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Straight answers.
What the shop gets asked most — about cost, turnaround, the engines we machine, and how to get a component to us. If your question is not here, call (937) 394-2150.
Services and capabilities
What does PDM actually do?
PDM is a full-service engine rebuilding and machine shop. We machine and rebuild cylinder heads, engine blocks, crankshafts and connecting rods, and we assemble complete engines in a dedicated clean room. Work moves through three stages: teardown and cleaning, precision machining, then final assembly.
What kinds of engines do you work on?
Automotive, agricultural, heavy-duty truck and industrial engines. On the truck side that includes Detroit Diesel, Cummins, Caterpillar and PACCAR engines found in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks. On the farm side we take engines from any make, model or year — John Deere, Case and Case IH, International Harvester and the rest. We also machine engines out of skid loaders, dump trucks, buses, generator sets and other industrial equipment.
Do you work on motorcycles or small engines?
No. PDM does not take motorcycles, snowmobiles or small engines of that type.
What about a lawn mower engine?
We can, but it is rarely worth it. On most mowers the machining costs more than the machine is worth and replacing it is the better call. If you want it looked at anyway, call and we will tell you honestly whether it makes sense.
Do you offer maintenance or preventative servicing?
No. PDM is a machine shop — the work starts once a component needs machining or rebuilding. We do not offer routine or preventative maintenance.
Can you inspect an engine and tell me what it needs?
Yes, and for an overhaul that is the necessary first step. Teardown, cleaning and inspection are what turn an unknown engine into a defined list of work.
Quotes, cost and turnaround
How much does an engine rebuild cost?
There is no honest answer to that before the engine is inspected. A full overhaul depends on what the teardown finds — which components are serviceable, which are worn beyond limits, and what has to be replaced. We quote from measured condition, not from a guess. Individual operations like a valve job or a resurface are far more predictable; call with the engine details and we can be much more specific.
Why can't you quote an overhaul over the phone?
Because an overhaul is an investigation before it is a repair. Two engines with the same badge and the same hours can need very different work. Quoting one without inspecting it either overcharges you or commits us to work we have not seen.
How long will my engine be in the shop?
It depends on the work, the parts and what the inspection turns up — so we give you a timeline with the quote rather than a number on a website. Machine shops have a reputation for being slow and for leaving customers waiting. We would rather tell you a real date and meet it.
What do you need from me to start?
The engine or the component, and what you know about it: the make and model, what it came out of, and what went wrong. The more history you have, the faster we can get to a firm number.
Is it worth rebuilding instead of replacing?
Often, yes — particularly on equipment where a replacement is expensive, back-ordered, or no longer made. A rebuilt component restored to specification can be the better economic and practical answer. Where replacing is genuinely the smarter move, we will say so.
A new cylinder head is available. Why rebuild?
Buying new is the easy option and sometimes the right one. A rebuild is worth comparing when the new part is costly or slow to arrive, or when the original casting is the better piece. We will give you the honest comparison for your engine rather than pushing the machining.
Getting your engine to us
Do I need to remove the engine myself?
The engine or component does need to come out before it reaches us — PDM machines and rebuilds, we do not remove engines from vehicles or equipment. If you need that done, call us and we can point you toward shops that handle removal.
Can I bring the engine to the shop?
Yes. Customers bring engines and components to us at 314 Shelby Street in Sidney during shop hours.
Do you pick up and deliver?
Yes — PDM runs delivery and pickup on established routes across western Ohio and central Indiana. Drop-off arrangements are available as well; call the shop and we will sort out the nearest option for you.
What area do you serve?
Western Ohio and central Indiana, broadly from north of Dayton down to Cincinnati and across to Indianapolis. If you are outside that and want to arrange something, call and ask.
Working with PDM
Do you work with repair shops, dealerships and fleets?
Yes — that is most of what we do. Independent automotive shops, truck and trailer shops, agricultural dealerships and fleet operators send us machining and rebuild work. If you are a fleet manager or a service manager weighing whether to keep this work in-house, call and we will walk through what makes sense to send out.
Where is PDM located?
314 Shelby Street, Sidney, Ohio 45365. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 5:00.
How long have you been doing this?
PDM staff have served engine customers with precision machining and rebuilding for more than 30 years.
How accurate is your machining?
Crankshaft journals are held to ±0.0001″ runout and taper. Every component is restored to meet or exceed original manufacturer specification, and the inspection steps — Magnaflux magnetic-particle inspection and pressure testing — are there to catch what the eye cannot.