Post by crabmaster on Nov 21, 2015 11:46:48 GMT
In the factory, power units were fitted from underneath at the "body drop station". The L shaped lifting lugs were attached to the rocker cover studs for transporting the power unit around the factory (see attached photo) and should not be used for engine removal or installation.
Having tried both ways, I prefer to remove the front wheels, remove top hub attachments to allow drive shafts to be disconnected, remove gusset plates, take the weight of the car with a chain block hooked to the cut-outs in the front cross member panel just below the grille, and then lower the whole thing down so that the power unit is resting on a flat trolley with castors. Once the top items are detached, raise everything up leaving the complete power unit on the trolley which can be then wheeled away.
When it comes time to replace, the body can be lowered back on to the power unit and everything reattached from the top, then the body lifted up and the lower items replaced. What is particularly convenient with this is that because the wheels are removed, the body and power unit are sitting much lower to the ground, which is easier on the back when leaning over the engine bay; the weight of the power unit is always on the ground; and the suspended body can be shoved around a bit to make holes for things like engine mounts line up more easily. Plus, when you are doing this on your own, the bonnet is a difficult thing to remove and replace and can now be left in place.
By the sound of the previous posts, it seems everyone has their own preference and probably comes down to available head room and lifting equipment that works best for you.
Tony
Having tried both ways, I prefer to remove the front wheels, remove top hub attachments to allow drive shafts to be disconnected, remove gusset plates, take the weight of the car with a chain block hooked to the cut-outs in the front cross member panel just below the grille, and then lower the whole thing down so that the power unit is resting on a flat trolley with castors. Once the top items are detached, raise everything up leaving the complete power unit on the trolley which can be then wheeled away.
When it comes time to replace, the body can be lowered back on to the power unit and everything reattached from the top, then the body lifted up and the lower items replaced. What is particularly convenient with this is that because the wheels are removed, the body and power unit are sitting much lower to the ground, which is easier on the back when leaning over the engine bay; the weight of the power unit is always on the ground; and the suspended body can be shoved around a bit to make holes for things like engine mounts line up more easily. Plus, when you are doing this on your own, the bonnet is a difficult thing to remove and replace and can now be left in place.
By the sound of the previous posts, it seems everyone has their own preference and probably comes down to available head room and lifting equipment that works best for you.
Tony
