Let’s Rebuild an Engine
Has your engine experienced major engine damage? Maybe it isn’t running like it once did. You then have a decision to make. Will you replace or rebuild your engine? Rebuilding an engine is a much cheaper way to get your vehicle running like brand new. This is not an easy task though. This requires removing the engine entirely from the vehicle so that you can take it apart. This is not a job for someone with minimal car experience.
I had my first lesson with engine rebuilding when I was about 17. My Geo Metro needed to be rebuilt and me and my dad went to work on it. This was much simpler than most engine rebuilds as the car was tiny. It was a 3-cylinder 1.0L engine. The engine itself was not that heavy and it was a very simple design. This was a great way for me to learn all about engines and how to take them apart and put them back together.
I recently had the opportunity to help my dad rebuild the engine on his Mazda B2000. Although this was still an older vehicle with a fairly simple design, this one was much more difficult. We were able to get it running like brand new again.
Engine Removal
Before you can start the actual engine rebuilding process, you have to get the engine out of your car. This is no small task. Make sure that you have the proper tools before hand and have a plan of attack. When you have all that you need and have done the necessary research, it is time to begin.
To start out, you are going to want to drain fluids. You will need to take the oil and the coolant out of the vehicle or else you will have a huge mess on your hands. Once the fluids have drained, you can begin detaching things from the engine.
You will want to remove the radiator. Make sure that the coolant is drained, and you can disconnect the hoses running to it and pull it out. From there you can disconnect the battery and starter. Once the battery is disconnected, start taking off all of the harnesses and connectors.
You will need to take off several large components such as the exhaust manifold, the starter, and the ac compressor. You can take off any belts as well. The last major part that will have to be removed is the transmission. This will require a transmission jack to support the transmission. Lastly unbolt the engine from the motor mounts and hoist the engine out.
Engine Disassembly
Once the engine has been taken out, you can start disassembling it. You can take off any unnecessary accessories such as the water pump, alternator, distributor, etc. Now start digging into the heart of the engine. You can take off the oil pan, timing cover, valve cover, and flywheel. You can then start to take out the rocker arms and pushrods. While you are removing engine parts, it is a good practice to inspect them. If you see that a part is broken or worn, make a note to have it replaced.
Next take the cylinder head off. You will now have access to the timing chain and camshaft. You can take both of these off and inspect them for damage. You have now dug as far as you need to into the engine. You can see the cylinders, valves, etc. Now is your time to start rebuilding.
Let’s Start Rebuilding the Engine
Now is an excellent time to inspect the crankshaft. If the crankshaft has any damage at all, you will want to have it repaired or replaced. The first step of your engine rebuild then becomes cleaning everything. This will help you to inspect them but also help increase engine life. You will want to make sure you remove any old gasket material that might be on any component. From there you can wash parts with water and detergent. You will want to clean the entire engine block and make sure that it is ready for reassembly.
After cleaning the cylinder walls, you have an excellent opportunity to inspect them. If you notice any scratches or anything, you will want to have them machined and fixed. It is then common to change out all of the freeze plugs. Next you can install all new piston rings and camshaft bearings. Replace any parts that were damaged or worn.
Put the Engine Back Together
Now hopefully you paid attention to how everything went together. This is where you will see how well your planning worked out. Do you remember which bolts go to what? What about where every hose and harness goes? If not, you might be in for a real struggle. Start by working backwards from what you did. When you reinstall the timing components, make sure that carefully follow the instructions in your service manual. If the timing is off in your engine, your whole rebuild could be wasted.
Once you have pieced the whole engine back together, you are ready to put it back into your vehicle. Once in, reconnect everything to it and fill it back up with oil and coolant. Now it’s time for the moment of truth. To test your engine. Start it up and see how good of a job you did. If done right, your car will run like new.
Official Engine Rebuild Expert
You are now an engine rebuilding expert. Rebuilding is very popular as it is much cheaper than buying a new engine. Do not forget that this is not a small task though. It can be done, but it requires the proper tools and knowledge. You will also need plenty of time to do this. Check out his video of time lapse of an engine rebuild.
You can clearly see that this is a long and intensive job. If you approach this task wisely, there is no need to be afraid of it. If you are in and around the south bay area in California and you need the best engine rebuilding mechanics, see A-1 Auto Tech, Inc.
See also https://www.instructables.com/id/A-Beginners-Guide-to-Engine-Rebuilding/










