How to Install a Rebuilt Car Engine.
Car engine replacement has been a time honored staple of shade tree mechanics since autos first put rubber to the road. Grease, sweat, and busted knuckles. A couple of beers and a set of the best tools you can afford. Time to put a rebuilt engine back under the hood.
Installing a rebuilt engine makes sense for a lot of reasons. But here's one I'll bet you haven't thought of. They usually include upgraded parts that did not come with the original engine they installed. So the reliability of a used engine can actually be better because of those upgrades.
But heres the deal. Call it what you want " rebuilt, used, remanufactured, recycled, even those hot crate engines " its yours. And you want it to run smooth and sweet with plenty of giddy up.
I've got to tell you, this whole "cash for clunkers" thing kind of irritates me. It's supposed to be a way to help the environment. But if you ask me, changing out your old engine makes more sense and saves money. Haven't they been telling us it's very important to recycle? That will help the environment more by keep more cars on the road to get people to work.
So let's go over how it's done by both professinal and amateurs alike. Used engines are sold as longblock assemblies. The engine block, cylinder heads, and all the internal components are there.
Do an initial pre-installation examination. This will save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Check the engine for damage before letting the delivery guy go. Make sure you got the right longblock assembly by comparing it with the engine you're replacing. See if there are any change over parts from the old engine to the rebuilt engine. Inspect the timing components and replace if they are over the manufacturer's mileage recommendation. Replace any leaking or brittle gaskets.
1. Flush cooling system prior to installing engine to remove any debris left over the the previous engine. 2. Clean or replace oil strainer and pick screen. 3. Replace oil pan gasket and rear main seal. 4. Drain and replace engine oils to manufacturers suggested levels. 5. Replace the oil filter. 6. Timing belts, water pump, thermostat, spark plugs, fluids and seals are routine maintenance items and should be replaced at the time of installation and at the vehicle manufacturers recommended service intervals. 7. Replace any water hoses or vacuum lines that need replacing. 8. Prior to starting engine prime oils system and check to be sure you have oil pressure. 9. Proper operation of the cooling and electrical system must be checked during the installation of products that can be affected by those systems. 10. Replace valve cover gasket as needed. 11. Install new belts and hoses.
Get in and cruise.
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