There are many different basic types of internal combustion engine, such as V-8, straight 6, V-6, or 4-cylinder engines.
Although every vehicle and engine combination is different in detail, there are fundamental similarities between all internal combustion engines. The methods used to rebuild all types of engines are also very similar.
At the heart of all the different designs of internal combustion engines is a cylinder block. The type of block will determine whether it will have one or more cylinder heads. Inside the block is an array of pistons that are attached to a crankshaft by connecting rods. The crankshaft will be connected to one or more camshafts by a timing set which is a system of gears and a chain or belt. The camshaft determines how and when the various parts of the valve train assembly will open and close.
The process involves:
- disconnecting the engine from most of its peripherals and from the vehicle chassis;
- removing the engine;
- disassembling it;
- inspecting, cleaning, and possibly refurbishing the component parts;
- test-fitting the newly machined parts;
- then reassembling and reinstalling the engine back in the vehicle;
- and starting it up again.
Engine removal preparation & safety
Part 1. Preparation and safety
Objective
- Raise the vehicle on jack stands or ramps in preparation to remove the engine.
Personal safety
Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:
- Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
- Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
- Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
- Hand protection - such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
- Respiratory equipment - such as face masks and valved respirators
If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.
Safety check
- Make sure you place wheel chocks against the rear wheels.
- Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.
Points to note
- Ensure there is enough flat level floor space.
- Remove any body panels that will interfere with engine removal.
Part 2: Step-by-step instruction
- Secure the vehicle
Put the vehicle where you have room to remove the engine, ready to raise the front of the vehicle and secure it onto jack stands when necessary, with wheel chocks against the rear wheels.
If the vehicle can be driven, then you can drive it up onto lifting ramps, but once the engine has been removed you will be unable to drive it back down again, and you will need to jack it up to remove the ramps.
Make sure there is enough flat, level, floor space in your work area to jack the car up safely, and to wheel the engine on a hoist far enough away from the vehicle to secure it safely on a cradle or engine stand.
If there are any body panels that you know will interfere with the engine removal, now is the time to clear them out of the way.
- Wear appropriate safety clothing
Oils, solvents, and sealers, are dangerous chemicals which can be absorbed through your unprotected skin, so wear suitable gloves when handling any chemicals, or any components or tools coated in chemicals. The grease and dirt will then come off as easily as the gloves.
Whenever you work around or under a vehicle, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from chemical splashes or foreign matter – especially when you are hammering, using power tools, or near a running engine.
