I'm considering pulling my engine in order to detail it and the engine bay. Do you think that it is worth the work to do this or can I detail the engine and engine bay without pulling the motor.

I also have to replace the clutch on the car, so I was kinda thinking I might be able to do this when the engine/tranny are out.

Any comments on which way I should tackle this?

 

No reason you couldn't do a killer detail job with the engine in.
With the motor out you could do a more thorough job & replace the engine mounts while you're there

 

Given you want to replace the clutch also - I'd suggest pulling engine/tranny. Much easier to work on out of car and also much easier to detail both engine and empty bay. You need a place to work, engine hoist, engine stand, tools .....

But watch out for the 'while I'm at it" curse - with engine out, good time to rebuild heater core area, seals, new cam, .......

 

Put a cam in it or something to make the end result a little more "worth it", but I'd definitely do it, I'm about to myself actually.

 

Oull it out. It is quite easy to get that big lump out and when you do it will be much easier. I have pulled countless motors out and you will be happy you did. As said above just be careful of "while its out" syndrome.

 

One of the most difficult things I've done on my 81 was install chrome valve covers with the engine in the car. Had to remove most of the brackets and hoses anyway. PITA

 

Youll save time in the long run if you pull it



ask me how I know

 

This would the first time that I would be undertaking a project of this nature. Are there any resources that you guys could recommend to help me through it? Something that could tell me that you do this before you do that and don't forget this and make sure you do that.

Thanks.

 

its the way to go

 

Pull it.

So much can be done with the engine out and make life easier.

Wiring---replace any bad, replace headlight wiring to proper gauge, install new looms of you color fav. to dress-up the bay....replace any old brittle grommets on the firewal, ect...ect..

Re-Seal---so many nooks and crannies that allow hot air or fumes...once cleaned, perfect time to reseal and have a great job done.

Check Engine---rear main seals, oil pan gaskets, timing chain, ect....even a perfect time to put some fresh paint or parts on the engine...I got a FelPro complete gasket kit for about 50 or 60 bucks from Summit.

Hoses and A/C components----yeah, just try and get to those and accuratly re-seal that box with the engine in the bay.

Re-Paint---thats what you started to do...so, everything else is a "while I am at it..."



There is plenty of online "how to's" if you search...read thoroughly before starting, know all the tricks and tips before starting...have plastic bags, buckets and a sharpie to mark all bolts and nuts for each and every component...then take pics, or even a video...this not only "reminds you" where things go, its also a digital diary of the work you did to make your car more enjoyable.


Personally;
I just like to do things once and never have say: "boy...I could of done XYZ with the engine out, now; I am fighting to do it with the engine in....I could be riding and looking right now...."



G/L



Jim

 

As the computer at my work says sometimes PULL UP PULL UP!!!!!!

 

not too often i hope