Engine removal - why drain oil?

[Rushingphil]

About to remove my engine. The manuals say to drain the oil first. But why do I need to or am I being dense? Only reason I can think of is because of the steep angle required.

Many thanks

Phil

 

[jonbills]

You don't have to.

 

[MaximG]

You only need a steep angle if you’re removing the box at the same time. No need to drain oil, just don’t lay it on its side.

 

[Rushingphil]

Many thanks to you both - thought I was going mad!

Presently planning on taking the engine and gearbox out together - but we'll see

 

[AliK]

I drained mine as I was paranoid about reducing every Kg of load on the engine crane - but really didn’t need to! I also found taking the wheels off and putting the car on axle stands helped a lot: 1. For manoeuvring the very wide legs of my crane and 2. the front of the car will rise as the weight of the engine is lifted.

 

[Mark N]

Many thanks to you both - thought I was going mad!

Presently planning on taking the engine and gearbox out together - but we'll see

You'll probably want to drain the gearbox then!

 

[Rushingphil]

I drained mine as I was paranoid about reducing every Kg of load on the engine crane - but really didn’t need to! I also found taking the wheels off and putting the car on axle stands helped a lot: 1. For manoeuvring the very wide legs of my crane and 2. the front of the car will rise as the weight of the engine is lifted.

A couple of good points there - thanks! Although I'll probably be doing the job with the car on my lift.

 

[Rushingphil]

You'll probably want to drain the gearbox then!

Yes - thanks for the heads up. That would have made a mess

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Just a tip about draining the gearbox - make sure you can remove the filler plug first.

 

[Rushingphil]

Thanks Rob! learnt that one already

 

[MaximG]

Never tried taking both out at the same time always thought it was a faff not worth having. For the sake of something like 6 bolts on the bell housing I always felt separating it was easier. You’ll probably end up taking them apart anyway to either check or replace the clutch anyway.

 

[Rushingphil]

Thanks. I've read lots of differing views on which way is easier! I'm doing this on my own so can imagine that removing both units will be a handful.

Also, going through it in my mind overnight; the car is on my lift so I doubt if I can get my gearbox jack under there anyway.

So will probably do it seperately after all!

 

[Bazzateer]

Engine and gearbox oils are consumables. For ease and cleanliness sake I'd drain both before removal.

 

[Mr.G]

As others have said, leave the oil in. Especially if you are planning on storing the engine. I just collected my original L24 engine from long term storage over 20 years, the garage had a leak and lots of things had gone rusty. Luckily putting oil in the bores before I stored and leaving the oil in it meant that it turned with little effort.

I also agree to undo the box and remove separately, never done it the other way but can't think how it can be easier.

 

[Rushingphil]

Many thanks for all the replies and advice

Ended up leaving the gearbox in the car - mainly because my lift would have made it difficult to pull the gearbox out attached to the engine.

Will update my thread shortly, but - is it ok to rest the engine on the sump? I've seen plenty of photos with them on the floor like that, but doesn't it damage the sump/faces?

 

[jonbills]

Many thanks for all the replies and advice

Ended up leaving the gearbox in the car - mainly because my lift would have made it difficult to pull the gearbox out attached to the engine.

Will update my thread shortly, but - is it ok to rest the engine on the sump? I've seen plenty of photos with them on the floor like that, but doesn't it damage the sump/faces?

It's preferable not to - you can support it with blocks of wood under the sump bolt flangey bits.

 

[yellowz]

It's preferable not to - you can support it with blocks of wood under the sump bolt flangey bits.

I dropped mine onto an old tyre

 

[Rushingphil]

I dropped mine onto an old tyre

Yes - thank you! Completely forgot about that!

F**k I'm getting old and forgetful

 

[AliK]

I did this ....

It makes it much easier to handle too and roll about.

 

[yellowz]

I used a wheel dolly with the tyre on it and dropped the engine on that, similar idea. Car wasn't going to move anywhere at the time!