Editing How to rebuild an engine (section)
Jump to:
navigation
,
search
==Requirements== ===Tools=== You will need a basic set of hand tools, such as a good variety of boxed end wrenches, ratchet and socket set, screwdriver set, and a gasket scraper. This basic set of tools will get you through the majority of the disassembly steps. You will need a few special tools when it comes time to build or reassemble the engine. A good torque wrench and a cam bearing installing tool (or have the machine shop install the cam bearings). Also, you may need a ridge reamer, a ring groove cleaner (a piece of a broken ring can be carefully used for this), a ring expander, a ring trimmer, a ring compressor, and a good cylinder hone. If cylinder head work is going to be done, a spring compressor will be needed. Depending on how in-depth and involved you want to get with your rebuild(s) and how many engines you think you are going to rebuild, you may want to acquire some additional measuring equipment. Items such as a set of outside micrometers, an inside micrometer, vernier, dial or digital calipers and maybe a dial bore gauge can let you know precisely what your sizes are. A "snap gauge" set can be used for spring installed height, bore diameter, etc. Think of these tools as indispensable if you are planning to blueprint your engine or if this is going to become a routine thing. You will also need a decent engine stand. It will make your build easier to support the engine, keeping it from the ground, and also helps in tearing the engine down and keeping the engine clean at assembly time. An engine hoist is also a good addition if you plan on pulling and installing many engines. ===Purchasing tools=== When purchasing tools, it is best to consider the application and frequency of use. If the tool is intended for infrequent to frequent hobby use, the purchase of cheaper brands of tools such as Craftsman may be appropriate. But if the tool is intended for daily use in harsh conditions, especially in the context of automotive repair, an investment in higher quality tools produced by companies such as Matco, Snap On, Mac and Cornwell should be considered. ===Borrowing tools=== If you decide you need some specialized tools that you really don't want to invest money into right now, ask around in your circle of friends to find out if any of them have the tool(s) and will loan to you for the task at hand. It is common courtesy to return borrowed tools promptly and in better condition than they were lent; if a tool was dirty when it was borrowed, clean it before it is returned. Be aware of the industry notion that a tool that has been borrowed more than twice should be considered for future purchase. Also, Auto Zone will lend out tools for free, although they may require a deposit on the tool. Also, check with local rental stores, some of them carry items like torque wrenches and cam bearing installation tools, even engine stands, although I highly recommend you buying an engine stand because most of the times your engine will remain bolted to it longer than expected due to lack of time or money or availability of parts, and if you need to return the borrowed stand you'll get into some kind of trouble, a low cost stand will do fine for most small blocks, for a big block maybe you should install the accessories later when the engine is in the car. ===Renting tools=== There are some tools you will want to rent instead of purchasing, such as a cherry picker to remove and replace the motor in the car.
|
Editing help
(opens in new window)
Personal tools
Log in / create account
Namespaces
Page
Discussion
Variants
Views
Read
Edit
View history
Actions
Search
Navigation
Main Page
Recent changes
Random page
Help
All articles
Start a new article
Hotrodders forum
Categories
Best articles
Body and exterior
Brakes
Cooling
Electrical
Engine
Fasteners
Frame
Garage and shop
General hotrodding
Identification and decoding
Interior
Rearend
Safety
Steering
Suspension
Tires
Tools
Transmission
Troubleshooting
Wheels
Toolbox
What links here
Related changes
Special pages
Terms of Use
Copyright
Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Choices
Manage Consent