DIY Engine replacement

mkdonald · 03-28-2007, 01:33 PM

I am embarking on a very challenging project. I have a 1988 325i convertible with a blown engine. I have acquired a used replacement long block. I am following the Bentley Manual and also am extremely pleased to have found the "101 Projects" book to use as a second reference. I am now at the point of removing the starter and consequently, the intake. WOW are those bolts hard to get to! I ran across your article on painting the intake, which gave a good step by step. Thank you! I tried every tool and connector I could think of to get the last bolt on the bottom close to the firewall. I gave up yesterday and will start again tomorrow. Any advice? Disconnecting the tranny (Auto) is also ahead of me and I would appreciate any advice there as well. The good side is that I can do the timing belt, oil pan gasket and valve adjustment following your book on the engine stand. Much easier!

Keith M · 03-28-2007, 05:32 PM

Pull the engine, then remove the intake manifold. On the exhaust side, remove the nuts from the bottom of the headers, loosen the first exhaust hanger near or attached to the tranny, then the nuts that connect the header to the block. Give it a few wiggles and the headers should come off.
I did the same swap a few months ago (also had to pull the head again - still waiting for it to be finished)
What I did was drop the motor and transmission together. If you have access to a lift, engine hoist and a floor jack, this is the way to go.
Take lots of notes and pictures, use small dixie cups for nuts, bolts, etc, from specific areas of your motor (ie the intake manifold nuts). Label each cup and the re-install will be a whole lot easier.
Use tape and label both ends of all hoses, vacuum lines, electrical connections.

If you have any questions let me know.

Good luck

Keith

mkdonald · 03-29-2007, 04:31 AM

I have floor jacks and engine hoist. DO you think I would be able to pull it out with the tranny? I am struggling with trying to reach the starter to detach it as the book instructs. The only way I seem to be able to reach it is by removing the intake. But, if I could pull tranny and engine at the same time, I could work on it outside the engine bay. Much easier!

mkdonald · 03-29-2007, 04:33 AM

It is an automatic

Keith M · 03-29-2007, 06:57 AM

You can pull the tranny and motor at the same time though. You will need a helper or two and a hoist leveler.
Mine is a 5 speed and the top bolts were the worst. Two people work best - the one with the skinny arms locates the bolts and holds the socket in place, the other to turn the wrench. The bolts may be different length, so take notes.

Keith McD

mkdonald · 03-31-2007, 05:44 PM

I am progressing nicely, but have hit a stumbling block. I am having trouble breaking the torque converter bolts loose. Any suggestions? I can't seem to budge them.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

Some type of Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster. Then a good quality impact wrench with no extensions or only hardened impact extensions. Or a big breaker bar.