Engine Installing!!
The Engine is ready to mate up with the block now, I've got
the oil pan and cam chain cover on! The only part of this which was
a challenge, was getting the front and rear oil pan packing in correctly.
I'm hoping it won't leak.
I rented a crane for the day. This model comes apart for easy
transportation. Cranes run about $30 a day, if you do your homework, you
should only need it for a few hours.
The block mounts up to the crane without trouble. I use a couple of
spare head bolts to hang it on the chains in case the bolts bend.
Mating the engine up to the transmission was a bit of a project. The basic
work was easy, however I had a slight bend in my torque plate, which when bolted
up to the transmission, caused the engine to be unable to turn over. Some time
with a hammer and anvil was required to get the plate in line. I found out later
that this was a huge mistake. I will eventually have to pull the engine and replace
this plate. It runs fine, but there is a nasty vibration at 50 mph and at idle.
Now everything is working and mated, but I've discovered that I have
a transmission pan leak.
As much trouble as this is, I'd much rather do it now than wait until
I've got the whole thing in the car! The fix involves replacing the gasket
with Permetex. No problem
The next order of business is getting the car up on jack stands. At least
a foot of clearance is needed to get the engine and transmission combo to drop
in correctly. Getting a 4000 pound car up over a foot is a bit of a task if you
don't have a large jack.
Ready to go! I've got the valley cover and oil breather tube in, and the
pan gasket fixed! Just need to roll it over and drop it in.
The crane extended just high enough for the transmission to clear the frame.
Whew now its all down hill, except that I need to jack the rear of the engine
up to get the transmission mounts in. Hope that chain holds.
There she is, ready for the heads, Time for a coke!
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Author: Bill McKenna
email bill@mckennasgarage.com