Removing the m30 engine

[BigKriss]

I have to replace my engine (with a second hand one from the wreckers), so is it better to remove it with the transmission attached? I have an engine hoist already.

Do I need to remove the hood?

DO i need a load leveller? I think I will get one of these?

Should I replace the headgasket while the engine is out of the car?

Thats about it for now. Thanks in advance.

Kris

[Makaveli2k]

Yes you need to remove the hood. I'm sure there is probably a way to get around it but it certainly does make life easier.

A load leveler isn't really necessary, but one again it makes life easier. I've personally never used one and have gotten by just fine. Only thing you have to worry about is when lifting the engine with the hoist the transmission or rear end of the motor will tip down so you've got to navigate that by force.

If you feel it's necessary to replace than while the motor is out would definitely be easier. It will also provide you with piece of mind. So if you're even thinking about it, I'd say do it.

[BigKriss]

Okay thanks for that. mate.

[yaofeng]

Don't know how much difference is between M50 and M30. On the M50, if you drop the cross member and the sway bar you can lift the engine and the transmission in one piece and it is much easier that way than separating the gearbox from the engine first. The leveler is helpful but not absolutely essential. If you do not have a leveler you just need to hook the chain preferentially toward the front of the engine so the drive train tilts up coming out.

[Ross]

The leveler will make life a bunch easier if you intend to remove the engine and trans together.

[Dash01]

See my tranny problems post.

You absolutely want to remove the engine and tranny as a unit, still bolted together. I wish I had. Seemingly, it would be easier to just take out the engine, saving myself the trouble of disconnecting the propeller shaft and exhaust, etc.. That's the theory.

In truth, if you separate the two, then try and put them back together in the car, you will have trouble getting to the 11 perimeter bolts on the bellhousing, which in itself makes separating the engine from tranny off the car worthwhile. Access to such bolts turned out to be the least of my problems.

Sadly, there are other issues, such as potential damage to the torque converter and/or tranny pump, which can happen either/both during separation of the engine from tranny or upon rejoining them.

Far better, and less work in the long run, to remove them as a unit, then separate them once the TC is secured and you have access to the bellhousing bolts. You'll also have better access to properly retorque those bolts when out of the car.

Using a leveler is a wonderful idea, as is removing the radiator and hood, neither of which takes much effort.

[shogun]

get a leveler, not expensive and helps a lot to make it easier. When I last time pulled out the M70 with trans from a parts car, I always had to adjust the level to get it out, otherwise easy to get it stuck or not moving
http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...ent=img010.jpg

[BigKriss]

okay thanks guys, i ordered this load leveller

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1500KG-ENGINE...d=p3286.c0.m14

Should I drain the auto trans fluid also, since it will evenutally come off the engine, or do I just do that later?

[shogun]

in my opinion no need. Just plug the connections from the trans oil cooler which you have to disconnect with some wine corks or whatever fits, later when it is out you can do that draining much easier. And the fluid from the torque converter you can get out anyway only when it is removed.

[BigKriss]

okay thanks for that Erich.

in my opinion no need. Just plug the connections from the trans oil cooler which you have to disconnect with some wine corks or whatever fits, later when it is out you can do that draining much easier. And the fluid from the torque converter you can get out anyway only when it is removed.