Engine Install: First Few Attempts

[sethkestenbaum]

If you are going to fail, do so greatly! I apparently can't get my engine back into the car. Four attempts were made today only resulting in two scratched motor mounts and one scratch oil pan. I have the tools (engine hoist with tilter, frame spreader, guide bolts, jacks, etc). I have a rebuilt engine and new motor mount rubbers.

1) I can get enough of an angle on the transmission to line up the spline IF the engine spreader is in place.
2) I can't get the engine in between the motor mounts (and was hoping to do so with the spreader which can't be used if the transmission is jacked up.)

I have removed the front motor mount to gain more room.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

[aermotor]

I put a 4 x 4 across the top of the trans. between the bell housing and shift tower with a notch for the shift tower, 2 vertical 4 x 4's inside the frame and a 4 x 4 across the bottom of the trans. bolted and nailed all this mess together where needed and used a 3/4" bolt and nut connector as a screw jack between the top horiz. 4 x 4 and the vertical 4 x 4 and the same on the bottom. Got and extra 1/4" spread and the engine dropped right in. Had to do it two times because of a brain fart and put the ring gear on backwards like a dumb a** the first time - BE SURE TO CHECK

[sethkestenbaum]

I've got the local model a guru (John Karel) coming over tomorrow to help out. I suspect it is something simple. It was also suggested that I install the engine by removing one motor mount and then using the spreader after the install to reinstall the mount. This may have been the way to go today.... I opted to scratch up both mounts instead.

[Dennis Pereira]

I just did an engine install by myself . I used a high lift jack to spread the frame a little and this allowed the engine to drop into place with a little prying . Front motor mount on but loose . I had to fight getting the bolts on the rear mounts to start .. Jacks and furniture clamps and its in Just finished . I still need to tighten everything but it hot and I need a break . I should note that I'm just dealing with a frame no body .

[sethkestenbaum]

https://oldcarroadtrip.wordpress.com...e-i-ii-iii-iv/

Just updated the blog to discuss the failed install attempts.... This will eventually be a successful install and I hope to have a great video of it; however, I have no issues accepting the momentary stall in progress as I am assuming that whomever is using/watching the install video will also be messing things up a bit too.

[Mitch//pa]

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You shouldn't need guide bolts
Using them increases the distance to get things laid in.
It's easy to line up the trans input by looking through the inspection cover opening
I then jiggle things together with a line up punch
I always leave both mounts on,, removing one just makes for extra work later

[burner31]

Having trouble getting the engine in?
Remember...the fan goes...in front

[glenn in camino]

I always borrow my friend's frame spreader.

[mshmodela]

Seth,

No words of wisdom I can pass due to ignorance but in putting my stipe shocks on each took me 6-8 attempts... and the last one was the biggest pain in the ___! Hang in there, you're doing great... Good luck...

[Bob C]

How about loosening the cowl to frame bolts so your not trying
to spread the body and frame??

Bob

[Brentwood Bob]

Also, raise one rear wheel and put the trans in gear. By turning the rear wheel you align the transmission shaft to the clutch plate.
And a floor jack under the bell housing will help mate the engine to the transmission.
I envy those that have an adjustable engine hoist that you can vary the angle of the engine with.

[clocey]

I installed my motor with transmission with a little help from my wife. Once I confirmed I spread the frame enough I asked my wife to push the engine back after I lined up the u-joint. I spent two hours trying to do this alone and it only took five minutes with her help.
Patience, patience, patience!!!!

[CarlG]

Transmission Jack, Frame Spreader, Guide Bolts, & a Friend. All ingredients for a successful engine install.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I put a light coat of grease on the mounts to help them slip into place.

[V4F]

ive done it so many times , I finally put zippers on everything ...........

[JBill]

I don't recall any problems installing my engine, but I'm using the apparently controversial Float-A-Motor mounts.

[Glen in Hillman MI]

I suport the trans. with a 1 by 3" strip of oak with over size holes for bolts & washers to use in inspection cover holes. Glen

[aermotor]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I put a light coat of grease on the mounts to help them slip into place.

Hey Tom, Do you also use that red grease with a peanut butter sandwich? No offense intended.

John

[ericr]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

Seth,

No words of wisdom I can pass due to ignorance but in putting my stipe shocks on each took me 6-8 attempts... and the last one was the biggest pain in the ___! Hang in there, you're doing great... Good luck...

this is interesting----what caused the difficulty getting the shocks installed?

[ericr]

all of this is puzzling to me, after you see movies of the assembly line and the engine dropped in with just a gentle push.....what is different now?