Replacing a Car Engine – How to Replace a Motor
December 20, 2010 10:22 am DIY, Engine Replacement, How To Auto Repair, Mechanics Tools
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Advice on changing an engine by a master tech. Changing a motor in a car is a lot of work. With some basic planning and research prior to starting the job, an engine change out will go a lot smoother.
Are You Experienced?
A motor swap is a very involved job and in most cases shouldn’t be attempted by a DIY’er. The best case scenario for someone changing an engine is for the person to first have a lot of experience doing a lot of smaller jobs. For instance if someone already has removed intakes plenty of times, they can pull from that experience when having to change the intake on the replacement engine during the motor swap. If the person has already changed alternators, water pumps, AC compressors, valve covers, timing covers, CV 1/2 shafts, motor mounts and so forth… well you get the idea. Changing a motor in a vehicle is a combination of many small jobs all put together. For a person to feel confident in taking on a large job like replacing an engine, they have to have some experience accomplishing the small jobs that play a large part in the make-up of a motor swap.
Planning Stages
Research is a key factor in successfully changing a motor out. Plan out the job by thinking about the best approach. Refer to an on-line service repair manual to see how the job is recommended. Many motors can be removed from the topside of the automobile. Some cars, particularly with front wheels drives should be removed from underneath by dropping the entire engine cradle or sub-frame. If the motor needs to be lowered from underneath the car then a vehicle lift will be necessary. If the correct equipment is not on hand for the job, you will be fighting an uphill battle. Not to say jobs “at the house” can’t be accomplished, but things are much more difficult without the convenience of all the right tools and equipment. Determine if you have the equipment and tools needed before starting the job.
Misconceptions
Some people think that ALL rear wheel drive cars are easier to do motor swaps in compared to front wheel drives. It all depends on the vehicle. Some rear wheel drive cars have harder engines to change. It all depends on access to all the bolts, positioning of the cab and the motor mount set-up. I have changed a FWD motor before by only removing ONE motor mount! It was a Ford Contour or Mercury Mystique. The mounts were all on the transmission except for the ONE front engine mount. That was a very easy front wheel drive engine to change.
Lifting Points
Before starting on the big job, figure out where the lifting points will be. Many cars have plastic intakes that should NOT be lifted on or stressed by the force of an engine lifting chain. The intake may need to be removed prior to attaching the engine chain or load leveler. Some cars will have lifting brackets already in place on the motor. Sometimes brackets can be purchased for specific models. Other times substantial bolts can be used in the engine block or sometimes the exhaust manifold studs when attaching the chain. It’s important to consider the over-all weight and if the heads are aluminum or not when deciding where to hook up the engine chain. I’ve used nylon straps before to attach to motors for pulling them. Nylon straps are much more forgiving than steel chains when up against plastic intakes and other components. Load levelers can be helpful in tilting the motor for lining it up with the transmission. The drawback to using a load leveler is that they are bulky and sometimes in the way. With that being said they really do save your back, since you can adjust the tilt with an easy adjustment instead of physically having to twist and tilt the motor with brute force!
Extra Access and Light
Remove the hood to allow for more light on the subject. Also it helps to prevent damage to the hood when going in and out with the engine crane. The hood should be placed in an out of the way area to help prevent it from being damage while the motor swap is being done. The hood sliding off the roof of the car can cause a lot damaged very quickly! By having the hood off, there will be a lot more light on the engine. Also have a good drop light and flashlight to make things go easier. One of the hardest things to do is to work an a car in a dimly lit area… frustrating and more time consuming.
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