Frequently asked questions about Remanufacturing

Remanufacturing engines and engines parts has emerged as a keyway to improve sustainability for businesses. This article shares an overview of the process followed by Cummins ReCon® in the remanufacturing of engines and parts along with the answers to frequently asked questions about remanufacturing. 

What is the Cummins Remanufacturing process?

ReCon parts are those that have originated from a Cummins engine and have gone through disassembly, inspection, cleaning, calibration and testing to ensure they meet the same requirements as new Cummins parts. Cummins ReCon parts are then offered for individual sale or used to build Cummins ReCon engines.

Engines reaching their end-of-life are disassembled entirely, ensuring every single component, is prepped for the process. Parts are cleaned utilizing the latest technologies. Post-cleaning, a comprehensive inspection is conducted on each part to ensure that every ReCon product aligns with the factory's initial performance requirements. After identifying any needed repairs, these products undergo a set of remanufacturing processes where they are refined to meet the set requirements and are updated with any engineering improvements since the parts were first introduced. 

Cummins ReCon® products gives customers the choice to replace engine parts with remanufactured parts or purchase ReCon engines. ReCon engines are a very sustainable choice, using up to 85 percent less energy to produce than a new engine.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Cummins Remanufacturing 

1. How many times can a part be remanufactured? Cummins’ rigorous standards ensure parts can be remanufactured multiple times without compromising quality. Each part is assessed individually, with the potential for several lifecycles, which maximizes value and sustainability.
2. What is the difference between remanufacturing and refurbishing/repair? Remanufacturing involves a complete overhaul to meet original performance requirements, whereas refurbishing may involve fewer comprehensive updates. Remanufacturing is a more thorough and standardized process, ensuring a level of quality that refurbishing cannot always guarantee.
3. What products can be remanufactured? Almost 85% of an engine can be remanufactured. Parts eligible for remanufacturing encompass a broad range from turbochargers, fuel pumps and injectors to actuators and cylinder heads. [CB1]  Certain parts with a predetermined lifespan, or parts for which fatigue detection is challenging, are not included in the remanufacturing process and are scrapped and replaced with a new or ReCon part.
4. How does Cummins ensure that remanufactured products perform like new? Cummins guarantees performance like new, backed by extensive testing and warranty support. This commitment to quality means that remanufactured engines and parts operate with the same efficiency and reliability as new. The Cummins ReCon business is a testament to the company's commitment to performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies in the remanufacturing process, Cummins ensures that each ReCon product aligns with strict quality benchmarks.
5. What are the environmental benefits of remanufacturing? Cummins engines and parts are designed with the environment and remanufacturing in mind. For instance, remanufacturing process uses sustainable coatings that limit negative environmental impacts. Cummins ReCon engines and parts are designed in a way that minimizes hot testing, which can significantly reduce the energy used and the carbon emissions from the production process. Remanufacturing methods and tools are also validated to ensure that all Cummins ReCon products will perform as expected, meet all environmental regulations, and achieve sustainability goals.
6. What are some of the lesser-known benefits of remanufacturing? Beyond cost-savings and sustainability, remanufacturing supports local employment and reduces the industry's carbon footprint. It also fosters innovation through the continuous improvement of parts and processes, adapting to technological advancements.
7. Are remanufactured parts easy to use and integrate? Remanufactured parts from Cummins are designed for seamless integration, ensuring minimal downtime for fleets. The plug-and-play nature of these parts simplifies maintenance and streamlines fleet management.
8. Is remanufacturing only done in the U.S. or is it globally accepted? Remanufacturing is a globally recognized practice, with increasing acceptance due to its environmental and economic benefits. Cummins supports a worldwide network that adheres to the same high remanufacturing standards, reinforcing global adoption.
9. How does remanufacturing help with Cummins’ supply chain resiliency efforts? Remanufacturing bolsters Cummins’ supply chain by creating a sustainable, closed-loop system with suppliers. This approach enhances the adaptability and reliability of the supply chain, reducing vulnerability to market fluctuations and resource scarcity.
10. Is there customer service for remanufactured parts? Cummins offers comprehensive support for remanufactured parts, ensuring reliability and longevity akin to new parts. This full-service approach provides customers with peace of mind, knowing they have ongoing support throughout the lifecycle of the product.

Genuine value begins with the Cummins remanufacturing process. Unlike an engine shop that repairs or rebuilds engines by replacing parts that are broken or malfunctioning, Cummins remanufacturing follows a rigorous process that ensures that every part is examined, cleaned and tested to meet requirements. If an upgrade has been made to the original design, this update will also be added as the engine or part is remanufactured.

As the industry continues to evolve, remanufacturing will play an increasingly important role in shaping more sustainable manufacturing and transportation industries. Contact your local Cummins distributor or authorized Cummins dealer to learn more about remanufacturing and Cummins ReCon engines and parts. Cummins stands ready to partner with businesses and fleets to help achieve more sustainable operations.