Engine removal — methods and precautions Ford F150
1. If you’ve decided that an engine must be removed for overhaul or major repair work, several preliminary steps should be taken. Read all removal and installation procedures carefully prior to committing to this job.
2. Locating a suitable place to work is extremely important. Adequate work space, along with storage space for the vehicle, will be needed. If a shop or garage isn’t available, at the very least a flat, level, clean work surface made of concrete or asphalt is required.
i.3a After After tightly wrapping water-vulnerable components, use a spray cleaner on everything, with particular concentration on the greasiest areas, usually around the valve cover and lower edges of the block. If one section dries out, apply more cleaner
i.3b Depending on how dirty the engine is, let the cleaner soak in according to the directions and hose off the grime and cleaner. Get the rinse water down into every area you can get at; then dry important components with a hair dryer or paper towels
3. Cleaning the engine compartment and engine before beginning the removal procedure will help keep tools clean and organized (see illustrations 3a and 3b).
4. An engine hoist will also be necessary.
Make sure the hoist is rated in excess of the combined weight of the engine and transmission. Safety is of primary importance, considering the potential hazards involved in removing the engine from the vehicle.
5. If you’re a novice at engine removal, get at least one helper. One person cannot easily
do all the things you need to do to remove a big heavy engine and transmission assembly from the engine compartment. Also helpful is to seek advice and assistance from someone who’s experienced in engine removal.
i.6a Get an engine stand sturdy enough to firmly support the engine while you’re working on it. Stay away from three-wheeled models: they have a tendency to tip over more easily, so get a four-wheeled unit.
i.6b Since many of the fasteners on these engines are tightened using the angle torque method, a torque angle gauge is essential for proper assembly
6. Plan the operation ahead of time. Arrange for or obtain all of the tools and equipment you’ll need prior to beginning the job (see illustrations 6a and 6b). Some of the equipment necessary to perform engine removal and installation safely and with relative ease are (in addition to a vehicle hoist and an engine hoist) a heavy duty floor jack (preferably fitted with a transmission jack head adapter), complete sets of wrenches and sockets as described in the front of this manual, wooden blocks, plenty of rags and cleaning solvent for mopping up spilled oil, coolant and gasoline.
7. Plan for the vehicle to be out of use for quite a while. A machine shop can do the work that is beyond the scope of the home mechanic. Machine shops often have a busy schedule, so before removing the engine, consult the shop for an estimate of how long it will take to rebuild or repair the components that may need work.