochargers and Cooling
Turbocharger, aftercooler, water pump and radiator repair or replacement.
Signs an Engine Needs More Than a Repair
How an Engine Job Runs
Diagnose: we combine service history, oil analysis and compression and internal inspection to find the actual wear.
Recommend: you get a written option of repair, in-frame overhaul or full rebuild, priced against replacing the generator.
Plan the outage: we schedule the work and, where the site cannot be without power, arrange a rental generator for the gap.
Rebuild: the work is done on site or in our shop, depending on the engine and the scope.
Prove it: the engine is run in and the generator load tested before it goes back on standby.
Engine Services: Common Questions
What is the difference between an in-frame overhaul and a full rebuild?
An in-frame overhaul replaces the main wear parts, such as liners, pistons, rings and bearings, with the engine left on its base. A full rebuild removes the engine so the block, crankshaft and heads can be inspected and machined as well. In-frame work is faster and cheaper; a full rebuild suits an engine with damage the in-frame job cannot reach.
When does an overhaul make more sense than replacing the generator?
When the alternator, enclosure, switchgear and controls are still sound and supported, rebuilding the engine usually keeps a known, paid-for system in service for less than a replacement. Replacement wins when the controls are obsolete, emissions rules have moved on or the load has grown past the unit. We price both before you decide.
Can you overhaul the engine on site?
Many overhauls are done in place, which avoids removing the engine, rigging and freight. Larger rebuilds, machining and work on engines in tight rooms often go better in our shop. We decide with you based on the scope, access at the site and how long the unit can be out of service.
Do you work on natural gas engines as well as diesel?
Yes. We work on diesel and natural gas engines that drive generators and compressors. Gas engines bring their own wear points, including ignition systems and air-fuel control, and gas compression engines run long hours under steady load, so their overhaul planning looks different from a standby diesel that runs a few hours a month.
How do we keep power while the engine is out of service?
Plan the overhaul for a window when the site can tolerate the risk, and cover the gap with a rental generator connected to your transfer equipment. We arrange the rental unit together with the engine work, so the temporary power is in place and tested before the original engine is shut down.
Engine Showing Its Hours?
Send us the engine details, hours and symptoms, and we will tell you whether it needs a repair, an overhaul or a rebuild.