Engine install

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:53 pm

I doubt most will ever be this nuts, but I'll report anyway.

Stripping, pulling an engine isn't too hard. I mean if one has access to a hoist, the extensions, u joint sockets, picker, stands for tranny, etc. It doesn't seem to matter the erstwhile puller chain hook up points on the engine are ridiculous for balance. Do cover the front and firewall with cardboard or plywood to avoid damage when the giant lump pops free.

Installing is more fun. Setting the chains to allow a balanced drop, to fit the teeny weeny rubber mount bolts in the holes, matching the rubber plugs. Very very heavy thing. The whatsit mount plate deals scratching the pan, yelling, pushing, *%#! kaboom it's in.

If you ever do it, just know the chain mount points are worthless for install. Pick your own and do what it takes.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 1:25 am

Funny, I didn't know it was quite that bad. I've always used the factory eyes to remove and install, and it's always something of a challenge, but no more than every other engine I've done, Datsun, Toyota, Buick, Ford, Chevy and more. Well, aircooled VW's are noticably easier, but other than that, they all put up a fight. To me the biggest key is to move slowly and methodically, and not to get frustrated if things don't go as they should. Trying to force things or muscle them in doesn't work, it just makes it worse.

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:41 am

There's nothing like trying something myself to appreciate the aces who do it professionally. I manage to escape total bungling, but if I worked in a shop, Mrs. Murphy's oil change would take two weeks.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 1:48 pm

I'm no pro, just an amateur gone nuts. Otherwise this wouldn't be half in the garage, half in my driveway.

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:49 pm

Yicch ! That's what mine looked like. White and orange powder, mouse mittens, somebody's underpants.

Now it's all clean and shiny. Whether it will run or just look cool remains to be determined.

I see what I did wrong. The rear block circle for chain hook up; I didn't come around the back with it. Came straight up over the injector manifold which let the engine tilt cattywompus.

Oh well. Today I hooked up the shifter and cross member, without inserting the lever into the trans coupler first. D'oh.

alotawatts · Post by **alotawatts** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 6:54 pm

You just need to simplify it !
Waiting to get a hoist-

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:47 pm

, you guys are serious...

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:47 pm

T.Hanson wrote:Yicch ! That's what mine looked like. White and orange powder, mouse mittens, somebody's underpants.

Does this look better...

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:58 pm

Can you photoshop a couple of pics for me too? That looks really good.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 1:25 pm

swatterssr wrote:Can you photoshop a couple of pics for me too? That looks really good.

Photoshop???? That's what takes me so long rebuilding an engine, not building it, but cleaning everything, then painting it. But it's nice 12 years later when I can see if I get a new leak on the engine in my E28. That's why I never paint it black like they were originally, you can't see anything, a dropped nut, a new leak, and it always looks dirty!

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 1:34 pm

Mike W. wrote:
swatterssr wrote:Can you photoshop a couple of pics for me too? That looks really good.

Photoshop???? That's what takes me so long rebuilding an engine, not building it, but cleaning everything, then painting it. But it's nice 12 years later when I can see if I get a new leak on the engine in my E28. That's why I never paint it black like they were originally, you can't see anything, a dropped nut, a new leak, and it always looks dirty!

Oh crap, I forgot to add the

. Sorry Mike...

The jest was in the photoshop question, not the "looks really good" part.

alotawatts · Post by **alotawatts** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 12:45 am

Looks good Mike !

Mike W. wrote: That's why I never paint it black like they were originally, you can't see anything, a dropped nut, a new leak, and it always looks dirty!

Plus 1
I'm going with grey.
You never see aircraft with black paint......although cars won't fall out of the sky.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 1:02 pm

alotawatts wrote:Looks good Mike !

Mike W. wrote: That's why I never paint it black like they were originally, you can't see anything, a dropped nut, a new leak, and it always looks dirty!
Plus 1
I'm going with grey.
You never see aircraft with black paint......although cars won't fall out of the sky.

Well not usually. I played hell trying to get a good pic of it, black, non reflective paint, indoors with no tripods allowed. The famed SR71.

Karl in KS · Post by **Karl in KS** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 1:48 pm

alotawatts wrote:Looks good Mike !

Mike W. wrote: That's why I never paint it black like they were originally, you can't see anything, a dropped nut, a new leak, and it always looks dirty!
Plus 1
I'm going with grey.
You never see aircraft with black paint......although cars won't fall out of the sky.

You don't see aircraft with black paint cuz they're stealthy