I know it would obviously be plug and play and I have swapped transmissions plenty of times. I have a pretty good tool set but no engine hoist although I can get one. How hard would it be? Is there any issues I might run into like setting timing or anything other than just plugging things back in and filling fluids? Thanks!

 

All these questions can be answered by checking the FAQs.

 

It's simple...if you know what you are doing. You don't have to worry about timing issues unless you attempted to replace the timing belt on the "newer" motor. As for fluids, make sure to drain the motor oil and coolant...and put in new fluids. Don't assume there is already fluid in there. For the new radiator coolant, make sure to bleed all air out of the system or the engine will overheat.

 

You wont be touching the timing belt or anything will you?

IF, you remove the distrubitor and switch you should set the ignition timing. Which there is a thread in the facts that shows how to do that.

It really isnt difficult, all you need is a couple buddys and a weekend.

I have never used a hoist to pull the motor. What we have always done is lower the car all the way down.. Make sure to have somthing under the pan/trans, that can slide, and support it. Then un bolt the mounts, jack the car up, pull the motor out. peice of cake.

What car is it? What motor are you removing, what are replaceing it with?

EDIT- is it a 92-95 civic?

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/putting-my-motor-under-car-not-too-56k-friendly-466327/
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/engine-swap-info-faqs-how-ck-engine-lights-878010/
https://honda-tech.com/forums/hybrid-engine-swaps-18/faq-detailed-b-series-swap-into-5th-gen-civic-how-check-out-help-everyone-else-too-131949/

 

Damn! Do you have to jack the car up two feet?

 

I'd have to get a bigger jack. None of mine would do 2 feet.

 

I pulled my motor with no hoist, but I also took the head off first, which will make more work. You should look into seeing if theres any way to rent one or find a buddy that has one, its so much easier.

 

I just borrowed a hoist. If you call around, you might find a place that rents them though. If you call a parts store and they don't have one for rent, they might be able to tell you who would.

It should be really simple.

 

^ Yep, alot of small time mechanics shops might have more than one, and if you tell them your situation and you're like hey I'll pay you to rent it and you can hold whatever for collateral can I rent your hoist for a weekend. It's not something a mechanics shop uses on the daily MOST of the time.

If it's easier to rent a big enough jack sometimes the bottom out method is easier. Especially if you know your way around your front end, and can easily remove suspension components, bumper, and inner fender wells it will give you alot more clearance. These aren't always necessary but sometimes you have to get creative. I've seen people use two skateboards and plywood to wheel the engine out. Be careful, and good luck.

 

Only way to figure it out is by actually doing it. Its a hands on approach. You can't learn just by reading

 

Damn! Are you sure? I was hoping that the reading power of these threads would change my R&P for me. Maybe I can get my sig other to do it while I sit inside and watch tv, wash dishes, etc. you know, all the hard things us guys don't do...

 

I watched my buddies drop a motor out of my car about 5 or 6 times, then I did it on my own.

Dropping a motor isn't difficult

If you've dropped transmissions, then you can drop the motor. With a Cherry picker you can drop it by yourself. I did.

Disconnect the wire harness, disconnect the hoses, then you just have the mounts.

 

A creeper could also work to roll an engine around on.

Oh, and I'd highly recommend you have at least one friend, if not two or more, to be around when it happens. If you're using a hoist, it's nice to have another pair of hands that can help steady the engine when you operate the hoist and keep the tranny from bumping against the chassis.

 

its not hard at all...

 

What he said. When I was actually dropping it,(getting it on the ground) I had my wife give me a hand, lowering the hoist.

 

Oh, and you can get an old tire from Les Schwab or any other tire shop usually. Set your old engine on that. Good for transportation as well. A drip pan can be used to catch anything that leaks out, but don't be surprised if you destroy the pan.

I personally found it easiest to do the timing belt and water pump and tensioner and all before the new motor went in, but I can understand being short on money and/or time. If you don't know when those parts were last changed, PLEASE do them soon!

 

If not a little higher. It's not as hard as it sounds.


The only thing that makes this a pita, is putting the engine back in. But this where setting something under the engine comes in handy.

We used a creeper, and a low pro jack under the trans to make it even.

If you can get a hoist, than go for it. If not, don't worry about it.

 

easy is a relative term... lol

 

This is true. I've seen people walk straight into poles while they talk.

Some of us simply have things easier than others.

 

I swear those poles just jump out of nowhere

 

Wow, I posted this earlier and before I even had a chance to check back you guys (and girls --> nofx) had posted 20 times. Well, I found a shop that sells a completely rebuilt engine, new eveything for 600 or 900 installed. I figured I would try to save 300 and do it myself. Im thinking the belt will come on the engine. My father-in-law has a cherry picker so I can always get his. I understand there are lots of threads on changing engines but most of thsoe are if you are swapping for something else. I just wanted to know some general things I should look out for in a straight swap. Thanks everyone for the replies and keep them coming!

 

Is it a EG?

Is it just a bare long block?

 

Is the motor you are looking at from HA Specialists on craigslist? If it is, you should search their name, I THINK they used to be Lab Junkies.

 

An excellent point. Anytime i'm putting in a replacement engine I always do this before it goes in. It's also a great time to replace the crank and cam seals, distributor o-ring, rear main seal etc, especially that rear main seal.

Basically installation is reverse of removal, budget lots of time and if at all possible a mechanically inclined friend can be a great asset if you get stuck.