Independent Engine Shop

Did a lot of research online before deciding to go with MTZ engine rebuilders. They had good reviews. And had experience in quality reman motors. I ordered a 24v cummins short block from them. Only challenging part with this transaction was getting the motor to Northern California. (took about 5 weeks to get motor versus 10 days) . No biggie. The short block was well worth the wait. The quality of the machine work was top notch. Just finished my 1000 mile break in period. Truck is running stronger and better.

a year ago

I held off on writing this review, but decided ethically I should in order to help others avoid this engine builder. I bought a 6.4 long block in 2017, It took a long time to get, and every time I called I was given reasons why it was delayed – Severe weather flooding, unable to get parts, etc.. - after several iterations of not getting the engine when it was supposed to ship and having to call to ask where it was only to get different reasons for delay it finally arrived. It was Crated nice and looked clean, I installed the engine and shipped my core back. But from day 1 post install I heard what I assumed was injector noise and also observed excessive smoke. I deleted the truck when the reman went in and flashed with a tow tune, I also replaced the up-pipes, so hearing a little more injector noise seemed reasonable. The smoke cleaned up when it warmed up, and I assumed it would improve when the rings seated. Fast forward 13 months and around 8500 miles - truck starts making some noise on a road trip, with a shuddering engine miss - I pulled over to shut down to tow home. When I went to roll it over by the crank I felt a ton of end play – I called Chago to see what he thought, and to see where he was at with warranty since it was under the mileage warranty, but over time warranty - To his credit he said the warranty was mileage/time - whichever came first, but if I shipped it back to him, he would take a look and possibly cover labor, but I would pay all shipping and for any parts required. At that time he stated that if I loosen the bolts on the bed plate to do any forensics he would not do anything for me. After I weighed the options I had, since the cost of shipping and hard parts would tip the cost of what should be a pretty straight forward bottom end job, and my curiosity on root cause of failure was high, I opted to tear it down and rebuild. What I found Several Bent Rods (likely cause of the smoke from day one) The Crank Counter weights had worn into the bottoms of several Pistons (Due to geometry change caused by bent rods) – My understanding is that hydro lock due to EGR cooler failure is what causes these stout 6.4L rods to bend, but post installation, the engine never had EGR coolers installed – My guess is that the rods were not replaced with new when the engine was rebuilt , maybe that was one of the parts that was causing delay? Broken Crank Shaft (either from shoddy line bore, or piston skirts hitting counterweights) I bought a salvage crank and sent this crank and the block to a Minneapolis engine shop for machining. The machine shop called me a few days later to say they found the line bore was off center at the main in front of the rod journal where the crank had snapped. They alluded to this being the result of poor machining elsewhere I had them line bore and installed larger bearings. Long story short, learn from my mistake – your engine overhaul isn’t the best spot to save a few dollars. The industry is competitive, and savings come from somewhere… Edit 12/17/24 I was honest in this review; the owner's response however is misleading... TLDR Version - rebuild lasted 13 months, nowhere near 6 years. I reached out at the 13-month mark when this thing came apart, I made the decision to tear the engine down myself based on that discussion, expecting nothing more from the business... ever. Teardown indicated motor assembled with "straightest rods in the used bin". I did run this deleted and had a tow tune. Only wanted to rid the truck of EGR and DEF issues that plagued the 6.4L Engine.

a year ago

I needed a head for a Cummings ISX 12 head,They didn’t have one ,because it’s a rare head ,Santiago located one ,and had it repaired the very next day, I appreciate the quality of workmanship.and the time it took. Thanks so much MTZ ( Santiago) Rebuilders. We will be looking forward ,for your help for future jobs .Orisc Latour from Iowa,Louisiana

4 months ago

6.6 duramax Long Block Lost roughly $7,000, now I have no core, no engine and no returned calls, money, or attempt to rectify. Lost 1 year of my life. $7,000.00 and all I have to show for it is pictures of a blown up engine with 3 miles on it. Before sending the engine back to MTZ I had it looked at by 2 separate shops who both independently agreed that a brittle valve on the new Long Block was most likely the culprit. MTZ stated that "I must have left something in the engine" although, the only objects pulled from the engine were pieces of valves and piston. I had already purchased a new truck and was attempting to sell the duramax. So when the brand new long block exploded and destroyed the turbo, injectors and the entire motor I was forced to go buy a junkyard engine. (Another 6k) The owner (who doesnt answer phone calls and would take weeks to get ahold of), told me he would graciously fix the engine for the price of parts and shipping and wave the labor fee... so, for an additional (roughly $3,000) I could get another engine. Then buy new injectors, turbo, and everything else that was destroyed. It has been a year, now he has my motors that I own (albeit they are in pieces now) one just needs a piston (which I have) and he will not answer the phone, or reply to my texts. When originally attempting to resolve this, the owner agreed to help make the situation right, if I left good reviews for him on FB and Google, then never called back and wont return my calls or texts. I regret the day I made the decision to "save a little money and go with this small buisness" very expensive, time consuming, and stressful situation.

3 years ago

From San Antonio, Husband found this location online and was satisfied with management and engine 5.9 Cummins 2005. Smooth process looking forward to continuous business

a year ago