What Is Short Block?
When referring to engine rebuild, there comes item short block, long block and etc. in this section, we will focus on short block:
Short block is not an engine but a component. it consists of an engine block, crankshaft and connecting rods, pistons, rings and cylinder liners. While some articles may say that short block does not include pistons and rings while in most cases it did include such parts. Blow is snapshot of short block from Caterpillar website.
Advantages: Short block is great for customers who have a non-failed cylinder head but an un-useable crankshaft. Usually when there is crank, piston or conrod failure which damaged block, the cylinder head fails too. Customers with a workable head can save a lot of money just buying a short block. The short block warranty usually including all the related parts.
Disadvantages: Usually short-block request is kind of rare because the customer’s cylinder head is also un-useable. Another disadvantage of a short-block could also be the labor costs. A mechanic will ultimately have to reassemble the engine regardless if it is a short block or a long block which includes re-configuring the old cylinder head. Another disadvantage compared to long block is if there is running part failure, there might be other assembly or cleanliness related issue which might be difficult to figure out whose responsibility.
