Rebuilding an engine can have greater benefits over buying a new one. It is cheap and can be fun if you are doing it on your own for a modified sports car. If you are rebuilding a Nissan dealership engine of a company vehicle or a commuter, the process might be challenging and time-consuming. However, with adequate planning, research, and preparation, the task could be much easier.
This article will focus on how to rebuild the typical pushrod engine. Many car brands such as Nissans have used the pushrod engines for many decades. It is preferred over other designs because of its simplicity, reliability, availability of spare parts.
Here is how you can easily rebuild a classic pushrod engine:
Step 1: Research and Preparation
You need to be adequately prepared before you begin the rebuilding process. That means you should do in-depth research of your vehicle and engine it uses. You can find a service manual that will give you accurate information and procedures for an effective engine rebuild.
Preparation also includes finding the right tools for the job.
Step 2: Drain off the car fluids
Use a jack to raise the front of your car. Remember to set the brakes and wheel chocks under the rear wheels. Drain all the fluids in the engine such as the oil and the coolants.
Step 3: Prepare for engine removal
You can do this while the fluids drain or do it after the fluids drain completely.
Remove the air tubes, filter housings, and plastic covers and place them in a labeled box.
Remove the radiator brackets, transmission lines, and the radiator. You can also disconnect the two heater hoses that lead to the firewall.
Disconnect all electrical connectors, the battery, starter, and harnesses.
Remove your cars starter and the exhaust manifolds.
Remove the air conditioning compressor and the belts.
The last step is to unbolt the engine from the transmission.
Step 4: Remove the engine
Position the engine hoist and attach the lifting chains to the strong engine parts.
Remove the engine from the motor mounts but leave the motor mounts attached to the car.
Carefully and slowly lift the engine out of the vehicle
Step 5: Mount the engine on an engine stand
Position the hoist above your engine stand and use bolts, nuts, and washers to secure the engine.
Step 6: Disassemble the engine
Once secured, remove the engine accessories, belts, the bare components, pushrods, rocker arms, cylinder head, timing chain, camshaft, and the piston rod caps.
Step 7: Clean and Repair
Clean the tops of the cylinders and the other removed engine parts.
Check for any damages on the crankshaft and if there is any, repair or replace the crankshaft.
Step 8: Prepare the engine for reassembly
Clean the engine block and inspect the walls
Replace the freeze plugs
Install new camshaft bearings and piston rings
You can now reassemble the engine but make sure you test the crankshaft before covering the whole engine. Reinstall the engine, refill the oil and coolants, and finally test the engine. Rebuilding an engine is not a walk in the park, but it makes an old engine feel brand new. Just make sure to have accurate knowledge and information and avoid doing guesswork.
