Taking engine out of car ....how??

[GAZ W]

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Right then i am wanting to take the engine out of the RS2000 as half the engine bay is out at the moment anyway , i want it out so i can have the engine bay painted , But this is something i have never done before , i have access to a engine crane , but not really sure what to undo and take out will the gearbox come out with the engine? Or should i not even be attempting this if i have to ask how to do it

[rusty&dusty]

Gaz, this will sound naff but............. do you have a Haynes manual ?

The job is relatively straight forward but the main consideration/issue that will cause you a headache (depending on your ability) will be the front crossmember, which will require lowering in order to obtain clearance between the bellhousing and the tunnel, it is advised to individually remove the 4 bolts and replace them with longer ones to maintain the cossmember in place, though be careful not to strip the threads in the chassis rails. (Lowering of the crossmember is required even for a clutch change)

Not recommended as a "side of the road " job, the bonnet will have to come off and due to the steep angle required to get the engine & box in/out the use of a pit or ramps is helpful.

Like riding a bike, once you've done it you wonder what the fuss was about, though without a heated garage I'd wait until the summer.................................

Good luck

[RS2000CUSTOM]

Do it from underneath.

What you cant see on this pic is gearbox is attached.

[rslacey]

Gaz,

Where abouts in derbyshire are you? Im in west hallm
I have a lifting hoist in my garage if you want to borrow it.

Mark
Tel 07766837417

[GAZ W]

Mark .

I am in belper mate ...thanks for the offer i will probably take it up. Not really sure what to do yet as i have only just had the car so i might take out the engine at the back end of 2004 after the summer , spose i still have 4 months before its back out on the road anyway .

Have you ever taken an engine out of a MKII ??

I think i enquired about your car a couple of months ago ? Was it for sale ? yellow with webasto roof?

[arron]

Gaz,

Do it from underneath like Dave says. You can manage it with just a trolley jack and a mate to help you - no buggering about with lowering X members.

4 bolts on the gearbox X-member
4 bolts on the engine X-member
4 bolts on the anti roll bar
6 bolts on the roll top mounts
remove steering linkage & gearstick

Then the whole lot should drop away.

The key thing is to get a good pair of axel stands and get the body of the car up high enough.

I've done both methods many times - this is best and far easier. It's also better for putting the lump back in as there is less risk of scratching your newly painted engine bay.

Good luck

Arron.

[GAZ W]

Arron

When you say it all should drop away , do you mean the x members and the suspension, Anti roll bar ?as in "THE LOT" ?

[arron]

Yep, the whole lot. Just watch out for the prop shaft as it slides free of the gearbox - the gearbox oil will spill on the floor if you do not have something suitable to catch it.

If you want, you can strip the suspension legs, anti roll bar, rack etc. from the car first and drop just the engine and box on its own - this is a little easier if you are on your own.

The last time I did mine it took me about an hour (with the suspension parts removed) using a trolley jack and a dolly to get the engine and box out.

[Banishit]

and remember to unbolt the Gearbox crossmember too

[GAZ W]

So if i take it all out from the underneath of the car , in what order do i undo things i.e what do i unbolt last of all , is it the engine mounts ?

[GAZ W]

Starting this tomorrow , so order of undoing things is needed ASAP

[RS2000CUSTOM]

Remove/disconnect the following:-

Bulkhead sound pad (be very careful !)
gearstick
exhaust
prop
speedo cable
reverse light switch (remove it)
clutch cable
radiator
all engine wires and cables
steering coupling.
front brake flexi hoses

Now support the whole assembly

gearbox mount bolts (4 off)
x-member bolts (4 off)
2 x strut tops (2 x 3 bolts)

Lower engine gearbox as a unit and raise car over the top

Pull engine/gearbox clear and lower car.

[GAZ W]

I know i shouldnt really question you "how to do" list , but why do i have to remove the bulk head pad??

[RS2000CUSTOM]

Sound pad is safer tucked away under the bed !!!

They are fragile and easily break if bent or knocked when working in engine bay.

Plus rocker cover is very close to bulkhead.

btw : - I forgot the 3 bolts (x 2) that hold the anti roll bar mounts in place.

[GAZ W]

****in tell me about how fragile the pad is , i got a mint one from dono no cracks anywhere , puttin the ****er on i put a small crack in it..


Oh when do the engine mounts come undone?