Engine Swap Questions and Progress (was "Rebirth!")

fiasco · Post by **fiasco** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:39 pm

For those new to this particular story, the background can be found here: http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5043

The old car and new (old) engine are at my house (thanks to Ryan)! With that particular corner turned, I'm leaving the "Disaster" thread behind, and beginning the documentation of the engine swap in this new thread. To start it all off, here are pics of the engine I picked up at Mark's place (Allison Automotive in Upland, CA) today.

I've done a couple of things this afternoon - took off the alternator, the belts, the timing belt shield and the exhaust manifold heat shield. Sprayed it down with Purple Power and sprayed it off with the hose. I know that's not much, but it's a first step, which means I'm one step closer.

Tomorrow I pick up the engine stand at SpiderRey's house, and I'll be off to the races.

-- se

joelbert2k · Post by **joelbert2k** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 12:22 am

That's fantastic Steve.

You're on your way to new adventure. Nobody can say our cars are boring!
Sure wish I could be out there to help.

Joel

ROOK1 · Post by **ROOK1** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 1:32 am

Glad to hear Steve. On a side note how far are you from Huerta Verde Rd? I have an uncle down in Glendora.

brad131a4 · Post by **brad131a4** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 1:37 am

I hope the first thing is to change to a dual outlet exhaust after cleaning. While under the car inspect the cross member for cracks as well as the frame bolt area. I've found those to be very prone to having small hidden cracks you don't normally see. Good luck with the install.

SpiderHead · Post by **SpiderHead** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 3:13 am

Just Happy to help!

See you on the 28th, when I can help some more!

-Ryan

TulsaSpider · Post by **TulsaSpider** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 2:19 pm

Make sure to clean out the cyclonic trap.

Don't use the large rubber gasket

LOL! The trap may need a new elbow hose. This stuff is extrememly hard to get to when in the car. I'd put on a new fuel pump as well. I'd think about changing out the head gasket, again just because it's easy when it's out and you don't know the history. I'd probably switch out the old starter if it was in good shape as you don't know the history of this one. I'd also take off the exhaust and remove the exhaust studs and seal them up so you know they won't leak. Purple power and a few brushes and a few hours and you'll be getting there! Keep us updated Steve! I'd love to be in on the action!

kristoj · Post by **kristoj** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 3:41 pm

Congrats on reaching the first major milestone. Hearing it start for the first time once the swap is completed will be the most beautiful sound you have ever heard. keep us posted on you progress.

SpiderHead · Post by **SpiderHead** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 12:15 am

4th most beautiful.. lol

his wife said yes, and he has two sons

fiasco · Post by **fiasco** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 11:58 am

TulsaSpider wrote:Make sure to clean out the cyclonic trap. Don't use the large rubber gasket LOL! The trap may need a new elbow hose. . . I'd also take off the exhaust and remove the exhaust studs and seal them up so you know they won't leak.

Don't know what the cyclonic trap is.
What large rubber gasket?
What do I use to seal the studs?

Starting to make progress. Got a lot off the new engine last night in prep for cleaning - gonna take a bag of parts over to Reyy to sandblast. Work on removing the old engine starts today.

SpiderHead wrote:4th most beautiful.. lol

his wife said yes, and he has two sons

Wise word Ryan!

Thanks!
-- se

fiasco · Post by **fiasco** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 2:52 pm

Can't get the oil drain plug out.

I got the one out of the new engine bu taking hex head bolt that fit in the hex nut and bending it to make a homemade hex wrench. On the old car, I can not get the drain plug to turn. The bolt shaft is twisting as I turn it.

Anyone got any ideas as to how to get the brain plug out of the oil pan? It's holding me up because I want to get all the fluids drained out before I bring it in the garage to start taking parts off.

Been Purple Powering and scrubbing the new engine all morning. Here are some shots of the progress.

Thanks,
-- se

azygoustoyou · Post by **azygoustoyou** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 3:30 pm

Hey guys.
What is the cyclonic trap? I have no clue.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 3:47 pm

the trap is the breather assy under the intake manifold

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 5:18 pm

that looks a lot better then yesterday

TulsaSpider · Post by **TulsaSpider** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 5:33 pm

azygoustoyou wrote:Hey guys.
What is the cyclonic trap? I have no clue.

It's just above the fuel pump and beneath the intake. It is the crankcase ventilation system. Remove it, clean it thoroughly, you'll need a gasket for it. Inspect the hoses for cracks. There are several posts on the issue.
See this-- http://www.fiatspider.com:16080/f08/vie ... a&start=45

Looking good Steve!

fiasco · Post by **fiasco** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 9:29 pm

Slow progress today, but at least progress. Thanks Reyy for the use of the hex key to get the oil drain plug out.

Got the fluids drained and moved the car into car and up on stands. Took the battery out and the hood off.

Couple of questions:

1. In the Engine removal section, one of my manuals says to remove the radiator first, and the other doesn't. Should I take it out before going further?

2. I've noticed that several of the pieces and parts I've taken off the old engine have gaskets. I don't have replacement gaskets. Should I start making a list and order them as soon as possible so I can be sure they are here by installation day, or can I buy gasket material at Kragen and just make gaskets for these things?

Thanks,
-- se