Core Charges

United Engine Works Core Program

Core Charge FAQ

Simple, flexible core options to help keep your engine replacement fast, affordable, and hassle-free.

What Is A Core Charge?

Refundable Deposit On Rebuildable Parts

A core charge is a refundable deposit applied to your engine, crankshaft, or cylinder purchase.

It allows UEW to recover rebuildable components and continue offering high-quality remanufactured engines, short blocks, crankshafts, cylinders, and rebuild solutions.

Core charges typically range from $200 for crankshafts or cylinders and $800 to $1,500 per engine depending on the model and displacement.

Your Core Options

Fastest Option

Option A: Pay Core Deposit

  • ✔ Pay the refundable core charge at checkout
  • ✔ Your engine can ship within 24–48 hours when available
  • ✔ Send your old core back after installation
  • ✔ Best choice when you need the machine back quickly
Save Upfront

Option B: Send Core First

  • ✔ Ship your core to UEW for inspection first
  • ✔ Processing typically adds 10–14 days
  • ✔ Once approved, your replacement engine is shipped
  • ✔ Good option if downtime is less urgent

How The Core Process Works

Choose Your Option

Pay the refundable core deposit for faster shipment, or send your core first for inspection when available.

Return Your Core

After installation, return your old engine or component to UEW. Buyer is responsible for return shipping unless otherwise arranged.

Inspection & Refund

Once received and inspected, qualifying rebuildable cores are approved and the refundable core deposit is processed.

Who Pays Core Return Shipping?

The buyer is responsible for shipping the core back to UEW. We can often provide a discounted shipping label to make the process easier and more affordable.

When Do I Get My Core Refund?

Once your core is received and inspected, your refund is processed quickly.

Cores must be complete and rebuildable. Major external damage, missing parts, holes in the block, mismatched components, or non-rebuildable damage may reduce or void the core refund.

What Happens If I Do Not Return A Core?

If no core is returned, the core charge is simply retained. There are no extra penalties — the core deposit just becomes part of the final purchase price.

Why Choose The Core Charge Option?

Fast Shipping

Less Downtime

Paying the core deposit lets your replacement engine ship faster when inventory is available.

Flexible

Install First, Return After

You can install the replacement engine first, then send your old core back afterward.

Simple

Clear Refund Process

Return a complete rebuildable core and receive the refundable core amount after inspection.

Important: Do not throw away, scrap, disassemble, or heavily modify your old engine before checking with UEW. Core value depends on the part being complete, matching, and rebuildable.

Questions About Your Core?

Send Photos Before Shipping

Not sure if your core qualifies? Send us your year, make, model, engine size, photos, and condition details before ordering or shipping.