Putting a 2.4cis on a stand

mudman · 03-20-2004, 06:19 AM

My 2.4CIS has been out of the car for nearly 4 years (had a kid, got married, bought house, bought another house, of yeah; started a business too) but is now on its way to reinstallation. I have to do all of the routine bits as well as oil return tubes and valve covers/gaskets. Oh yeah, and a good cleaning too!. I think that an engine stand would be the most efficient way to do all of this but I'm wondering how easily my 5r case is going to mount to the stand ( i'm scared of the long weak-looking studs). Also, what else could I/should I/must I do get this engine out of hibernation and maybe get a little performance boost before it is tucked away in the car?
Thanks!
-Jeremy

Jim Sims · 03-20-2004, 06:50 AM

2.4 CIS (late 1973 or 73.5) should have a 7R case? Or do you have a 2.4 MFI? Mount head of engine stand to engine while on floor. If the studs and one bolt are properly attached to the engine stand head and tightened then they only work in tension and not bending. If not using the factory fixture one needs to make standoff bushings to avoid damaging raised tongue or ridge on case; this tongue engages tranmission bell housing. We use a three point spreader and floor crane to lift engine with engine stand head attached. We lift by eyes attached through rear engine mount tubes and and s-hook through a hole or slot in the engine stand head. Engine is lifted and shaft of engine stand head slid into tube of engine stand. Cheers, Jim

mudman · 03-20-2004, 07:00 AM

I've been confused about my case: I've read/been told that either 4R or 7R would be the most common for my CIS, but on top of the fan shroud it states 5R. Am I looking in the right place?

mudman · 03-20-2004, 07:12 AM

Oh yeah, any suggestions on simple performance upgrades while the engine is out?

Jim Sims · 03-20-2004, 07:18 AM

The number on the fan shroud is for the fan shroud die casting not the engine case. Look underneath on the passenger side just above the oil sump plate for the correct number. I'll take a picture and post it. There is not much one can do performance wise due to the CIS piston domes and the CIS system itself. There are changes to improve cooling, reliability, etc. that may be done. Jim

mudman · 03-20-2004, 07:24 AM

I realize that this is more easily done with the engine in car, but how do you feel about playing with timing? Do I have that much to play with before I risk piston/valve interferance?

Thanks for the correct place to look for the case ##, as soon as it is off of the pallet and on a stand I'll take a look!
-Jeremy

Jim Sims · 03-20-2004, 07:28 AM

Image of 2.4 7R case die casting number:

Jim

Jim Sims · 03-20-2004, 07:36 AM

Valve train timing is best done (checked and adjusted) on the engine stand; that is also the easiest place to do it. Static ignition timing is best done with the engine installed and ready to run in the car. Why do you think you need to adjust valve timing? Have you had the valve train apart or changed out the chain tensioners? Going to pressure fed chain tensioners and the improved tensioner chain wheel arms is one of the recommended upgrades for reliability. Also, it is a good time to change out chain ramps and check other chain related parts for wear. Cheers, Jim

Jim Sims · 03-20-2004, 08:19 AM

Lot's of things to do; how much do you want to spend? See below for a 73.5 2.4l CIS brought back from it's deathbed; engine was running but thrust bearing was in about 8 pieces.

Jim