Prepping an engine to head to a builder

[MattfromMaine]

I was searching the archives for details but couldn't find anything, so here is my question:

I'm dropping my '72 Newport's 400 off at my engine builder on Wednesday and he mentioned during our conversation that I need to remove all of the accessories. That got me thinking.... What exactly are the best practices for prepping an engine that's being completely rebuilt? Anyone with experience in tearing down motors for a living have any advice as I prepare to deliver my 400?

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[mgm1986]

I have only tore down two engines and of those only had to reassemble one. Best advice I have is to get yourself a box of ziplock bags and a sharpie so you may label everything that comes off the engine thoroughly. Lots of fasteners look similar but are different lengths and may fit in the wrong spot without you knowing it. I would suggest cleaning and or replacing any fasteners while your builder has the engine so you are ready to reassemble. I would also clean all of the threads in the block with a thread chase before reassembly.

Also, take lots of pictures along the way to use for reference during reassembly.

Also a great time to clean up the engine bay and check the engine wiring for cracked or deteriorated wires or connectors.

Good luck, I am sure others with more experience will have lots more to offer.

 

[62dodge]

Howdy To save money I pull it all apart (Intake off, Heads off, crank out, pistons out, cam out, and freeze plugs removed) as shops charge by the hour to tear it down.

 

[volksworld]

well you said engine builder and not machine shop...so I'm guessing its coming back to you assembled?...if that's the case I'd give it to him in the same state of assembly that you want to get it back, that way nothing winds up missing....just carb, water pump, exhaust manifolds, pullys and a/c compressor, p/s pump, alternator and distributor off...may want to pull the flex plate just so it doesn't get bent in transport...I grab extra nuts out of my nut and bolt assortment, put the bolts back in the accessory brackets in the correct spots and put nuts on them so they cant come out and get mixed up or lost...you can try to ask for them to put marks on the damper at the spots where the camshaft oil holes line up so you can prime both banks before you fire it...you may want to supply him with whatever engine paint you want to use

 

[Big_John]

I was searching the archives for details but couldn't find anything, so here is my question:

I'm dropping my '72 Newport's 400 off at my engine builder on Wednesday and he mentioned during our conversation that I need to remove all of the accessories. That got me thinking.... What exactly are the best practices for prepping an engine that's being completely rebuilt? Anyone with experience in tearing down motors for a living have any advice as I prepare to deliver my 400?

Thanks in advance for any info!

"All the accessories" generally means stuff like alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor with their respective brackets and pulleys. The carburetor, distributor, coil, and convertor flex plate should come off and taking the exhaust manifolds off is probably a good idea as they can get damaged in transport. With that 400, I think it would be a good idea to remove the water pump and housing too.

How much more you take apart is up to you. Myself, I take the engines over in pieces because I want to see what shape everything is in before I spend any money, but that's your call. Some engine builders may prefer to disassemble the engine as that let's them see what potential issues there may be.

 

[CBODY67]

Agreeing with @Big_John and others, consider what the engine builder will do for you. Disassemble and rebuild the "long block" engine. They are not concerned with alternator, a/c, power steering, fuel system, spark plug wire looms and heat shields, intake manifold, and/or water pump "things" NOR how they are attached to the engine block itself. Removing the distributor and YOU keeping it can keep it safer and from harm in the hauling process, too, along with the exhaust manifolds.

As to the distributor, do your OWN research as to how to correctly re-install it and get the plug wires routed in the correct routings. Also get a new set of spark plugs and get them gapped and ready to install, too. ALSO request they supply the additional gaskets it will take to finish putting everything back together.

As to the plug wires, as you remove the old ones, get some masking tape and mark EACH one's spark plug so you can re-do the new ones to match, when you put the new wires on the new motor. Similarly label the wires for the alternator, distributor, any emissions items, etc. These things can make getting it ready to fire quicker and easier.

The completed engine should be in a heavy plastic bag for hauling it in an open pickup truck bed, for keeping everything clean inside. Then YOU find the paint to repaint it with when you get it back to your place.

If you do not have a quality engine stand, GET ONE. Plus a big drip tray/pan for it, too.

Enjoy!
CBODY67

 

[Big_John]

intake manifold

I'll agree with you on everything except if I were having the engine completely assembled, I'd want them to have the intake manifold so they can check fit if the heads or block is cut.

For those of us that would assemble our own engines, we would check fit as we assemble it, but I think the OP is looking for a complete rebuild with assembly by the shop.

 

[Lefty71]

I do like as described in post #3....and also, make sure to remove all senders and/or fittings, brackets, etc.....I've had that stuff disappear too many times....
If the guy is reassembling for you, only bring that stuff back to him when the time comes that he actually needs it.

 

[MrMoparCHP]

In short, if it is painted engine color, ship it, together or in pieces.
If it is not engine color remove it first and hold on to it.


Alan

 

[MattfromMaine]

This is all excellent, Gentlemen. I have everything off and will make sure I've gone over what has been laid out here with my builder, so that everyone is on the same page.

The people in this group and worth their weight in gold!