You'll need a smaller one.
Any tips on removing/installing engine?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 1
Any tips on removing/installing engine?
I'm getting ready to remove and replace my L98 with a ZZ4 this Saturday. Other than having all the proper tools and service manual, are there any other tips you might share? Any pictures of your own project? Any snags you ran into when doing your own?
Anything would be appreciated as I need to be as familiar as possible before I jump in. Thanks!
Anything would be appreciated as I need to be as familiar as possible before I jump in. Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Remove dist
Remove wiper motor as plastic cover often get hits as engine comes out
Taking it out with bellhousing or not?
If leaving bellhousing
Easiest to disconnect C beam from trans , place jack under trans and lower until engine hits firewall.This allows you to get at the top bellhousing bolts over the top of the trans with long extention ( 9/16)
A/c compressor can be unbolted and hung over side of car on the hoses to save having to regas
Remove wiper motor as plastic cover often get hits as engine comes out
Taking it out with bellhousing or not?
If leaving bellhousing
Easiest to disconnect C beam from trans , place jack under trans and lower until engine hits firewall.This allows you to get at the top bellhousing bolts over the top of the trans with long extention ( 9/16)
A/c compressor can be unbolted and hung over side of car on the hoses to save having to regas
Last edited by rodj; Apr 8, 2009 at 02:43 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Utah County Utah
I just about have my engine removed, I worked on it for a couple of hours yesterday. I was able to get the bell housing bolts from above with a 14mm wrench. The flex plate were 15mm which I also used a wrench. I had to shove a large 18mm or so wrench between the torque converter and transmission to stop the engine from turning, and I used a second wrench piggy backed on the 15mm to get enough leverage to break the bolts loose. I also used a good size wrench in the big holes in the flex plate to turn the engine so I could get to the next bolt.
My question is about the mounts. they are about the only major obstacle left. After that it's just double checking for misc wires and hoses. There are two bolts that are easy to get too from above/outside standing in the wheel well. There is a large bolt running through the middle of the motor mount and if I reach back and feel of the back of the motor mount I think I can feel a third small bolt like the two on the outside. Are those 3 bolts the right ones to remove? The two facing out and the one on the inside? Or should I just try to remove that one huge bolt running through the middle of the mount? Or is there a different way?
My question is about the mounts. they are about the only major obstacle left. After that it's just double checking for misc wires and hoses. There are two bolts that are easy to get too from above/outside standing in the wheel well. There is a large bolt running through the middle of the motor mount and if I reach back and feel of the back of the motor mount I think I can feel a third small bolt like the two on the outside. Are those 3 bolts the right ones to remove? The two facing out and the one on the inside? Or should I just try to remove that one huge bolt running through the middle of the mount? Or is there a different way?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: Hesperia California
I have had my motor out of my 89 twice now. It is really quite easy. Leave the bell housing on the motor. I also pulled the pulley off of the balancer which created a lot more room. For sure pull the distributor so it doesn't catch on the windshield and break both. (Ask me how I know). Take your time and mark everything and you will be fine. This last time I used the plate to lift the engine from TPIS and life was a lot easier but if you are pulling it Sat., you won't have enough time to order it!
Good luck
Good luck
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 0
From: Suwanee,Ga
THIS answer above is why this Forum is such a great tool. Ask a question and you get the answers you need.!!
To the point: I have only done this with the hood off, and it was a pleasure compared to any other car.
TJM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
easier if you have the hoist on the engine to take weight of bolts.may need to push them through with a screwdriver or drift
With EVERYTHING disconnected and engine connected to trans only on the locating dowels ; need to raise engine a little to clear engine mounts lugs while shaking forward to pull off bellhousing (A4 ).
There is just enough room to move engine forward to clear bellhousing before balancer hits rack.Helps if you have the front of the engine higher on the chain
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 1
Thanks so much for all the tips. I don't have the TPIS plate but I do have an engine leveler on my hoist, which may help. Also, I do know I'll need to change the balancer and I was going to use the same one off my L98.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 1
