Shroud removal

cjmurph · cjmurph's Garage

Is it possible to remove the engine shroud on a 71 without engine removal?
Is there a hold down nut in front of the shroud between the firewall and the oil cooler?
Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

sc_rufctr · 09:18 PM

It is possible but difficult... Lots of nuts to bolts all around the shroud.

You have to remove the entire intake system first.
You could search for "Partial Engine Drop"... This would help give you more room to work with.

Why are you planning this? Is there something wrong with the oil cooler?
You can remove the oil cooler without removing the shroud.

Good luck

dipso · 03-24-2010, 07:26 PM

Sure it's easy. I just did it, but rufctr is right.
You need to remove the intake sysytem first.

After that it is just a a bunch of shallow bolts. You will have to loosen your alternator to get to the connections.

cjmurph · cjmurph's Garage

Thanks fellows. I actually have the intakes and carbs removed. I wanted to remove the shroud to verify the condition of the cooling fins in regards to both cylinders and oil cooler. I had a couple squirters plugged so the carbs had to come off anyways and I just kept going.
The car didn't move 16 years to my possession and I have a feeling I have a rats nest or such awaiting me. On the short drives I had taken (10 miles tops) I was getting a wisp of smoke out of the fan.
I'm pretty sure I have all the bolts removed and the left side feels like it wants to lift but the right side near the cooler is still pretty tight. I don't want to pry on it and break it. I was just hoping there isn't a hold down bolt in front of the shroud nearest to the cooler. If there was, I wouldn't be able to get to it anyways. I couldn't find any schematic or shroud drawing that would detail the mounting bolts.

dipso · 03-24-2010, 09:23 PM

You know, I was thinking after I typed and I remember one area to the far right of the engine that was a little difficult.
I finally got it but there was a hole there . I think there is one bolt down around the back/right that is between the cooler and shroud. I think mine was missing.
You will be able to lift the shroud enough to look underneath without getting that last one.

You know, if you just pull the alternator, which you will have to do anyways, you can see all inside the shroud.

Pull your alternator and pull your heater ducts. You can see it all from there.

cjmurph · cjmurph's Garage

Dipso
I'm planning on pulling the fan assembly and alt. I borrowed a pic from another post that shows my concern. Take a look and see what you think. If there are bolts there, I don't think I can get them without at least a partial drop, (something I've never done)

sc_rufctr · 03-24-2010, 10:08 PM

This is from my first engine drop. (10 years ago)

You should be able to get to those two bolts without a partial drop.
(People often change the starter motor without partially dropping the engine)

dipso · 03-24-2010, 10:09 PM

It felt like the bolts were a little forward. To me the bolts felt like they were between the red shroud and the cooler.
A partial drop is not going to get you those bolts, if they exist. But at least you have a picture, if needed you can reach around?

Like I said, just pull the fan, all the bolts and look inside. That last bolt or two is not that important for a visual inspection.

dipso · 03-24-2010, 10:18 PM

#7 that's a whole different picture. That is a drop! From the top I think you can pull the shroud.
Except for those last bolts.
If all you are doing inspecting, **** the bolts ands look inside and see what's going on

snbush67 · snbush67's Garage

CJMURPH, Those bolts are real easy to get, just remove your tire and its a straight shot. You probably need to remove them on your car if you have the one piece shroud and air duct to the oil cooler.

Shane

cjmurph · cjmurph's Garage

Thanks again. Yes the tire off was the trick. It is a one piece shroud and I'm glad I didn't do the engine drop or partial. Believe it or not ir was in very good condition with minor contaminants. Amazing for a car that sat for 16 years and had 2" of rodent feces in floor boards.
Thanks Again

c911s · 03-26-2010, 09:19 AM

here is a photo of the shroud removed - no bolts at the back - however the separate piece does bolt to the back

cjmurph · cjmurph's Garage

c911, Pretty and clean.
Unfortunately my 71 is one piece and the bolts on the front of the oil cooler are a pita. It can be done and I did it but, it was for nothing more than a piece of mind.