My first engine install

[bakerhillpins]

Friend of mine has a 65 Ford Galaxy convertible that chewed up its valve train last fall so he pulled the engine and rebuilt it. I had been trying to get over and help him with the work but either I was busy or his domestic water system crapped out. Its always one thing or another eh? Anyhow, was able to go over and help him get it back into the car this afternoon. We screwed around for 3 hrs trying to get the flywheel to mate up to the torque converter, get the engine mounts lined up and get the bell housing bolts in all at the same time..  I'm sure a good number of you know the drill.  I have never done this stuff before so its a joy for me to get some time in before I venture out on my own.. So before our fourth attempt we re-read the shop manual, this time I decide rather than read the install instructions I will read the removal instructions and try the reverse order concept. As it turns out the removal instructions talk about loosening up the vibration isolators mounted to the engine. No mention of this on the install instructions. Well we took the removal advice and the dam thing popped right together and within 25 minutes we had the transmission bolted back up and the engine mounted back in.  I had to leave for dinner with the family but I might slip out of some duties tomorrow to help put the rest of the innards back together.

I had a blast and its got me more hopeful for the future! Beats the hell out of caulking and painting the exterior of the house!

FUN! Now I can say I have done it, and its not such a scary proposition anymore.

Bryan

[rt green]

good for you.  learn to work on fords and you'll always have a job..lol   seriously, feels good don't it.

[bakerhillpins]

Fords/Chevies/whatever, just need wrench time under my belt. I got the maintenance basics but need more of the big stuff.

Yes, feels great! 

[Back N Black]

Good Job! My hat is off to you guys that don't have a lot of mechanical experience and take on complete restorations.   

[Charger_Fan]

Good Job! My hat is off to you guys that don't have a lot of mechanical experience and take on complete restorations.   

Good for you.

[1969chargerrtse]

good for you.  learn to work on fords and you'll always have a job..lol   seriously, feels good don't it.