11 replies to this topic

[sprite72]

Hi all I am new to this , removing engines
My mini is a 1991 , I have got to get the engine out this winter .
What is the best way to get the engine out or the easiest way
Top or bottom on the sub frame .
Any help and advise would be great .
Thanks

[Anthony30]

I removed the engine from the top using an engine hoist. I think either way will be a PITA really.

[robminibcy]

out the top is easier. Mini engines are pretty easy to drop in and out. Just take time to make sure everything is disconnected before and during lifting. I always forget the gear linkage and then watch as the car starts to lift with the engine! Once out 2 people can lift it and carry it round.

[Spider]

I'll just say it depends on what you have to work with.

 

I take them out the top, always, even if I also need to drop the subframe. I do them this way as instead of ending up with one very heavy, big lump, I end up with one managable lump and the subframe, while not heavy, is a little akward. Even if I were to drop the subframe with the engine, I still have to get the engine out of the frame. I also feel I'm far less likely to damage the body doing it this way.

[ImagoX]

Do yourself a favor and buy an adjustable angle tool for the replacement phase (or, even better, a purpose-built unit like THIS ONE that holds the motor at precisely the correct angle as it dangles from the hoist) - makes getting the engine BACK into the car as easy as humanly possible.  Removal (as I found out) is the simple part; replacement is the real trick. Using the angle tool, I was able to get my engine back in place with the radiator already in the car and the exhaust manifold already bolted up, and didn't even scratch any of the fresh paint on the engine OR in the bay... a steal at three times the price IMHO.

 

Good luck!!! 

Edited by ImagoX, 03 December 2014 - 07:33 PM.

[Spider]

I have seen those tools but I will also say, I've never used one. I know many say they are good. I've only ever used some 3/8"  (10 mm) chain, just fasten under the front centre head stud and - for an Engine fitted with a Rod Change Gearbox - it is the perfect angle, only a few bucks. The Chain I use is about 18" long, it give me some shaking room, having the chain too short, regardless of what lifting bracket you may use, will make it harder to do. Perhaps I'd find those lifting tools would come in to their own on Eniines fitted Remote Shifts?

[Cooperman]

I once took the engine out of a Cooper 'S' by lifting the body off over the sub-frame. That was in 1969 and I've never done it since!

[Mini Manannán]

When I was much younger I remember my dad used to get his mate Dermot round, he would just tie a bit of 'owl rope round the engine and lift it out then turn round and carry it to where my dad wanted it 

 

So if you know a 6'6" man mountain it's a simple task...

[CBJ805T]

I saw a chap using this on Wheeler Dealers last night - http://www.sgs-engin...0-load-leveller - made putting an engine & gearbox back in an Austin healey look very easy

[M J W J]

If you just want the engine out then take it out the top. Having the rest of the car's weight on the ball joints help prevents them from spinning when you undo the nuts.

 

I've done it both ways and its a pain to split the engine from the frame afterwards as its difficult to split the ball joints.

[sprite72]

It the engine and box that has got to come out

[Mini Mad Drakeley]

I have removed my engine 3 times without a hoist, twice through disconnecting the subframe entirely and lifting the shell up over the engine, I can do this in about an hour and a half, the other time I disconnected the engine and just got a mate round to help me just lift it out with a bit of carpet on the slam panel (wasn't the best of ideas but it worked) was very interesting lifting it back in though 

 

Adam

Edited by Mini Mad Drakeley, 04 December 2014 - 02:51 PM.