'89 engine removal.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: Bristol Rhode Island
'89 engine removal.
Every nut and bolt i touch on this 60k mile coupe leads to more worn parts.That is ok.not what i expected,but my wife notes the two steel cranked 350s we did back in the late 80s.We've built two good motorcycle engines since then,a crap Sportster and a very successful Ducati Superbike/w 14:1.
The engine in the Vette,in our minds HAS to come out for cleaning the bay and oil pan and timing cover gaskets.We'll likely do rear main seal and timing gears.We have 8 new injectors.Our plan,we have an electricians book of wire markers to number and record the location of all connectors.I understand(?) the engine will unbolt from the bellhousing/TC. and lift out the side of the car.The radiator can stay in the car? I need a new engine stand,cheap useful recommendation for a one time use? Also,i was always successful with a chain and eyelets bolted to the intake bolts to attach to my engine hoist.Do i NEED one of those tilting thingys? I hope you guys can assist with good knowledge.I will also begin a search but am currently very anxious about embarking on this project.
advice? Any and all appreciated
Thanks for reading,i am very concerned.
The engine in the Vette,in our minds HAS to come out for cleaning the bay and oil pan and timing cover gaskets.We'll likely do rear main seal and timing gears.We have 8 new injectors.Our plan,we have an electricians book of wire markers to number and record the location of all connectors.I understand(?) the engine will unbolt from the bellhousing/TC. and lift out the side of the car.The radiator can stay in the car? I need a new engine stand,cheap useful recommendation for a one time use? Also,i was always successful with a chain and eyelets bolted to the intake bolts to attach to my engine hoist.Do i NEED one of those tilting thingys? I hope you guys can assist with good knowledge.I will also begin a search but am currently very anxious about embarking on this project.
advice? Any and all appreciated
Thanks for reading,i am very concerned.
Last edited by DucXL; Feb 20, 2013 at 09:29 AM. Reason: typos
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Just the motor no trans shouldnt need a tilter. Sure is easier with.
When you go to lift it up if it comes at a funky angle you can always set it back down and reattach your chain at a different location. Be careful
When you go to lift it up if it comes at a funky angle you can always set it back down and reattach your chain at a different location. Be careful
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: Bristol Rhode Island
Oh yeah,front to back.I'll look for a filter today.I am losing my storage this December.I gotta hustle/w all the other issues.never have discharged an A/C system.I think I. Should loosen the shrader valve on the accumulator.correct? Just thinking while viewing this thread
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
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You definitely don't have to discharge the A/C...or really pull the motor. It's possible to do everything on your OP with the motor in place.
That said, I pulled mine by hooking a chain diagonally using long bolts in place of intake bolts. You may need to reposition links but the front definitely needs to tilt upward -- which can be accomplished via your chain hookup.
Some rental places rent stands/pullers. Buying on CL is probably best...cause you can always re-sell and get all/most of your money back.
Don't discharge that A/C. Unmount and lay it to the side.
That said, I pulled mine by hooking a chain diagonally using long bolts in place of intake bolts. You may need to reposition links but the front definitely needs to tilt upward -- which can be accomplished via your chain hookup.
Some rental places rent stands/pullers. Buying on CL is probably best...cause you can always re-sell and get all/most of your money back.
Don't discharge that A/C. Unmount and lay it to the side.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
What they said. I would pull the radiator also. Can be pulled with it in place but why take the chance. Also pay attention to the wiper motor. One last thing, be safe on what engine stand you elect to use. The Harbor Freight ElChepo will hold the engine but it,IMHO, is not all that safe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
i bought the Harbor cherry picker ( buy the more expensive one..the legs fit under the car and the upper bar reaches far enough in,,the cheap one doesnt), tilt tool and an engine stand. no problems . Craig list is another great source for cheap tools.Yanking the tranny with it is a great time to clean it but to also do a "reseal" job on it. good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: Bristol Rhode Island
Well I got the tilter thing and a stand from the local speed shop for $125.thanks,I may not discharge the
A/C.the car IS on jackstands.Is it unsafe to pull the engine whilst on stands? I think it needs to be up because of the trans separation.I've pulled SBCs a few times .if anything I am planning is unsafe pls speak up.
A/C.the car IS on jackstands.Is it unsafe to pull the engine whilst on stands? I think it needs to be up because of the trans separation.I've pulled SBCs a few times .if anything I am planning is unsafe pls speak up.
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Race Director
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From: moraga ca
Well I got the tilter thing and a stand from the local speed shop for $125.thanks,I may not discharge the
A/C.the car IS on jackstands.Is it unsafe to pull the engine whilst on stands? I think it needs to be up because of the trans separation.I've pulled SBCs a few times .if anything I am planning is unsafe pls speak up.
A/C.the car IS on jackstands.Is it unsafe to pull the engine whilst on stands? I think it needs to be up because of the trans separation.I've pulled SBCs a few times .if anything I am planning is unsafe pls speak up.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: Bristol Rhode Island
Also,as i ready to pull this thing,do the exhaust manifolds have to unbolt from the heads?
Or just the pipes from the manifolds? Going to douche the manifold studs/w PB blaster to free up the nuts from the rust.
As a CNC machinist i delight in engine mechanics
Or just the pipes from the manifolds? Going to douche the manifold studs/w PB blaster to free up the nuts from the rust.
As a CNC machinist i delight in engine mechanics
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: Bristol Rhode Island
I know this isn't my personal BLOG but i have questions.Some of my friends are baffled,and wonder why i lack self confidence.I KNOW i am capable.........however,this engine bay is a cesspool.Everything is onsite now for the removal.
I now WANT the transmission out too.My question,what is the best way? My '69 Camaro was easy to pull the trans WHILE still bolted to the engine.Can i do this HERE? Or will the hood now obstruct? Or maybe drop the trans from the bottom first? This last question(i remember from experience)will be tough because of the brute strength needed to drop out and lift back at assembly.
Your thoughtful comments are greatly appreciated
Oh yeah,my mother-in-law (83yo) had sold me the car and it is in her garage.Mine is too small,which is why i haven't wrenched a car in so long.Problem is,she's about to be commited to a nursing home and i will lose my ability to use her garage,at a very inoportune time,creating STRESS
I now WANT the transmission out too.My question,what is the best way? My '69 Camaro was easy to pull the trans WHILE still bolted to the engine.Can i do this HERE? Or will the hood now obstruct? Or maybe drop the trans from the bottom first? This last question(i remember from experience)will be tough because of the brute strength needed to drop out and lift back at assembly.
Your thoughtful comments are greatly appreciated
Oh yeah,my mother-in-law (83yo) had sold me the car and it is in her garage.Mine is too small,which is why i haven't wrenched a car in so long.Problem is,she's about to be commited to a nursing home and i will lose my ability to use her garage,at a very inoportune time,creating STRESS
Last edited by DucXL; Feb 24, 2013 at 08:53 AM. Reason: CLARITY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
Remove the exhaust to drop the tranny. This is best done on a lift IMO.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: Bristol Rhode Island
Actually,I've not given much thought to the exhaust.fairly new I'd rather not touch it.
I have realised my residential garage was overwhelmed.I just relocated to a real Monster Garage/w all amenities.just got my Go-Jacks today and am back on track.my engine hoist just may not see use.
We plan on attaching my New engine tilter to the John Deere back hoe and lift BOTH the engine and trans together.
I have realised my residential garage was overwhelmed.I just relocated to a real Monster Garage/w all amenities.just got my Go-Jacks today and am back on track.my engine hoist just may not see use.
We plan on attaching my New engine tilter to the John Deere back hoe and lift BOTH the engine and trans together.
Last edited by DucXL; Mar 8, 2013 at 04:50 PM. Reason: typo
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 350
Likes: 2
From: Huntsville AL
There's not much fidelity to a back hoe. I'd use the engine hoist. That way if you hang on something or forget to disconnect a cable or hose you stand a better chance of feeling the resistance and investigating before you damage something.
Of course, if you aare filming a redneck reality show, have at it!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: Bristol Rhode Island
Hahaha! My friend is very adept to back hoe use.however,he proposes hanging a rainfall from it and utilizing the rainfall to hoist the engine/trans.once clear , he'll drive away with the assembly hanging clear.
A truly MONSTER garage.
A truly MONSTER garage.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 350
Likes: 2
From: Huntsville AL
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: Bristol Rhode Island
My friend from toddler age built this last Summer.He keeps 2 GTOs' and an old 20000 mile Porsche.
I realised today the exhaust must remove back to front.Got a difficult to reach rh exhaust manifold nut.Wondering if i can simplify the emissions somewhat.A long pipe fron near the rear cat to the AIR diverter confuses.
I realised today the exhaust must remove back to front.Got a difficult to reach rh exhaust manifold nut.Wondering if i can simplify the emissions somewhat.A long pipe fron near the rear cat to the AIR diverter confuses.