How to Replace an Engine

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace an Engine . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Scribe
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Pry Bar
  • Engine Hoist
  • Engine Assembly

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $2,462.91 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $4,076.17 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Turn on the engine and allow it to become warm.
  • Halt the spark and fuel delivery to the engine.
  • Take all the spark plugs out. Attach the compression gauge to the spark plug threads, starting from the first cylinder.
  • Once the compression gauge is positioned in the cylinder, turns the throttle plate open and told your assistant to crank the engine by means of five compression strokes. Take the reading.
  • Perform the compression test for each of the remaining cylinder and take the reading of each of them. Compare the readings and make sure that all the readings fall within the range of 5-10psi.
  • Consider a cylinder with low pressure and add small amount of oil via spark plug hole into the cylinder. Wait for some time before checking the cylinder compression again.
  • Put all the spark plugs back to their positions and connect all the wiring connectors again. Turn the engine on and make sure that the vehicle is running as it did before the compression test.
  • Turn the engine off and discard the negative battery cable from the terminal.
  • You may have to take the engine hood out of its place to make enough space for engine hoist.
  • Remove the radiator drain plug or disconnect the lower hose to allow the coolant to drain out.
  • Take the air cleaner assembly out. Also, take the radiator and fan shroud out of the vehicle.
  • Remove all the vacuum lines, fuel lines and electrical connections from the engine. Don’t forget to mark them for installation reference.
  • Remove the upper radiator hose and exhaust system from the engine as well.
  • Remove the air compressor, if an air conditioning system is installed on your vehicle.
  • Unbolt the transmission from the engine block.
  • Position the engine hoist over the engine compartment.
  • Now look for at least two possible points on the engine where you can fix the engine hoist to the engine. Normally, a chain is used to secure the engine to the engine hoist.
  • Pull the chain out of the eye of the engine hoist and secure it to the engine block with bolts and washers. Now look for the exhaust bolt holes on the opposite end of engine.
  • Now, attach the chain to the front right of the engine block and support it to the block utilizing the exhaust bolt holes.
  • Move onto the opposite ends and attach the chain to the rear left of the engine block and support it with exhaust manifold bolts using bolt and washers.
  • Next, lift the arm of the engine hoist gradually to rectify the looseness on the chain.
  • As the engine block is secured with chain to the engine hoist, you can take the engine mounts off.
  • Take help from assistant told him to keep the engine steady while you lift the engine hoist gradually so as to move the engine up and out of the engine compartment.
  • Take the engine out and consult any professional engine mechanic to have it repaired for you. Reassemble the engine by reversing the entire procedure.

Tips & Warning

  • While working with the vehicle engine compartment, it is necessary to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to avoid injuries. Protective clothing like safety goggles, latex gloves and closed toe shoes help you prevent severe injuries while performing repair work.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Water Pump

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Water Pump . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Screwdriver
  • Cooling System Pressure Tester
  • Scraper
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Water Pump Gasket
  • Water Pump

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $220.38 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $457.68 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Make sure that the engine is cold. Prop the engine hood up.
  • Take the radiator cap off.
  • Using a cooling system pressure tester, test the radiator for any possible leaks.
  • Carefully examine the water pump for any signs of leaks.
  • Put a drain pan at the bottom of the radiator and unplug the radiator drain plug.
  • Take the serpentine belt and drive belts away.
  • Disconnect the hoses that are attached to the water pump.
  • Unfasten the bolts holding the water pump in place and take the water pump out.
  • With the help of gasket scraper, wipe off the mounting surface on the engine block.
  • Place a new gasket on the mounting surface of the engine block and position the new water pump properly on it and secure the water pump with bolts.
  • Reattach all the hoses and belts that you removed earlier.
  • Put the drain plug back to the radiator.
  • Take a mixture of 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze agent and fill the radiator reservoir. Make sure that the mixture reaches up to the MAX mark.
  • Perform pressure test to check leaks.
  • Turn the engine on and wait for few minutes and again check the coolant level. Add more, if required.
  • Recap the radiator and take a small drive.
  • During drive, keep an eye on the temperature gauge. It should not move to hot. Otherwise make necessary adjustments.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Valve Cover Gasket

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Valve Cover Gasket . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Mallet Hammer
  • Scraper
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Valve Cover Gasket

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $27.29 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $232.74 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Prop the engine hood up.
  • Look for the engine valve cover and examine it carefully for leakage signs.
  • If there is leak, you need to replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Take 3/8 ratchet and socket and take the valve cover bolts away.
  • Take the valve covers (V-style engine) away. You may have to pry the cover off with the help of screwdriver.
  • Take the valve cover gasket off from the mounting surface. Also, wipe off the surface properly so that any debris or gasket material removed from the surface.
  • Take a brake cleaner and clean the valve covers.
  • Take a new valve cover gasket and position it on the valve cover. Apply a layer of adhesive sealant as well so that it sits properly on the cover.
  • Position the valve cover in its place and secure it with mounting bolts.
  • When done, examine the oil level and if it is below the required mark add more oil to engine reservoir.
  • Turn the engine on. Examine the valve cover gasket and its surrounding areas to see if there is any seepage of oil or not. No signs of oil verify the installation.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Cooling Fan

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Cooling Fan . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Flashlight
  • Screwdriver
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $63.24 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Prop the hood up and look for the radiator. Make sure that the engine is not hot otherwise you may burn your hand or skin.
  • Find the cooling fan and try to rotate it with your hand.
  • Detach the negative battery cable from the terminal.
  • Remove the bolts or screws holding the cooling fan in place. Disconnect the wiring connectors as well.
  • Take the cooling fan assembly out of the radiator.
  • Take new cooling fan assembly and fix it properly in its place with the help of bolts or screws.
  • Reconnect the wiring connectors and negative battery cable to the terminal.
  • Switch the engine on and wait for the engine to become hot so that you can check whether the new cooling fan function properly or not.

Tips & Warning

  • Whenever you are intended to work in engine compartment, use protective clothing to prevent injuries. Safety goggles, latex gloves or closed toe shoes will help you prevent injuries.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Rear Main Seal

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Rear Main Seal . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Floor Jack
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Pry Bar
  • Slide Hammer
  • Jack Stand Set
  • Transmission Jack
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Scraper
  • Bungee Cord
  • Awl
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Screwdriver
  • 1/2 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Rear Main Seal
  • Shop Towel

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $33.64 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $395.43 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Park the vehicle on a flat surface and prop the engine hood up.
  • In the engine block, disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal.
  • Detach the transmission throttle linkages and also the wiring harness like solenoids, sensors, starter and backup switches.
  • Take the starter away by removing the mounting bolts.
  • Take the transmission out. Before that, drain the transmission fluid.
  • Detach exhaust pipes and cross tubes. Exhaust pipes are usually connected to the exhaust manifold.
  • Remove the shift linkage and speedometer cable from the transmission.
  • Remove the u-joints and take the driveshaft away.
  • If transmission is equipped with oil cooler lines, remove them also.
  • Place a transmission jack under the transmission to provide support.
  • Unfasten the transmission mount connected to the transmission cross member.
  • Raise the transmission up a little so as to ease the pressure on the transmission mount.
  • Take the cross member out by removing the cross member mounting bolts.
  • Now, let the transmission move down so that you can support it on the transmission jack with the help of chain. Don’t let the transmission hang down.
  • Take off any shields or covers from the flywheel so that you can get at the torque converter bolts easily.
  • Move the crankshaft in a spinning motion unless the torque converter bolts are released.
  • Unfasten the bolts holding the transmission to the engine.
  • Grab and draw the transmission in the backward direction unless it gets out of the engine.
  • With flywheel holding tool, take the flywheel or flex plate out.
  • Examine the surface of the crankshaft carefully for any signs of wear and tear. Replace or repair the crankshaft if necessary.
  • Take a new rear main seal and install it by reversing the entire installation process.
  • Take a small drive and make sure that the replaced rear main seal is properly working.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Radiator

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Radiator . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Flashlight
  • Screwdriver
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Cooling System Pressure Tester
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Radiator

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $849.95 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $1,184.76 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Park the vehicle on a level surface and let the engine cool down.
  • Prop the engine hood up and detach the negative battery cable from the battery terminal.
  • Take the radiator cap off.
  • Put a drain pan at the bottom of the radiator drain plug. Now unfasten the radiator drain plug or detach the lower radiator hose from the radiator to allow the coolant to drain out into the drain pan.
  • Now disconnect the upper radiator hose as well.
  • Also, disassemble the radiator fan shroud or electric cooling fan assembly and take the radiator out of the engine block.
  • Position the new radiator in its place and make certain that it is properly seated.
  • Reconnect the lower radiator hose to the new radiator.
  • Also, reassemble the radiator fan shroud or electric cooling fan assembly.
  • Now fix the upper radiator hose and secure it with clamp.
  • Add fresh coolant in the radiator reservoir. The coolant should be a mixture of 50% water and 50% antifreeze agent.
  • Now, perform pressure test to the radiator with cooling system pressure tester to locate any leak.
  • Reconnect the negative battery cable to the terminal and switch the engine on.
  • After some time check the coolant level again and add more coolant if required.
  • Take a small drive and keep an eye on the temperature gauge to verify the installation.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Head Gasket

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Head Gasket. Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Compression Tester
  • Screwdriver
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Drain Pan
  • Mallet Hammer
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Scraper Set
  • Coolant/Antifreeze
  • Cylinder Head Gasket Set
  • Exhaust Manifold Gasket
  • Intake Manifold Gasket
  • Valve Cover Gasket

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $537.20 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $1,972.40 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Prop the engine hood up and look for the lower radiator hose.
  • Put a drain pan at the bottom of the radiator and detach the lower radiator hose from the radiator to allow the coolant drain out into the drain pan.
  • Now access the intake manifold. You may need to remove wiring harness, other components or hoses to get at the intake manifold.
  • Next, you need to take the valve cover away.
  • Now, unfasten the bolts holding the exhaust manifold. Remember, you need to unfasten the head bolts in reverse order of manufacturer suggested procedures. For instance, if the instructions recommend you’re the sequence 7 3 1 5 9 then you should do it as 8 4 2 6 10.
  • Next, take the cylinder head out of the engine block.
  • Take the head gasket away.
  • Examine the straightness of cylinder head with the help of straight edge and feeler gauge.
  • Wipe off any debris or dirt and the remaining pieces of the old gasket from the mounting surface.
  • Position a new gasket on the mounting surface and reverse the entire procedure for reinstallation of the parts.
  • Add fresh antifreeze agent mixture to the radiator. Make sure the mixture reaches up to the MAX mark.
  • Using pressure test, inspect the radiator for any possible leak.
  • Put the radiator cap back and turn the engine on. After some time, check the coolant level again and add if required.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Harmonic Balancer

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Harmonic Balancer . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Flashlight
  • Pulley Puller
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Harmonic Balancer Installer
  • Harmonic Balancer Installer Adapter
  • Harmonic Balancer Installer Bearing
  • Harmonic Balancer Installer Driver
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Harmonic Balancer
  • Mirror

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $103.50 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $240.71 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Prop the engine hood up and look for the harmonic balancer.
  • Examine the harmonic balancer for any damage or wear with the help of flashlight and mirror.
  • Take the belt away from the crankshaft pulley. Normally, crankshaft pulley is a component of harmonic balancer in majority of the cases.
  • Take the harmonic balancer mounting bolts away with a suitable ratchet or socket wrench.
  • Using pulley puller, pull the harmonic balancer out from the crankshaft.
  • Take a new harmonic balancer and fix it in its place. Make sure that the new harmonic balancer is exactly of the same type as one you removed.
  • Reversing the entire process fix the new harmonic balancer to the vehicle.
  • Switch the engine on and make sure that the new harmonic balancer is properly installed.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Freeze Plug

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Freeze Plug. Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Flashlight
  • Pliers
  • Ball Peen Hammer
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Punch Set
  • Freeze Plug

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $34.96 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $104.49 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • You can find the round freeze plug on the sides of the engine block.
  • Using cooling system pressure tester, pressure test the radiator for any leaks.
  • Carefully, examine the freeze plugs for any signs of leaks.
  • Put a drain pan at the bottom of the radiator. Unfasten the radiator drain plug or disconnect the lower radiator hose to allow the coolant to drain out in the drain pan.
  • Using mallet or hammer, tap the inner edge of the freeze plug. Take the leaked freezer plug out.
  • Using emery cloth, wipe off any debris, dirt from the surface of the engine block hole.
  • Take a large socket and tap the new freeze plug evenly into its place.
  • Put the radiator drain plug back or reconnect the lower radiator hose. Next, add fresh coolant (mixture of 50% water and 50% antifreeze agent) to the radiator.
  • Using pressures test, inspect the radiator again for any leaks.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Fan Shroud Assembly

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Fan Shroud Assembly . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Flashlight
  • Screwdriver
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $118.58 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Make sure that the engine is cold.
  • Prop the engine hood up and look for the fan shroud assembly which should be attached to the radiator.
  • Examine the fan shroud assembly carefully for any signs of damage, cracks, or any other wear and tear.
  • Detach the wiring connectors and unfasten the bolts holding the fan shroud assembling to the radiator.
  • Take the fan shroud assembly out of the engine compartment and replace it with the new fan shroud assembly.
  • Secure the new fan shroud assembly with the mounting bolts.
  • Reattach the wiring connectors and switch the engine on.
  • Make sure that fan functions properly.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment