Engine removal

bootie3367 · Post by **bootie3367** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 7:22 pm

Hello everyone, new to this forum. Apologies if this has been asked and answered before. I did a quick search but couldn't see what I wanted.

So.... I'm about to remove the engine from my '81 Mk1. It's an 895 cc lump and only covered 36K miles. All gen as well.
Nothing wrong with the lump. I just want to know is it possible to undo everything than lift the body away from it and the front suspension rather than lift the engine out.
Doing a total strip down, refurbish and rebuild to cure the tin worm that has set in. Nothing too bad, most of it I will be attempting myself on a shoestring budget. Welding practice on the bits that can't be seen so that the bits that can be seen shouldn't look too bad. Have started taking pics and will post them up once I have hosted them elsewhere.
So far I have started at the back and am working my way forwards.
All interior out, rear axle off, tank off, rear hatch off, glass out.

Gonna be needing some bits and bobs so looking for advice on where to get stuff.

Will post later what I need

All the best

Jon

Gareth_GT_Hatch · Post by **Gareth_GT_Hatch** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 4:35 pm

yes, it is entirely possible to do that. you just need to remove the engine mounts , although I would detach the gearbox from the driveshafts. (It sounds to me like you want to keep it all together?)

omicron · Post by **omicron** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 7:38 pm

You mean drop the subframe off? I'm not massively experienced on Mk1's, but I don't see why not, it's probably the way I'd do it rather than craning over.

bootie3367 · Post by **bootie3367** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 2:00 am

Righto, I have another question on this. (please bear in mind this is my first Polo) Looking in the engine bay, the bracket for the left hand mount is also the alternator mounting bracket, does this come off the block, if not then the chassis member will not clear it on a straight lift. The whole block will have to be moved to the right (offside) for that to happen.
Yes your right I dont particularly want to split the gear box off. I know I may have to disconnect the drive shafts but is that necessary. If I keep the gearbox intact I shouldn't need to should I?
Obviously the suspension mounting to the front chassis members plus the torsion bar, and the sterring arms. I've got two weeks offshore to ask questions and think about the strategy.....
Exhaust downpipe? I would imagine so looking at it. How many times have people stripped the studs on them!

Any more help wiould be much appreciated. Especially if anyone has done this and can provide a step by step account.

Jon

Gareth_GT_Hatch · Post by **Gareth_GT_Hatch** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:44 pm

yeah thats one of the engine mounts I was referring to. its held onto the block with 3 bolts, you have to remove the alternator first though.

bootie3367 · Post by **bootie3367** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:15 pm

Cheers matey, I had thought that but ran out of time before I had a chance to have a good look at the set up in the engine bay. Well it's ggod to know it can be done, save a lot of spannering with those drive shafts.
AS I said the engine has only done 36K and has been serviced regularly, the only thing is it's a bit weepy from various seals and what not, so once it's out of the body I will be havin a go at that. Want it to be clean and shiney before going back in.
Having trouble getting pics to post from photobucket, will try again tonight.

Jon

Mk2Adam · Post by **Mk2Adam** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:22 pm

bootie3367 wrote:Having trouble getting pics to post from photobucket, will try again tonight.

try imageshack....so much better and easier to use in my opinion, also lets you re-size your image as you upload.

bootie3367 · Post by **bootie3367** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 2:36 am

Thanks, will try that tonight.

Jon