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If you’ve recently purchased a replacement Detroit Diesel blower and noticed a core charge on your invoice, you might be wondering: What is a core charge? Why am I being charged extra? Will I get this money back? These are valid questions, and the answers reveal a critical part of the diesel parts industry that not only saves you money but also keeps the supply of essential components like blowers moving efficiently.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore:
- What a core charge is and why it exists
- How it helps lower the price of your Detroit Diesel blower
- Why core returns are vital to the parts supply chain
- What makes a blower core rebuildable vs. non-rebuildable
- Signs your core might not qualify for refund
- How to properly return your core to ensure refund eligibility
- What happens inside a remanufacturing facility
- Common misconceptions about core charges
- Frequently asked questions from our customers
Let’s get started.
What Is a Core Charge?
A core charge (also known as a core deposit or core fee) is a refundable amount charged when you purchase a remanufactured part—such as a Detroit Diesel blower. This charge is collateral held by the seller until you return your used part (the “core”) in an acceptable, rebuildable condition.
Think of it Like a Bottle Deposit
Just like you pay a deposit when buying a drink in a returnable bottle—only to get it back when you return the bottle—core charges work the same way. The deposit is refunded to you once your used part is received and inspected for reuse.
Why Core Charges Exist
Blowers and other high-value engine components are frequently rebuilt and reused in the heavy-duty diesel industry. These parts—especially Detroit Diesel blowers—are expensive to manufacture from scratch. By reusing the original housing and major components, remanufacturers can:
- Extend the lifecycle of valuable materials
- Keep parts available for older engines
- Reduce environmental impact
- Dramatically lower the end price for customers
But this system only works if customers return their cores. The core charge is the incentive. It ensures the buyer is motivated to send back their used unit.
Without the core return process, rebuilt blowers would be far more expensive—and in many cases, unavailable altogether.
How Core Charges Help Lower the Price of Your Blower
You might wonder, “If you’re charging me a core fee, how does that lower my cost?” The answer lies in how parts are manufactured and reused.
Rebuilding vs. Manufacturing New
- New blowers require raw materials (castings, machining, labor, QA) and high production costs.
- Rebuilt blowers, on the other hand, reuse the main structural components. They are cleaned, machined, and reassembled with new seals, bearings, and gaskets.
This process is significantly cheaper than manufacturing new blowers from scratch. By reusing your returned core, the remanufacturer avoids those costs—and passes that savings to you in the form of lower part prices.
In fact, many rebuilt blowers cost 30% to 50% less than new ones, without sacrificing performance.
The Core Charge Is Temporary
It’s important to remember: the core charge is not a permanent cost. As long as your returned core is rebuildable, you’ll receive a full refund—usually within a few business days after inspection. So while you may see a higher total at checkout, your actual cost is much lower in the long run.
The Role of Core Charges in Keeping Blowers Available
Detroit Diesel engines are widely used in marine, industrial, and legacy equipment applications. But many of these engine models—like the 6-71, 8V71, 6V92, and others—are decades old and no longer in production. That means:
- New blowers are no longer being manufactured
- Remanufacturing is the only way to keep parts in circulation
This is where core returns become essential. Without a steady supply of reusable blower cores, remanufacturers simply can’t meet demand. If core returns stopped, the aftermarket would dry up—and engine owners like you would be out of options.
Your Core Helps Others, Too
When you return your old blower, it gets rebuilt and sold to another diesel engine owner. Your core literally helps another boat, generator, or piece of industrial equipment stay operational. It’s a community-based ecosystem that relies on responsible part returns.
What Makes a Blower Core Rebuildable?
Not every blower that’s returned qualifies for a core refund. To be accepted, a core must be rebuildable, meaning its major components are intact, undamaged, and usable in the remanufacturing process.
Core Must-Haves:
- Complete Housing: No cracks, major dents, or structural damage
- Rotors Turn Freely: Internal rotors should rotate by hand (with minor resistance)
- No Severe Corrosion: Surface rust is okay, but heavy pitting or rot in critical areas will disqualify
- OEM Configuration: No custom welds, performance modifications, or non-factory machining
- All Major Components Present: Gears, shafts, and end plates should be included
What Doesn’t Matter:
- Cosmetic wear
- Dirty or greasy exteriors
- Worn-out seals or bearings
These are all replaced during the rebuild anyway. The key is whether the core structure is reusable.
Telltale Signs That Your Blower Core May Be Unacceptable
Here are some clear indicators that your blower core may not be accepted for refund:
| Issue | Why It Matters |
| Cracked housing | Cannot be machined or sealed |
| Broken or missing gear drive | Critical for operation |
| Burnt/blued metal from overheating | Indicates warping or distortion |
| Frozen or seized rotors | Often caused by internal damage |
| Severe internal scoring | Irreparable wear on sealing surfaces |
| Rust holes or deep corrosion | Weakens structural integrity |
| Unauthorized welds or mods | Alters factory tolerances |
If you’re unsure about your core’s condition, contact us before returning it. We may be able to evaluate photos or offer partial credit options.
How to Return Your Core the Right Way
To maximize your chance of receiving a full refund, follow these best practices when returning your core:
1. Remove Carefully
Avoid prying or smashing during removal. Use proper tools and lifting techniques to protect the housing and rotors.
2. Drain All Fluids
Clean out any remaining oil, fuel, or contaminants. Leaking cores may be rejected by carriers.
3. Reuse Original Packaging
If possible, send your core back in the same foam-lined box or crate your new blower arrived in. This reduces damage in transit.
4. Ship Promptly
Most vendors (including us) offer core refunds only if the core is returned within 30 to 60 days. Don’t wait too long.
5. Include RMA (Return Materials Authorization)
Be sure to include your invoice or RMA number. This speeds up processing.
What Happens After You Send Your Core?
Once your Detroit Diesel blower core arrives at the warehouse, here’s what happens:
- Visual Inspection – Trained technicians assess the core for cracks, damage, missing parts
- Rotation Test – Rotors are spun to check for seizing or misalignment
- Internal Evaluation – Housing is disassembled and examined for wear, warping, or corrosion
- Qualification Decision – If all checks are passed, the core is accepted and you get a refund
- Disqualification (if applicable) – If major damage is found, your core may be rejected. You’ll be notified of the reason.
At Diesel Pro Power, Inc. Core refunds are processed within 30 days of the core arriving at our facility.
Inside the Rebuilding Process: How Blower Cores Are Remanufactured
When your core is approved, it enters a sophisticated remanufacturing process designed to return it to OEM performance standards.
Step-by-Step:
- Disassembly – Entire blower is taken apart and cataloged
- Cleaning – Solvent tanks and ultrasonic machines strip grease, scale, and carbon
- Machining – Shafts, bores, and sealing surfaces are restored to spec
- Parts Replacement – Bearings, seals, gaskets, and gears are replaced
- Balancing & Calibration – Rotors are precision-balanced to reduce wear and noise
- Final Testing – Units are spin-tested and leak-tested before shipping
This process ensures every remanufactured blower performs like new, often with warranties ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
Common Customer Questions About Core Charges
Q: Do I have to return my core?
A: No—but if you don’t return your core, the charge becomes permanent. You’ll miss out on your refund and drive up long-term costs.
Q: Can I return a different part number?
A: Only if it’s interchangeable and pre-approved. Contact us before shipping a mismatched core.
Q: What if my core is borderline?
A: In some cases, partial credit may be offered. We’ll contact you with details if that applies.
Q: How do I know if my core was accepted?
A: You’ll receive an email or call within a few business days confirming acceptance and refund.
Misconceptions About Core Charges
“It’s Just a Way to Make More Money”
Actually, it’s the opposite. Core charges help remanufacturers control costs and avoid raw material waste. Without core returns, prices would increase dramatically.
“My Core’s Old, So It Won’t Be Accepted”
Age isn’t the issue—condition is. Even a 30-year-old blower can be rebuilt if it’s structurally sound.
“If It Doesn’t Work, It Can’t Be Rebuilt”
Wrong. Most cores are non-functional when returned. What matters is the condition of the housing and rotors—not whether it currently works.
Final Thoughts: Why Core Returns Benefit Everyone
In the world of diesel engines—especially with legacy platforms like Detroit Diesel—the remanufacturing cycle is a lifeline. Without cores being returned, supply dries up, prices climb, and parts become harder to find.
By returning your blower core, you:
- Lower your total cost
- Help another diesel owner down the line
- Support environmental sustainability
- Keep old-but-reliable engines in service
Your core may be old, greasy, or worn—but it’s still valuable. Treat it with care, return it promptly, and enjoy both the savings and satisfaction that come from being part of the solution.
