Detailing Engine & Compartment-Should I drop it?
 

OK, I'm an anal engineer and am obsessing about my engine and compartment. I want to clean it really well and get the engine looking like some of the photos I've seen. For instance. Powder coating or painting the fan and shroud, painting the intake things and cleaning everything very well. Currently, it's not bad but not like I want it.

I've seen the posts on dropping the engine and I just want to know whether it is worth it to drop the engine to do this or just clean it and do what I can with it in the car.

For reference, I've never dropped an engine in my life.

Thanks.

Dave:p

I've been thinking about doing the same thing. I'm curious to hear what the "collective" thinks.

try this
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/tom_sharpes/911_engine_comp1.htm

If you want to a really good job the best way to access everything is to drop it. I made use of the time my engine was dropped for a clutch job. I took many a part off for cleaning, polishing, clear coating and or plating. Best thing to do is come up with a checklist of things to check, fix or replace while the engine is free.

Doing a partial drop will give you some clearance in the back of the engine near the firewall. This would allow you to get in the back area but you have to be careful because of the fuel line coming from the filter/accumulator on the left side. If you want it to look like some of the pictures that have been posted here then go for the whole anchilada. I droped my engine for the second time last week took me a whooping 4 hours. Naturally that is with previous experience. It might take you twice as long if it is the first time. Just do it slowly and do it safely.

Hard to say for certain w/o knowing how bad yours is, (oil stains baked on, rust/corrosion on parts, etc.), but if it's not too bad and just dirty you could do a great job w/ a partial drop and hot pressure washer+ cleaning agents. The partial drop is a breeze, two large bolts on rear carrier, (right under the rear hood), rear of car on jackstands and a floor jack under engine/trans. You can drop it about a foot in the rearmost part, (this is approx.), w/o disconnecting anything and have excellent access to everything.

I sometimes rent a portable hot pressure washer and have used it on engines, the lower the pressure the better. Try to find a small unit for rent and use caution, large units can remove stucco from houses and destroy anything on a car they contact. A small one, (say 1500 psi. tops), used w/ care does an awesome job under the hood. Biggest danger is getting carried away and damaging paint in wheel wells or around hood area. Good luck! :cool:

The engine is not real dirty. I'll take some pics and post them here.

I'm leaning towards the partial drop and pressure wash. Then doing the detailing like the Tech Article details. Is it easier to remove the fan, shroud and alternator with a partial drop?

Are there any things to really worry about with the drop?

I'll have to wait until spring to do it with a drop as it is freezing and I don't have access to a heated garage.
Thanks.

Dave

You are mad ;)

Consider replacing the engine sound deadaning pad. They are often pretty dried out by now.
-Chris

Yep.... I'd say you folks in the NE have wayyyyyyyy too much time on your hands. Well, gotta go.... I see some women in shorts and bikini tops walking by my office.

For the engine sound deadening pad, check the glue everywhere, and check the edge where the foam is exposed -- that's what goes first. Then if it still looks good think about how long it might last and how much you will want to do another engine drop in x years vs. the cost of a new one....

Just curious how long this has taken for those doing it their first time. What are the biggest gotchas to look out for?

I like the idea of making your list of projects before you drop the engine. However, I would wait until something is REQUIRED, like slipping clutch, vibration from worn needle bearings, etc. I like Motion, would rather drive it, or do something else useful, and save the engine drop for when it is mandatory.

Yeah, good advice and all .......... but I'm now getting tired of the waiting for something to GO :rolleyes:

Really, it all depends on your own obsessiveness. (Is that a word?) Anyway, if a PCA concours trophy is your goal, by all means, drop & clean. Just avoid driving until the show. If that isn't your goal? Well...you can reach a lot without an engine drop, and still see good and clean "stuff"...Clean engines run cooler. So, just how "clean" do you need? Best I ever did was a 3rd in class Pea-Raid concours trophy. IMHO, the work wasn't worth it...

PWD, I agree. I participated in the PCA NNJR Concours for a couple of years and it was tough. The Zone One show was really eye opening. Here I am with a car that I customized (steel 930s conversion=deduct many points) going up against people with Brand New cars that they detailed for 6 months steady until the show. The sight of car owners showing up in covered trailers with the steering wheel, seats, wheels/tires and other parts in plastic bags only to assemble the car on the field stunned me. And no matter how original and clean a 356 might be the judging almost always seemed to favor the newer "perfect" cars. I guess it's what ever floats your boat...although I did well (2nd place overall for the year-Novice) it was too anal for me.

After reading the tech article on engine detailing and going through all of your advice, I think I will save the engine drop until I have to. I'm definitely not going to concours the car, I just want it to look good and drive better.

I'm going to follow the tech article and detail it like that, but I will probably be back for help.

Spring's coming and I want to drive my car! It's going to be in the 40's this weekend but the p-car stays in the garage.

Thanks again.

Dave

quote:
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Originally posted by 9XI
...........I would wait until something is REQUIRED, like slipping clutch, vibration from worn needle bearings, etc........
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Yeah, good advice and all .......... but I'm now getting tired of the waiting for something to GO


__________________
Cheers, Sean.
1980 Hellblau Metallic 911SC Targa.
www.pelicanparts.com/gallery/Sean_Hamilton



Notice the "SC" in the signature? Something may never "GO"!!!

Another thing to consider....do you have an engine stand?

If you do drop the engine, you will want to put it on an engine stand while you are working on it...

Also, be sure to clean as much as you can while the engine is warm, before dropping. Much of the crud comes off better when warm and with a pressure washer.