Pulling motor and refresh suggestions

Hi Guys,

I am pulling my motor for the 1st time in March to cleanup a few minor leaks, replace the motor mounts and old rubber tubing etc. My shade tree mech friend has the Garage for it and will be doing most of the work.

Does anyone have any suggestions or links to good write ups etc. Since mine is a 16v I do not expect much to be out there unfortunately.

Value-bang for the buck type of ideas etc. welcome. Then later in the year it will be the ol' Shock suspension upgrade and I will be almost finished, with Paint and possibly wheels being the only big things left.

We will definitely be posting pics and a write up on it.

how is the compression? if good Id reseal the entire engine, timing belt and all associated gears/pump/tensioner.

motor mounts and any other hard to get to parts when the motor is in (heater line, a/c line)

clutch?

Good ones Malcolm, no clutch - Auto. Compression seems fine but it has not been tested yet. So that one goes on the list.

thanks!

Having the engine is a great opportunity for a lot of things on the 16V cars. Motor mounts, oil pan gasket, front & rear main seals, etc. The can tower gaskets are MUCH easier with the engine out. When you pull the radiator out, be very careful with the transmission cooler lines. The return line is NLA so, if you do need one, an alternative may be hard to come by as the hose is pretty unique.

On pulling the engine, it is easier to slide the transmission, TT, and bellhousing as one unit. Just loosen the two transmission mounts. Don't forget the clamps for the wiring harness at the cross member.

Thanks Austin good stuff. My mech buddy had already mentioned we may have to do something with the Tranny...you have just confirmed! Good tip on the Tran lines, I also assume we will be losing the A/C coolant?

I will keep a list of the suggestions and when it gets closer maybe post it once more to be sure...I only want to to this once!!!!

No need to disconnect any AC lines. I leave the condenser and AC lines in place. You can simply move the compressor out of the way. Going back in can be tricky. Sometimes it's hard to set the engine down on the mounts correctly. If all else fails, you can use a come-along cable puller at the starter bracket and pull the engine toward the rear to allow for the engine to fall into the correct place on the mounts.

If you're considering replacing the AC lines, then of course you'll lose the charge.