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Install the Engine in Car

Once the transmission is mounted to the engine, it can be installed in the car.

Notes:

  • Take your time, you really really don't want to ruin your project after all the work you put in (however, most things can be repaired)
  • This is much easier with someone to help.
  • Difficult parts
    • Getting the engine over the fender (you wouldn't have to do this if you had a flat drive way or a bigger garage)
    • The last 2cm

 

Success!

 



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What Next?

Started like this:

Finished Like this:

Install the parts I am still waiting on.

Install all the other bits and pieces:

  • Radiator
  • Air Conditioner
  • Engine Wiring
  • Exhaust

 

Run the engine.

Finish off building the car.



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Why?

Why would you want to do this?

  • Learn more about cars.
  • Work with your hands.
  • Better workout than the gym.
  • Build something cool.
  • Inspired by other people's projects.

  • It's a dying art.
  • It's fun!
  • There's a community around it.
  • Want to push the limits of your patience.

 



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Engine Teardown

An engine teardown is where you disassemble the whole engine. It's easiest if you have the engine stable on an engine stand.

Notes:

  • Take lots of photos!
  • Keep all parts in clearly labelled Zip Lock bags.
  • Using a Dymo can help you keep track of things.
  • Try not to make things worse. (If something doesn't want to come apart don't force it unless you are sure you want to break it).
  • Follow the manual! (Head Disassembly Block Disassembly)
  • Take your time. If something isn't obvious ask on a forum.

 



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Engine Removal

Removing the engine from the car is actually not as difficult as it sounds. The prep work is the difficult part.

Notes:

  • Follow the Manual!
  • Prep is the key, make sure everything is disconnected.
  • If there is any resistance when you are using the engine crane stop!
  • Take lots of photos.
  • It is easier to do this with help.
  • Be very careful not to damage anything (it is probably safer if yuo remove the fenders).

 



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Assembling the rest of the Engine

The rest of the engine includes the fuel delivery, throttle body (air delivery), exhaust, electrics and accessories.

Notes:

  • Important to make sure all this stuff is clean (for aesthetic reasons, these are the parts people will see).
  • Mostly fairly simple stuff.
  • Here is where it is really important to have take good photos.

 



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Reassembling the Block

Reassembling the Block is the real fun part of the whole project. Most of the cleaning will have alread been done by the machine shop.

Notes:

  • Don't force anything! (Gasket destroyed by over-torque)
  • Using the right tools helps a lot! (Piston Ring Debacle)
  • Everything needs to be spotlessly clean.
  • Always make sure that the crankshaft is easily able to spin.
  • Be careful with oil seals.
  • Always check and recheck everything, because once it is all sealed up you will not be able to re-do it.
  • Follow the Manual!

 

 

 

 



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General Info

How does an internal combustion engine work?

Basic Four Stroke Engine:

1. Intake
2. Compression
3. Power
4. Exhaust

What Parts Make Up an Engine?

 

Head

  • Valves
  • Valve Springs
  • Rockers
  • Lifters
  • Camshaft

  • Cam Pulleys
  • Spark Plugs
  • Distributor
  • Fuel Injectors

  • Throttle Body

 

Block

  • Crankshaft

  • Harmonic Balancer
  • Piston
  • Conrod
  • Bearings
  • Fly Wheel
  • Oil Pump

 

Head and Block

  • Timing Belt

 

Accessories

  • Alternator
  • Power Steering Pump
  • Air Conditioning Compressor

 

Types of Engine

  • Straight (Inline)
  • V

  • SOHC

  • DOHC



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Reassembling the Head

A lot of the tricky stuff was already done by the machine shop (seating the valves).

Notes:

  • The surface of the cylinder head and surface of the block should be spotlessly clean before assembly. In particular they need to be clean of oil (which is difficult because they will have been oiled to prevent rust).
  • It is essential to use new head bolts and to make sure they are torqued inn order and to specification.
  • Clean everything. :(
  • Always check everything!
  • Follow the Manual!

 



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Machine Shop

Some stuff you can't do yourself. For this there is the machine shop.

Machine Shop Services:

  • Valve Regrind
  • Mill the Block and Head
  • Rebore or Bore Hone
  • Clean
  • Balance the Crankshaft

 



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Manuals

Online:

Best information is often free.

 

Books:

  • Haynes

  • OEM Workshop Manuals

  • OEM Workshop Manuals in Japanese



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Parts

New:

If you can get new parts this is the best way to go. You will know they will work, and you won't have to clean them.

Places to get new parts:

 

Parts I got new.

  • Camshafts
  • Distributor Cap
  • Valve Lifters
  • Gaskets

  • Oil Pan
  • Alternator
  • Power Steering Pump
  • Oil Pump
  • Piston Rings
  • Bearings
  • Spark Plugs
  • Spark Plug Wires
  • All Hoses
  • Thermostat
  • Oil Seals
  • Head Bolts
  • Some Hardware (Nuts and Bolts)
  • Lube

 

Used:

Used parts are often cheaper, but you will have to clean them and test them. Some parts you just can't get new.

Parts I got used.

  • Throttle Body
  • Camshaft Housing
  • Power Steering Reservoir
  • ISCV

 

Reconditioned:

You can send parts away to get rebuilt or reconditioned. It's usually the most expensive option, and reserved only for parts you just can't get or can't trust used.

Parts I got reconditioned.

  • Harmonic Balancer