Working our way to a short block

Ian and I started breaking down the engine today. We removed all the sheet metal (messy, can't wait to degrease and powder code that!), and removed the heads. I have to go to my friendly neighborhood discount tool center and pick up an impact wrench to remove the pulley (breaker bar ain't cutting it!) Ian got a glimpse of the pistons and we decided that one or two will make nice desk accessories once we are done. Any way, things look ok so far, a lot of carbon build up. We also had two head studs come out while removing the heads. I'm a bit worried that they pulled out of the case, but I figured that's not a huge deal since we'll probably be installing case savers when I get the machine work done for larger cylinders. We shall see...

Engine out

On Father's Day, Ian and I decided to drop the engine with the help of my good friend Mark. None of us ha any experience removing and engine, so it was interesting to say the least!

We jacked the car onto jack stands, jacked a wooden trolly under the engine, supported the tranny with another jack, removed the bell housing bolts (at least we thought we did), remove the horizontal bolts on the engine support and voila, a loose engine. Surprisingly easy.

Unfortunately, when we pulled forward and dropped the engine, we didn't realize that the lower studs on the bell housing, while the nuts where removed, were not cleared. This resulted in bent studs. Add that to the list of replacements. I didn't see any case damage, so that is a relief.

Oh yeah, after feeling quite manly removing an engine, we decided to test out my new smoker and smoke a chicken.  Good Father's Day all around! :)

Engine is out and on the trolley

Ian power!

On the engine stand

Another view on the engine stand

And So It Begins...

Today was our first official day working on the type 3. The previous owner had installed a single carb conversion. The height of the carb body and air cleaner where going to pose some problems when we drop engine. So, they had to come off. Originally, I was planning on removing the body from the intake pipes, but couldn't pry those loose. So, we removed the pipes from the heads and took it out in one piece.

Quote of the evening: after seeing how dirty his hands were, Ian said "Dad, you know we have mechanics gloves?" Well, I figured it would do him well to get his hands dirty for the first time!

Ian telling Julian, "See, the engine really is in the back!"

My hands are clean, so far

Looks like it's going fast, just standing still! :)

Waiting, waiting and waiting.

Well, the car has been sitting in it's garage cocoon.  We've removed all of the interior "stuff" that was piled inside.  The passenger side floor board needs replaced (ordered, still waiting for it to arrive via Greyhound Bus).

Hopefully, Ian and I will have the opportunity to drop the engine over Father's Day weekend.  We've been so busy these last few weeks with birthdays and graduations, not to mention that Ian's only with me about 1/2 time. Hopefully the summer yields plenty of time in the garage.  Time to get down to brass tacks and get working! :)