What Is the Difference Between Overhaul and Repair?

The terms “overhaul” and repair are sometimes used interchangeably, leading many to think they mean the same thing. While they may share some similarities, they have some key differences that ultimately set them apart. Any truck owner that has had work done on their truck’s engine can appreciate this. For instance, the pistons in the engine may have become faulty and need some light work done. This would qualify as a repair. However, if the same problem occurred in addition to other engine problems that necessitate significant work and replacement of parts, that would constitute an overhaul. If you visit any reputable facility like those of Major Overhaul & Equipment Repair, you can appreciate the difference in the scope of the work needed in each case.

Truck Repair

Repairs mean attending to some of the simple things that may affect a truck. Of course, simplicity can be subjective here. As a non-mechanic, it may seem challenging to deal with some complex engine issues. However, to a professional mechanic, such an issue may not be a big deal. There are numerous sources of information these days to help owners perform some basic truck repairs by themselves. As with any do-it-yourself venture, it always helps to be honest about one’s skill set. Overestimating one’s expertise can aggravate a simple repair, leading to significant repair costs down the road.

When talking about truck repairs, the following are the things that come to mind;

i)Battery Replacement: This involves getting rid of the damaged battery and bringing in a new one. It involves disentangling the cables, usually starting with the one on the negative battery terminal. It helps if you can wrap some insulation around the cable as you do this. It helps to prevent contact with the terminal.

ii) Changing Brake Pads: This takes a bit more effort. You start by removing the tires after jacking up the truck. The rotor and caliper become visible once you do this. Depending on the situation, you can remove the brake pad and clean it or replace it.

iii) Drive Belt Checks: Also known as serpentine belts, these need replacement the moment you notice your truck making some high-pitched noises when starting. Regular checks ensure that wear and tear are detected early and promptly addressed.

These are some of the common repairs. Of course, there are things like spark plugs, fuel filters, the truck’s cooling system, and several other things whose maintenance falls under repairs.

Overhaul

Sometimes, the problem is so significant that a lot of work is required—including significant repairs and replacement of parts—to get the truck back into proper working order. That’s what an overhaul entails.

Imagine a truck that starts to have ‘funny’ noises coming from its engine when it is started. Maybe the noise comes when it is accelerated or turned off. Sometimes the engine overheats or maybe smoke starts billowing from it and the exhaust pipe mid-drive. All these could indicate a serious problem with the engine. Such problems usually require the attention of an experienced truck mechanic.

Depending on what the problem is, the engine may need to be taken apart. For those in the industry, there are some ways of describing specific types of engine overhauls. For instance, the mechanic may need to remove the engine from the chassis—the truck’s metallic base frame on which nearly every other truck part rests. After that, every bolt, nut, and part may need to be disassembled for proper repair or replacement. This is what constitutes a complete engine overhaul.

Other times, the mechanic may still need to do significant cleaning and replacement of the truck engine parts without taking the engine off the chassis. This is known as an ‘in-chassis’ overhaul. Usually, only some components of the truck’s engine are replaced unlike in a complete overhaul.

In both types of overhaul, you’ll have your truck engine sounding new and working at maximum efficiency. Apart from when problems arise, truck owners usually prefer to have an engine overhaul every few years to ensure good performance.

Repair vs. Overhaul

A clear difference between the two is the level of expertise and scope of work required. A typical repair may not necessitate a visit to a truck mechanic’s workshop. A well-motivated novice with some crucial information from reputable sources can carry out some basic repairs.

An overhaul encompasses most aspects of repairs and more. Here, expertise and work are required in replacing significant parts of an engine, if not the whole of it.

All in all, the scope and expertise required separate the two.