73E Engine Drop - So what else to I need to disconnect?

Jim Richards · 05-24-2003, 07:36 AM

We're about ready to lower the engine and I'm not completely sure of what's still left to disconnect. Specifically, what comes thru the firewall. We've disconnected what looks like the speedo (or was it the reverse switch?). The clutch cable and throttle are disconnected. So is the shift coupler. Oh yeah, I also unbolted the transaxle ground strap. Anything else to unhook? I can't see anything I've missed but this is the first early car engine drop I've done. Thanks for your help!

gumba · 05-24-2003, 07:44 AM

speedo cable next to the shift coupler, 2 fuel lines from filter to mfi, axles, battery cable @starter, charcoal lines (if still there)oil breather lines, etc. Lower the motor slowed and whatever you missed will become apparent.

Jim Sims · 05-24-2003, 08:02 AM

Hoses to heater valves, look for a fabric strap on the clutch cable sheath; 14 pin connector, connector to CDI unit, fuel line from filter to engine, "S" hose from engine to oil tank, engine hard line oil hose going either to oil tank or external oil cooler thermostat on oil tank, remove air cleaner housings. Jim

Jim Sims · 05-24-2003, 08:07 AM

Hoses to heater valves, look for a fabric strap on the clutch cable sheath; 14 pin connector, connector to CDI unit, fuel line from filter to engine, "S" hose from engine to oil tank, engine hard line oil hose going either to oil tank or external oil cooler thermostat on oil tank, remove air cleaner housings. Have you disconnected the CV joints yet? The '73 type with the roll pins can be difficult to separate. One way to separate is to drive a plastic (make from a plastic tent stake) or hardwood wedge into to edge of the CV joint gasket to pry apart the joint. Cheers, Jim

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

Unless you are going to jack your car WAYY up it might be best to remove the rear bumper. It's only about 6 bolts and it gives you about another 6-8 inches of clearance. The other thing that would give you another inch or 3 would be to remove the warm up housing.

Not sure you needed the extra clearance but sometimes it helps.
Tim

Jim Richards · 05-24-2003, 03:53 PM

Hi guys, everything worked out well. I was concerned because the four previous engine drops I did were on later cars and the 73E looked like it had some different stuff going through the firewall.

Jim, you're right about the CV's. What a PIA. We actually lowered the engine a point where we could pop one off using a rubber mallet. Your suggestion to use a plastic tent stake is great. Unfortunatley we got rid of our tent a few years ago. Murphy's law.

Tim, we didn't need to jack Lu's car up as high as the other cars we've dropped engines for. I guess the MFI doesn't stick up as high. ANOTHER FINE REASON TO SUPPORT THE MFIWDP. Muhahahaha!

Gumba, in the end we followed your advice, start lowering it and anything you miss will become apparent!