refitting Engine and box

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Zaphod
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refitting Engine and box

Post by Zaphod »

Hi I have got my engine, flywheel and clutch back together.. the next question is how to get it back in the car as there is a significant overhang at the front and it's a long assembly, I'm a little worried about the crane hitting the front of the car (I have taken the bumper off) and then getting the propshaft located back on the gearbox and I have a feeling the balance point will be closer to the back of the engine bay and beyond the reach of the crane.
And there is the other minor issue.. how do you sling the engine when it wants to be at 45 degrees but the act of lifting it tries to make it vertical?
Of all the things I have lost I think I miss my mind the most...

1952 MG TD
1957 MGA 1500
1959 Austin Healey Sprite
1975 MG Midget 1500
1990 Lotus Excel

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DavidOliver
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by DavidOliver »

If you have side space, wide garage, most people use an engine lift sideways on.
You can also use just a vertical lift with ordinary scaffold and roll the car underneath.
For engine/box angle you need to rig an adjuster on a three point lift.

Dave the cog.

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bash
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by bash »

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8397&start=15
Thats my v8 build thread, if you look thro there you will see how a slung the lotus engine with rachet tie downs, and the v8 with a leveling beam. Both work with both engines. I used a long reach lifter and went from the front. Front wheels on 100mm blocks, rear as high as I could get it. I did this on my own but its easier with two people, main thing is be safe.
Bash
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.

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rbgosling
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by rbgosling »

I came in from the side - with carpet protection for the wing. Bit of a faff but entirely do-able.

Image

(Yes, I did move the carpet to the wing shortly after this photo!)

On this occasion I just adjusted the length and position of the rope to get the angle of tilt I needed.

It is easier with a balance bar, if you can get one. Like this time I did it:

Image
"Farmer" Richard

1990 Lotus Excel SE (Lilith)
2022 MG MG5 EV (not due to be a classic for quite a few years...)
2011 Nissan Leaf (Ragly - EV pioneer, must be due to be a classic one day)

Zaphod
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by Zaphod »

It looks like the inlet manifold and it's fixings are strong enough to lift the engine and gearbox? I have a load leveler so that's not so difficult, are the wheels on?
Of all the things I have lost I think I miss my mind the most...

1952 MG TD
1957 MGA 1500
1959 Austin Healey Sprite
1975 MG Midget 1500
1990 Lotus Excel

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rbgosling
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by rbgosling »

Yes, lifting via the manifold is the best plan, it can take the weight, and it's in a good position more or less above the centre of gravity.

I had to remove the wheel on the side with the hoist, otherwise the wheel got in the way of the hoist's legs. The car is also raised up at the front so I can get underneath to connect up the engine mounts and all the other stuff.
"Farmer" Richard

1990 Lotus Excel SE (Lilith)
2022 MG MG5 EV (not due to be a classic for quite a few years...)
2011 Nissan Leaf (Ragly - EV pioneer, must be due to be a classic one day)

Zaphod
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by Zaphod »

This is the state of play.. gearbox, and clutch back in one piece.. however I need to give the engine bay a good clean while its easy before putting it all back in!
Image
Of all the things I have lost I think I miss my mind the most...

1952 MG TD
1957 MGA 1500
1959 Austin Healey Sprite
1975 MG Midget 1500
1990 Lotus Excel

Pete Boole
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by Pete Boole »

Double-check the integrity of the seal between the two halves of the bodyshell in the engine bay - especially near the exhaust manifold - they sometimes separate. Adding a heat shield to the exhaust manifold area would be a good plan -there is a small factory-fitted one in the transmission tunnel, but it's barely adequate.

Pete

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DavidOliver
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by DavidOliver »

You might consider removing the alternator and even thermostat housing to give more room for installation.
Also you need to be able to rotate the unit (controlably) to get the gearbox to nose down when installing.

Dave the cog.

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rbgosling
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by rbgosling »

Good luck with the fun bit of trying to get the propshaft, exhaust, and all three engine mounts lined up simultaneously!
"Farmer" Richard

1990 Lotus Excel SE (Lilith)
2022 MG MG5 EV (not due to be a classic for quite a few years...)
2011 Nissan Leaf (Ragly - EV pioneer, must be due to be a classic one day)

Zaphod
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by Zaphod »

I was considering taking the propshaft off before putting the engine in, and then putting it back on after which should reduce the fun..
Of all the things I have lost I think I miss my mind the most...

1952 MG TD
1957 MGA 1500
1959 Austin Healey Sprite
1975 MG Midget 1500
1990 Lotus Excel

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MetBlue
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by MetBlue »

You can only leave the prop shaft out if the diff is currently off.
With engine and diff fitted, you can't get the prop in (or out).
Tony
What goes together.... Must come apart.

Zaphod
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by Zaphod »

that's irritating!. however the down pipes are off ATM
Of all the things I have lost I think I miss my mind the most...

1952 MG TD
1957 MGA 1500
1959 Austin Healey Sprite
1975 MG Midget 1500
1990 Lotus Excel

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DavidOliver
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by DavidOliver »

To help lining up the propshaft get three (or four) lengths of 10mm threaded bar (for 13mm nuts) some 20cm long which you can loosely line up the gearbox and prop flanges before you finally move the lot to the full position.
Why not beforehand check the prop universal joints for condition, so easy to do now and not a money cruncher.
To take it a stage further check the diff pinion oil seal for leaks, for the same reason. The seal is not cheap.

Dave the cog.

Zaphod
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Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2021 21:38
Model: Excel SE
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Re: refitting Engine and box

Post by Zaphod »

I don't think there is a flange on the gearbox end of the propshaft, just a splined joint on the UJ? However You did give me an idea, the other end does have a flange that bolts to the diff. It may be easier to disconnect that end and bring the propshaft forward to the gearbox as it goes in, then bolt it back onto the diff when its all in place?
Of all the things I have lost I think I miss my mind the most...

1952 MG TD
1957 MGA 1500
1959 Austin Healey Sprite
1975 MG Midget 1500
1990 Lotus Excel

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