Engine Out!

Sunday69 · 17 August 2009, 14:28

I pulled the engine for the first time yesterday. Only one spark plug wire broke when it got caught on something when I was lowering it!! I removed it to replace some seals, clean, and paint some things. As for as the TC, should I remove it and inspect some things in there and what should I look for? The rear main seal behind the flex plate is the same on all models, correct? Also, please tell me anything that I need to be careful with... I will try to post some pics tomorrow. Thanks a bunch.

Bookwus · 17 August 2009, 16:21

Hiya Sun,

If you remove the TC be prepared to changeout the TC seal. The general rule here is that whenever removing the engine one wants to immobilize the torque converter IF there are no apparent problems to tend to behind the TC. Holding the TC motionless insures that the contact between it and its seal is insured.

Here's what I did when I recently removed my engine..........

As soon as the engine was cleared I zip-tied the TC in place. It was that way for several months (what can I say..........I'm a slow engine builder) and it functioned just fine on start-up.

Of course, if you're spotting something in the bellhousing area that looks suspicious, then perhaps you should consider getting the TC out of there so you can look around a bit.

You are correct about the engine mainseal. It's a one-fits-all kinda deal. Unless you notice oil dripping from behind the flexplate, it might be best to just leave it alone. The school of thought at the opposite end of this spectrum goes something like this.......as long as I have this apart I should refresh the seals. There is merit in both approaches, but it's up to you to decide which right for you.

Sunday69 · 21 August 2009, 21:11

Thanks Bookus. I am going to replace the seal to be on the safe side. Does CIP1 or WW sell the o-rings that go with the rear main oil seal? Also, Here is a pic of the TC.

Sunday69 · 21 August 2009, 21:14

Sorry...Image problem.

Bookwus · 21 August 2009, 21:56

Hiya Sun,

It looks like you have leakage problem!

I'm not sure about that O Ring being available on its own. I have always found that O Ring in the gasket kit I buy for engine reassembly. But if I had to guess, I'd guess that you can find it outside the gasket kit. If you don't find it on a website, just shoot 'em an e-mail and ask.

68autobug · 22 August 2009, 16:37

Hi
what is all that yukky looking stuff in the housing???
all My gearboxes have been clean inside...

I would also suggest you replace the gearbox mounts...
with the best possible ones you can get...
I don't know if you can buy German ones??
most of the parts I see in Australia are from Brasil..
maybe the red ones are the way to go...!!

Mike...
I just say a lovely colored torque converter...
was it pink or purple....
I haven't tried either of those colors yet...

but I do have a new can of pink...

then again, I'm hoping NOT to see My torque converter for a long time...

LEE

Bookwus · 22 August 2009, 19:07

Hiya Lee,

Quote from: 68autobug on 22 August 2009, 16:37

I just say a lovely colored torque converter...
was it pink or purple....
I haven't tried either of those colors yet...
but I do have a new can of pink...

then again, I'm hoping NOT to see My torque converter for a long time...

Ya' like that? It's something between lavendar and purple.

Truth be told, it came from the rebuilders with that coat of paint. Interestingly, I've seen the same color on a torque converter in a junkyard, so this rebuilder must have liked the color.

Lee, you know I'm a stock kinda guy. I just left the torque converter this color because I figured I wouldn't be seeing all that much of it!

Sunday69 · 22 August 2009, 21:27

I beleive it to be engine oil. I have a slight like form the rear main seal. It will be replaced along with TC seal. It is pretty gunky along with just about everything else. I have spent all day cleaning about half the engine!!!!

tmea · 23 August 2009, 15:09

Hey Sun:

Tranny mounts: Agree with Mike on the tranny mounts. Mine were so soaked with years of fluids they fell apart in my hand. The car became quite a bit quieter as a result of replacing them. There was evidently direct contact between the case and the cradle. They are easy to change and don't cost much.

TC: I couldn't get to your previous posts but if you were able to get the car to highway speed without any problems I would not worry about the condition of the TC. Replacing the seal is a good idea. If you cannot find the correct one for your year go ahead and use the other one (red colored one), they are the same (hope I didn't open a hornets nets here). Most importantly!!! Make sure you peen it in place with at least three or four light dents on the outside rim or it will come off shortly after you get down the road. You will see that when it is fully seated you can still pull it off with your hand (not good). Peening it will ensure it stays there. You may see that your old one was peened on at the factory. Mine was.

Good luck. Where you are at can be a painful adventure but it is all worth it when you are confidently going down the highway!

Tom

Sunday69 · 24 August 2009, 13:55

Thanks guys. I will def. order some trans mounts. I have a little list of things I need to order today anyway. Anyone have a great way to clean off old engine gunk from engine/tranny. I have been using engine degreaser but it takes a loooonnnggg time.

volkenstein · 25 August 2009, 01:00

Sunday,
Grab a pile of ice-cream sticks. They make great disposable scrapers. So do those cheapo BBQ plastic knives at supermarkets. It still takes a long time if you are doing it by hand. The trans in particular has so many nooks and crannys where gunk collects in seemingly endless quantities

. Oh, and buy more de-greaser

.

Enjoy
Volkenstein

Sunday69 · 27 August 2009, 17:23

Good thing its summer and I have two large bags of popsicles in the freezer. I will get to eating them. I will post some pics of the finished project. Waiting on the parts to get here.

bruce_childress · 27 August 2009, 19:33

Quote from: Sunday69 on 24 August 2009, 13:55
. Anyone have a great way to clean off old engine gunk from engine/tranny. I have been using engine degreaser but it takes a loooonnnggg time.

hell, i thought the old gunk is what held everything together and kept it from leaking?

greenghia · 27 August 2009, 22:44

The best thing I have seen to clean them is the self serve carwashes with the hose and nozzle. Something about the makeup of the detergent strips magnesium clean. Get as much as you can off first so as not to muck up the wash. I cleaned my trans with kerosene and cleaned the engine as good as I could then found out about the carwash and took both there. Clean as could be in 5 mins. YMMV

volkenstein · 28 August 2009, 00:49

Fellas,
Just take care of the hockey stick housing vent hole before you hit it and you should be OK.

Regards
Sean