Engine out procedure

[jammy_basturd]

Anyone got a quick run down of the procedure?

Do I need to take the two front engine mount brackets off?

Can I do it without taking the gearbox out?

So far I've taken the fuel rail off, along with the inlet manifold. The AC pump is off, the two coolant rails down either side of the engine. Which I believe leaves the propshaft, oil filter housing pipe, steering rack oil pipe and clutch slave pipe.

All I'm trying to do is replace the nearside (Bank A) head gasket. Is it not possible to remove the AC crank pulley in situ, then bring the timing cover forward, and then be able to remove the head without taking the engine out?

One last thing. The chamfered allen head screw in the offside engine mount bracket. Mine has rounded, tried drilling out but my drill bits seems to have no affect anymore. Is it some kind of steel that work hardens?!

Not having a good day! MOT in 10 days.

[markh1]

Yes you ideally need to take the engine mount plates out. If they will not come off what about taking the mounts that they sit into out?

We did it with the gearbox attached. I think it is probably easier leaving it on. If you can get under the car it does not take that long to remove the gearbox mounts and prop. Don't forget the gear lever though.

We tried to remove the air con pulley on mine to remove the front cover but we could not budge it.

[ridds]

If you have the space then leave it all complete.

You will need a crane with a VERY long reach or a hoist. 2 TON with an extra hole drilled seems to do the trick

Disconnect battery
Remove the loom, either plug through bulkhead or loom off engine.
Disconnect all earths
Disconnect the A/C pipes and the PAS feed return lines.
Remove airboxes
Leave Exh manifolds on attach lifting strops too these close to the heads.
Disconnect throttle cable
Remove 2 coolant hoses at front
Disconnect starter power feed
Disconnect the fuel lines
Remove gearbox mounts and drain oil
Remove engine oil feed and return lines.
Inside the car remove the 4 bolts around the gearstick and remove that.
Remove both engine mounts and wing plates taking care not to loose the bolts spacers etc.

[itiejim]

How do you get at the four bolts for the gearstick from inside the car?

[ridds]

The nice way

Remove the centre console
Drill out rivets and remove rubber seal

Nasty quick way

Pull back leather
Cut rubber seal
buy and new one later and glue it back in later

[jammy_basturd]

Thanks for that ridds.

Thought I'd get on with rebuilding brakes in the meantime today. Bleed screw snapped! Least it's in a rear caliper so not quite so expensive to replace. Currently trying to drill it out, but not having much luck.

[itiejim]

Cheers Ridds, I had been told that it is also possible from underneath? Taking the centre console out doesn't look easy as it is also the whole dash - no?

[ridds]

It is possible but a complete bd to do.

Even worse to put back!

I'd get the engine and box out and then tidy it all up afterwards. I managed it by lifting the rear half of the centre console up and that gave me enough room to work in.

My rubber seal was actually fitted from underneath which made it a nightmare.

[shpub]

Dead easy to do underneath if you remove the gearbox mount and tilt the box down on a jack. Takes less than a couple of minutes.

[itiejim]

Thanks folks - mine's on the way out too!

[ridds]

Forgot one

Disconnect clutch hose!

[julian64]

With your run of bad luck, I think you need to consider changing your PH name .

I was going to say I hope things are going better, but one broken bleed screw later they really aren't.

[jammy_basturd]

I'm just waiting for a something like a broken crank, ruined big end bearings, and for me to drop the engine on the car as I'm pulling it out!