Engine Removal

[jonno]

Head gasket has gone on my 1.9 petrol so i'm planning to drop the engine to do the gasket and any other seals/gaskets i can at the same time.

Does anyone have any tips about dropping the engine and replacing the gaskets..

[fairwynds]

Crikey, where to start!
Cooling system to 'cold' B4 you drain it.
If engine running, do compression tests first?
Strip engine on a bench that either moves or you can get all way around it !
Exhaust off (renew all studs - they can be a pain!)
Head studs can also be rusted in, be very careful and dont be suprised if at least one snaps....be prepared to used heat/cold and patience!
Barrels will probably come away with heads, renew top and bottom gaskets (they'll come in set anyhow, most likely)
If engines out now is the time to tackle whatever you can reach - so expect the job to grow..... its worth it.
Check/replace oil pump, water pump, thermostat, any pipes showing wear, clutch and bearing, starter motor, fuel pump AND pedestal. Refurb carb and choke. Id do the lot, take your time too.
Your question will no doubt be answered by others with different opinions, but thats my tuppence worth. If you need any pics, I did mine 18mnths ago, and loved every oily minute of it! Good luck....

[Mr Bean]

Head gasket has gone on my 1.9 petrol so i'm planning to drop the engine to do the gasket and any other seals/gaskets i can at the same time.Does anyone have any tips about dropping the engine and replacing the gaskets..

When I had to change the cylinder heads on my 2.1 waterboxer I didn't feel up to an engine out job as I had lots to do elsewhere. I was advised that it is imposible do do it in situ but having changed the engine in my Mondeo without dropping the subframe and transmission contrary to the instructions in the Haynes manual I thought I would give it a go. The obvious problem is changing the cylinder base seals (large diameter small section "O" rings) without the piston rings popping out. This I achieved by positioning each piston at top dead centre in turn while I slid the cylinder barrel up to give enough clearance to clean the mating surfaces and position the "O" ring by carefully streching it over the cylinder barrel. I am not familiar with the 1.9 but relate my experience to you to give a posible alternative option. Of course removing the engine is the right way to do it as I am sure many posts will indicate.
Cheers
Ken

[ridders]

Did headgasket recently on my 2.1cc waterboxer. No previous experience but did the whole thing with the engine in. Didn't go near the pistons/barrels. Obviously the biggest and in my case the most difficult part was getting the exhaust off. Ended up hacksawing it off of sourcing a replacement.

Good luck

[Ian Hulley]

Jonno, try reading the Wiki (hammer symbol at the top of the page) or buy a Haynes or even better a Bentley manual.

BTW ridders you were lucky the barrel didn't unseat and lift with the head and dislodge the base o-ring.

Ian

[ridders]

Thanks Ian,

Forgive my ignorance but what would the symptoms be if the base seal had been dislodged? No oil leaks and I don't think water is mixing.

Martin

[jonno]

Thanks for your replies,will be starting the removal on Monday.

Not sure if its the head gasket ( water jacket gasket) or the sealing rings?
I'm prepared to do as much work as is needed while the engine is out.

Thanks again

Jonno

[Ian Hulley]

what would the symptoms be if the base seal had been dislodged? No oil leaks and I don't think water is mixing.

Martin

In which case you've hopefully got away with it It's what seals the barrel from the crankcase .. i.e. water from oil. There's a thin green o-ring at the base, a black or grey one at the top and the anealed (sp?) flat ring gasket between the head and the barrels themselves.

Ian.

[Mr Bean]

Jonno, try reading the Wiki (hammer symbol at the top of the page) or buy a Haynes or even better a Bentley manual.

BTW ridders you were lucky the barrel didn't unseat and lift with the head and dislodge the base o-ring.

Ian

Yes that was what I was worried about so I took the bull by the horns so to speak and had a look. The new seals pull into place and retain themselves nicely if you don't overstretch them.
Cheers Ken