Engine install tip

[wpavlis]

I should be getting my engine back from the machine shop soon. I have a couple friends willing to help but i thought i would ask if anyone has any general tips or tricks to share?

I was also wondering about the best way to reinstall the transmission. Its a 3 speed column shifted unit. Would it be easiest to install it and the clutch prior to installing the motor or should i just install it after installing the motor. I have a transmission jack if thats the easier way to go.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Bill
1968 c10 lwb

[mongocanfly]

At the very least I would have the clutch a p-plate installed before I put the engine in.
Use a clutch alignment tool to do this...
ive done it both ways..all together and in pieces....really depends on the equipment you have...
Engine hoist,,,,leveler,,,,,trans jack,,,,,buddies..
..but its easier to put it all together in the floor.....and then install as one unit

[GASoline71]

Bolt it all together and install it as one unit. I use a lift plate bolted to the intake to lift engine/tranmission combos all the time.

Gary

[wpavlis]

Thanks. I don't have an engine leveler but i do have one of those carb plate lifters. At a minimum i figured the clutch assembly should be installed. Can you put the clutch fork in after the transmission? I figured it would get in the way if it was installed.

[mongocanfly]

Mines a different setup...but I put mine all together with out the clutch fork in...planned on doing it after the install...would not go...had to tear it all back apart....lesson learned...

[mattfranklin]

With a smaller transmission it's easier. With my monster SM465 I have to do the transmission separate from the engine. Just couldn't manage to clear everything, even with the shifter removed. If the cab were off, I would have been ok, though.

[wpavlis]

I should be getting the motor back this weekend. My plan currently is to install the intake, pan and timing cover this weekend. Then next weekend install the bellhousing, flywheel and clutch and drop the motor in. I will then install the clutch fork and transmission.

I took my motor stands off and sandblast and painted them. I noticed they are somewhat adjustable. What do i need to do in order to make sure the motor is aligned correctly? I am probably overthinking this.

[Dead Parrot]

Install and shim the starter while the engine is out. Practice stabbing the transmission and installing the fork with the engine out. That way you already know any issues before you are underneath the truck looking up and cussing at something that isn't going together.

Depending on how much of the front end is out of the way, install the balancer, main pulley and water pump.

Put an old set of plugs in to prevent any crap from getting in the cylinders during installation. Clean rags in the exhaust ports for same reason.

[mongocanfly]

better make sure you can install the clutch fork after assembly before you assemble...I found out the hard way mine wouldn't go in after assembly..had to pull it all back apart

[rsavage]

Originally Posted by wpavlis

Thanks. I don't have an engine leveler but i do have one of those carb plate lifters. At a minimum i figured the clutch assembly should be installed. Can you put the clutch fork in after the transmission? I figured it would get in the way if it was installed.

NO. The transmission input shaft would more than likely be in the way even if you had the clutch release bearing on the input shaft already ( can't put it on after the transmission is in). The bearing (make sure you put it on the right way) should be snapped into the fork and the fork on the ball of the bell housing prior to the trans being installed. Make sure your motor has a good pilot bushing in the end of the crank.
Do the job on a concrete smooth and level area.