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Old 08-02-2019, 10:20 PM   #1
SteveR.
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Default Swapping engines, any tips?

Over the next few days I’ll be swapping engines in my 1930 Tudor. I’ve done plenty of wrench turning, but never changed an A engine. Does anyone have any helpful tips to share for a first timer?
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Old 08-02-2019, 10:36 PM   #2
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

I just did that for the first time. It was hard to get the old engine out because it simply did not want to move out of the rear motor mounts. Finally after lifting whole front end from the motor, it slowly slid out. Frame appears straight. Couldn't get new motor in even with frame spreader. Took old mounts off. Got new rubber from Bratton's. Old rubber was 50% thicker than new rubber. New motor slid right in perfectly. Hard to believe that thickness of rubber could make a difference. It did.
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Old 08-02-2019, 10:47 PM   #3
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Thanks...any input is helpful.

What parts should I replace while I’m in there?
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Old 08-03-2019, 12:54 AM   #4
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

With the motor out it would be a good time to redo the engine compartment, if you were so inclined
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Old 08-03-2019, 03:40 AM   #5
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Always replace the throw out bearing. Make sure front mount is in good shape. I clean everything that I can.
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Old 08-03-2019, 04:18 AM   #6
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

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New springs for the front mount. I assume you are already planning to remove the radiator, so think about new hoses. I left my trans in place with a support underneath (or could I have hung in from a 2x4 across the frame, can't remember?) One of these are handy: https://www.harborfreight.com/automo...ler-67441.html I had the head off and used engine studs as shown in my avatar to attach to.
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Old 08-03-2019, 05:43 AM   #7
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

I'm not removing the head, where do I get the lifting lugs that go in the spark plug holes?
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Old 08-03-2019, 07:50 AM   #8
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Snydrs, Berts, Brattons all carry the "loops". I have several homemade ones. Call me 903=952-7615. $15.00 for two with shipping incl using USPS flat rate box.
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Old 08-03-2019, 07:55 AM   #9
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Oh! one more thing. The spark plug holes are slightly off center and as result of using the loops in plug holes the engine lifts slightly lopsided. To counter the lopsided lift a ratchet strap around the Water inlet (on driver side of engine) and connected to lifting chain can and will straighten engin bact to vertical/level.
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Old 08-03-2019, 08:27 AM   #10
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Remember, unlike most modern engines, there is a paper gasket between the engine and transmission and shims under the top two bolts on the flywheel housing.

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Old 08-03-2019, 08:29 AM   #11
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

I always leave the transmission attached to the engine. That puts it on a good angle to slide out. Can even be done with the light bar still on the car. Then you can deal with the throughout bearing, clutch, and even the transmission out of the car.
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Old 08-03-2019, 08:42 AM   #12
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

First thing, take the front bumper off. Only two bolts, and it makes everything so much easier. You would be surprised how many don't.
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Old 08-03-2019, 08:54 AM   #13
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

In addition to all the great suggestions so far, I would also replace the clutch disc and inspect the pressure plate and flywheel surfaces. May as well do this while it’s easily done with the engine out. I would also take the opportunity to replace some steering box parts - much easier to do with the engine out.
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Old 08-03-2019, 09:02 AM   #14
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Definitely remove the front bumper.
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Old 08-03-2019, 09:48 AM   #15
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Can one person R & R the hood by them self w/out damaging something?
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Old 08-03-2019, 10:05 AM   #16
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

I can ! Removing the hood is much easier if the hood sides are first removed .
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Old 08-03-2019, 10:09 AM   #17
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

If separating at the clutch try to avoid jerking the engine out,you can crack the flywheel housing,especially with original rear engine mounts
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Old 08-03-2019, 05:08 PM   #18
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

If you also swap out the transmission, make sure the rear part that bolts onto the rear end is the same as the one you took out. There are two different ones with different holes in them.
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Old 08-03-2019, 08:32 PM   #19
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

When I reinstalled my motor, I didn't put any shims under the top two bolts of the flywheel housing. What will happen without those two shims?

Last edited by fredski53; 08-03-2019 at 08:33 PM. Reason: Spelling
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Old 08-03-2019, 09:17 PM   #20
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

If your Model A is registered by the motor number be sure to talk to your local DMV before you make the swap.

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Old 08-04-2019, 09:59 AM   #21
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft View Post
I can ! Removing the hood is much easier if the hood sides are first removed .
Good idea! Thanks Purdy, I'll try that next time I have to remove an A hood. Not easy for me by myself, with a bad back and a bum right shoulder.
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Last edited by katy; 08-04-2019 at 10:24 AM. Reason: Addition
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Old 08-04-2019, 10:14 AM   #22
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Closely inspect the bell housing, they tend to crack near the mounting pads. I put a small piece of carpet, 1 1/2' x 2', over the front crossmember to protect the paint on a freshly painted oil pan.
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Old 08-05-2019, 06:51 AM   #23
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fredski53 View Post
When I reinstalled my motor, I didn't put any shims under the top two bolts of the flywheel housing. What will happen without those two shims?
You can crack the flywheel housing. The shims are the same thickness as the gasket, about .020" thick. When I did my flywheel housing, I did all the bolts up except the top two, measured the gap with feeler gauges, then made 2 shims to suit, just a simple horse shoe shape.
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Old 08-05-2019, 08:58 AM   #24
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fredski53 View Post
When I reinstalled my motor, I didn't put any shims under the top two bolts of the flywheel housing. What will happen without those two shims?
How could one calculate and/or measure how thick to make the missing shims?
Guesstimate? .010"?, .015"?, .020"? Or?
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Old 08-05-2019, 09:27 AM   #25
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

I've taken 3 A engines out....I found you can easily use two helpers to remove the hood; 3would be better. AND you're in trouble (transmission jumping out of gear) if you didn't replace the shims .....read page 2-22 of Les Andrew's Red Book... PlEASE!!!
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Old 08-05-2019, 09:59 AM   #26
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Quote:
read page 2-22 of Les Andrew's Red Book... PlEASE!!!
That's all fine and dandy when the engine is out of the vehicle.

fredski53 was asking about missing shims when the engine is in the vehicle and that is what I was referring to in my question about calculating shim thickness.
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Old 08-05-2019, 04:59 PM   #27
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Snyder’s sells .010” shims. That should get you in the ball park.

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Old 08-06-2019, 03:43 AM   #28
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by katy View Post
How could one calculate and/or measure how thick to make the missing shims?
Guesstimate? .010"?, .015"?, .020"? Or?
Bolt the flywheel housing to the block, including the gasket and leave the upper 2 bolts out. Use feeler gauges to measure the gap between the housing and block at the bolt holes, and then fit the correct thickness shims from the feeler gauge measurement.
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Old 08-09-2019, 08:38 PM   #29
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

The new engine already has a flywheel housing installed...assuming it was done correctly I shouldn't need to do anything to the shims, right?

Took about 3 hours to get the engine out. The Les Andrews book is outstanding. Having a definite order in which to remove parts, and even the correct size sockets and extensions saves a huge amount of time. I'll be sure to read pages 2-22! I'm putting the clutch on the engine now, hope to get the car running again by next weekend.

Last edited by SteveR.; 08-09-2019 at 08:45 PM.
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Old 08-09-2019, 09:38 PM   #30
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Any last tips or things to be especially careful of before I put it back together? I'll follow the Les Andrews book of course. Really want to get it right the first time.
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Old 08-09-2019, 10:22 PM   #31
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

I would use a Float a Motor engine mounts when you put the engine back in the car.
Less vibration and simple. Good Luck
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Old 08-10-2019, 07:11 AM   #32
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Put a little grease on the rear motor mounts to help it slide in.
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Old 08-10-2019, 10:59 AM   #33
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Default Re: Swapping engines, any tips?

Quote:
The new engine already has a flywheel housing installed...The new engine already has a flywheel housing installed...assuming it was done correctly I shouldn't need to do anything to the shims, right?
Assuming something can lead to problems, there was a thread about this recently.
To be sure you need to pull the flywheel housing from the block and see what, if anything, is between it and the block.

Where did the "new" engine come from? Can you ask the PO about it?
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