Step one... Remove Engine...

Today I finished adding the needed reinforcing beams to hoist an engine in my one-car garage. After an aborted attempt to use a pully setup, I attached my lift cable to a come-along and tossed it over the top of the composite beam, securing it to chains that I bolted to strong-points on the motor (AC bracket, starter bolt, bellhousing, intake manifold lower brace bolt). The engine came up easily. Since the 1800 is presently immobile (no wheels), I rested the motor on some lumber that I placed across nose of the P1800. This is my first solo experience removing an engine, so I feel a pretty strong sense of accomplishment.

The motor itself is destin for the Amazon and a limited period of time as an HIF6-carburated engine (temporary until I switch over to a D-Jet). After I clean the B20 thoroughly, seal any oil leaks and repaint it, I'm going to pull the Amazon's B18/M40 and install the B20E/M41. Ideally, I should do some clean up and rust-proofing of the amazon's engine compartment while it's empty.

a couple questions.
1) the B20E has been leaking oil from the valve cover for a rather long time (long before I bought it). Shortly after my purchase, I added a rubber neoprene seal and my cast IPD valve cover which stopped the leak and most of the oil loss. However, the engine is still amazingly gunky. It will be quite a task to clean up. Since the switch will not be immediate, should I do any particular service while I have the motor out?

I think the compression is good, so no reason to pull the head (120,000 total miles). I'm going to replace the oil pan gasket for sure, but should I do anything else? I have an updated timing cover and rear main seal available, but I'm not sure what the original B20 seals are like (felt or neoprene)...

2) When I extract the amazon's motor, I'm thinking that the safest bet would be to drain and pull the radiator, remove the cross-beam, and try to pull the motor and tranny up and forward as a single unit. Since my "beam and cable" motor extraction setup is "stationary" I figure the best I can do is maneuver the car backwards and foward as I raise/lower the motor and tranny.

Any advice on how to improve this whole setup economically is appredicated.

Also. I do not have or really want to buy an engine stand. Has any built any sort of engine "cart" with lumber? If so, can someone share a photo?



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1967 P220 (My every-other-daily driver...), 1971 P1800 (The Parts Car), 1972 145S (1993-1997), 1977 245 DL (1993-1999), 1983 245 (1998-2001), 1986 745 GLE (1997-2005), 1990 740 GL (2003-4), 1995 945 (2005-Present)....