Power Unit Removal

GENERAL INFORMATION

Precautions and safety. If it has been decided to remove the engine for an overhaul or for repair of major components, certain preparatory measures must be taken.

It is essential to choose the place where the work will be performed. The best place is undoubtedly a workshop. It is very important to have a well-equipped work area as well as a place to store the vehicle. If there is neither a workshop nor a garage, at least a level and clean area is required.

Washing the engine compartment and power unit before starting removal keeps the tools clean and in constant working condition.

A floor crane or chain hoist will also be required. Make sure these devices have sufficient load capacity and are able to support the weight of the engine with all attached components and the transmission. Observing safety precautions is of primary importance here, since lifting the engine out of the vehicle is a potentially hazardous operation.

If engine removal is performed by an inexperienced person, an assistant is required. Consult and ask for help from persons experienced in such work. There are many examples of attempts to remove the engine and lift it out of the engine compartment alone that ended unsuccessfully.

Plan your actions in advance. Rent or purchase all required tools and equipment before starting work. Fixtures that ensure safety during engine removal and installation and reduce labor include (in addition to the hoist): a trolley jack of sufficient capacity, a complete set of wrenches and sockets (listed at the beginning of this manual), wooden blocks, rags and solvent for cleaning up unavoidable puddles of spilled engine fluids. If the hoist is to be rented, arrange this in advance and first complete all work that does not require it. This will save money and time.

Be aware that the vehicle will be unavailable for a considerable time. Some work that cannot be performed at home due to the lack of special equipment requires a visit to an automotive service workshop. These facilities operate on a schedule, so it is advisable to consult them before removing the engine in order to accurately estimate the time required for repair or parts restoration.

Always be very careful when removing and installing the power unit. Careless actions may cause serious injury. Think through your actions in advance. Do not spare the time, as the main priority is to work without injury.

On all vehicles covered in this manual, the power unit is lowered and removed from under the vehicle.