First time engine drop - two questions

[bsimonson]

Hi,

I'm about to do my first engine drop on my '80 SC in order to have a look at my clutch. I have been able to disconnect most things without any drama but am currently stuck with two questions:

1) How do I disconnect the fuel return line at the rear left of the engine? I've had a look (and feel) at it but can decide which way I should turn it. I counter-hold on the smaller bit but I'm unsure if I should turn the spanner CW or CCW as seen from the side of the fuel line.



2) In 101 projects they mention the reverse back-up switch that should be removed before dropping the engine. But as I plan to do both engine and transmission together, can I disconnect it when I separate them later on?

Thanks for reading,
Björn

[Jesse16]

If its me, I say you turn it CW, if you were on the left facing the end of the large nut. That nut is captured on the pc. to the right and is threaded the pc. on the hose.

[gtc]

As I recall, the reverse backup wiring comes out of the tunnel and plugs into the switch on the transmission with two bullet connectors. Just pop off the boot and pull out the wires. If you don't do this before you drop the motor, you'll tear the ends off the wires. Ask me how I know.

[yelcab1]

Leave the reverse back up switch alone. It comes down with the gearbox. The thing in the tunnel is the Speedo connector. You can undo the speedo sensor at the gear box, and leave that hanging.

[tshebib]

Put a wrench on that nut and lift up. Remember to hold the bracket on the right side of the nut as you are looking at it to keep it from twisting.

[bsimonson]

Thanks for the replies.

For the nut it seems we are at 1-1 regarding the direction, if I understand your comments correctly. Anyone else with experience from this?

Graham, I've disconnected the wiring in the transmission tunnel, but as yelcab1 wrote I believe that is for the speedometer.

Thanks,
Björn

[rusnak]

The bigger one looks to be the nut.

Disconnect all wires, including the reverse back up wires. Double and triple check ALL wires, hoses, cables, etc. Lower about an inch at a time, double and checking each time.

[allaircooled]

Maybe this pick will help. The motor this came off of is a 77 but I'm sure its the same.

[gtc]

Originally Posted by bsimonson

Thanks for the replies.
Graham, I've disconnected the wiring in the transmission tunnel, but as yelcab1 wrote I believe that is for the speedometer.

Thanks,
Björn

Ah, brainfart!

[Alan Lindquist]

I've done this a few times. IIRC the soft fuel line entering from left to right needs an 11mm open end wrench to hold it steady. Thinner body wrench makes this easier than a fat wrench. The larger section rotates to release the fuel line as if it were a cap nut, so you'd turn it counter clock wise to the fuel line.

In any case, you don't turn the soft fuel line. You lock it steady with a wrench across the flat spots.

[bsimonson]

Ok, still a bit confused.

Alan, when you say "CCW to the fuel line" do you mean to say that I should put a wrench on it and pull up or push down (from the perspective of either picture)?

[allaircooled]

ok I guess my photo didn't help. The nut is on the fuel line on the right, so to take it off hold the fuel line to the left still, put a wrench on the nut and pull wrench towards you.

[yelcab1]

It is right handed (normal) thread. That is all you need to know.

[DRACO A5OG]

+1 Righty Tight, Lefty Loosy.

BTW, those hoses look like they are ready to be swapped.

[bsimonson]

Originally Posted by allaircooled

ok I guess my photo didn't help. The nut is on the fuel line on the right, so to take it off hold the fuel line to the left still, put a wrench on the nut and pull wrench towards you.

Well, it helped me to understand where the nut belongs but it could still have been a left handed thread. Although it seemed unlikely...

Originally Posted by yelcab1

It is right handed (normal) thread. That is all you need to know.

That was a good way to put it. Togheter with Chris' picture it takes away any doubt on how to approach it.

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

+1 Righty Tight, Lefty Loosy.

BTW, those hoses look like they are ready to be swapped.

You are right, most of my lines are I think. Might be a another thing to do when the engine is out.

Thank you all for helping out!

[bsimonson]

Did a quick stop in the garage today and with some added confidence that I was doing it right I managed to get the nut on the fuel return line loose.

Posting a picture with the fuel line off for future reference.