Quote:
Originally Posted by ericheavner
Ok, I've been considering re-building a 3.0sc engine for the inevitable day when my '82 goes south.
Some background: I can turn a wrench (brakes, seats, put a new radiator fan motor in my Trailbazer, ya know, general easy stuff) but I've never ever removed an engine from a car, much less rebuilt one. I have, however, removed and replaced the transmission on my 13hp riding mower but I highly doubt that is a qualifying bullet on the rebuild resume.
So, how realistic is it that I can actually drop, rebuild and replace the engine in my p-car?
Frankly, I'm not terrified of the thought. I'm just worried that I'll have a 'few pieces' left over when I'm done. I've read Wayne's rebuild book and it looks like a formidable project.
Wouldn't it cost about the same just to drop ship the car to Motormeister and have them do it?  LOL!!
Thanks for the feedback,
Eric |
I guarantee you will **** it up.
But you know what thats ok. You wont mess it up totally but you WILL make a mistake and thats ok. Even experienced mechanics occasionally break a bolt or get their measurements wrong.
When I was 18 and full of spit and vinegar I bought a fiat spyder. 76.
Get this: low oil pressure, at 30mph a seizing and then a loud loud knocking. Did research and talked to umpteen professionals.
All said - bad bearings. Women who sold it to me swore it was a fine engine.
So in my moms gravel driveway I tore apart the engine. Short story.
Engine done goes in at 9am. At 3am I finish the last plug wire screw. I get in and damn the neighbors and my poor mom I fire the starter.
Pow the damn thing started. I quickly shut it off and walked about a block at 3am my eyes swelling with mist. I didnt feel any doubt but apparently I was surprised. It smoked.
Worse: at 30 mph it seized knocked and had low oil pressure!!!!
omg wtf So it turns out the oil presure gauge was faulty, the fuel line was clogged and the drive shaft bolt had broken.
Now a couple of decades later ive done many engine installs etc. But that first one had to be done b/c it was the first one.
Dont sweat it. Its not rocket science at all. I will suggest this excellent cheat though.
Electricians use a number tape. Buy a roll of this. Its like ten small rolls of tape with numbers all together. Each time you disconnect a fuel line, wire, etc number each side so that 10 goes with 10.
Also when you remove a part - alternator etc reinstall the bolts into the holes you just emptied. Otherwise you will have a dizzying soup of bolts. OR have a bunch of large ziplock baggies, masking tape and a marker. Dump the alternator bolts in the bag, label it and seal it.
Have fun and be sure to tell us the ups and downs.
one other thing. I was once told you always give blood when you do a job. By and large every time Ive changed a starter or alternator or manifold gasket ive busted a knuckle or somehow "given blood". fyi