Do you think that I could replace an engine by myself with no help at all?

Question

I recently ask a question about changing an engine. I said I have someone who do it for $600 beleived me or not, His name is Byron live in Connecticut and have all the neccessary tools to take an engine out of the car and put another one in. I think I could do it my self, because the mechanic has been doing this for 11 years, never went to school for it and was taught by his father. He just like me, an unlicense mechanic. I beleived that anyone could do this job, women or man, we are only human too. So if i could do it, then any one could. I built computers all day, it not easy but i do it by my own. SO,Can I or do you think I can do it on my own?

I am swapping an 1995 Mercury Sable 3.8 with a rebuilt 1995 3.8 engine with stronger gasket protection.

Answer 1

Well here is what you need to do it.
You will need a place to remove the engine, like a garage or shed.
You will need a hoist to lift the engine out of the car. I have a block and tackle attached to the roof of my garage.
You will need a good set of wrenches and sockets.
You will need an engine stand to put the old engine on, and
for the new engine before it goes in the car.
You will need a manual for the car, to tell you step by step
what to do. (try the chiltons manuals, they are available at
most auto shops)
Since this is your first time doing it you will need at least a day
to remove the old one, and another to put the new one in.

So to answer your question, yes you can do it yourself.
HOWEVER if you are not mechanically inclined or have not
worked on engines before, this will be a big job. 600 bucks
is not a bad price for doing this. Assuming they know what
they are doing. So think it out, do you really want to tackle a
big job like this? and if things go bad and it takes you longer,
can you be without your car for several days?

good luck

Answer 2

I don't know, can you?

I know my dad replaced an engine once with a friend and neither of them are licensed mechanics. It's basically a matter of following instructions in a manual. Some people have the aptitude for it and some don't - but anything is possible if you have the time, interest and commitment to see it through.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Yo can do it on your own. However, you will need a lot of specialized equipment. If you are only doing one engine, it may be cheaper to have someone else do it that to buy all the equipment and use it once.

Always remember, if you don't buy the right tool for the job, you will end up not having it and paying for it anyway.

Answer 4

Any person-male or female can do, what you want to do. The point is,are you mechanically inclined or adept at it? Do you understand theory of operation on a four stroke engine? Do you have a good head for mathematics and know how to apply them to the various problems encountered in mechanics? Do you understand tolerances and stress factors?
If you know these things,you may succeed at this venture.

I wish you all the luck you need!!!!!!!

Answer 5

it's all about the tools. You need to ask yourself, when I drop my engine, where is it going to drop to? Some may say "use a jack", to which I reply "no way" and hire someone else. And remember, just because we can do it, doesn't mean we have to, or want to. I've found that Knowing is most of the battle. That way I can observe some hot stud trying to prove something tear apart my engine, and still know he isn't ripping me off.

Answer 6

Yes. Get a pad and paper, get plastic part lables and get an A-frame winch. I've known several men who have done this themselves with no prior training. Things you will need to be aware of are: torque settings for various bolts, and making sure you know how to set the timinig correctly on the new engine.

Answer 7

SURE! I have watched the discovery health channel and think I might start operating on people in my house LOL!!!!
You don't just start ripping into a car because you think you can figure it out.
Maybe you will get it, but most likely you won't and you will end up spending more than the $600 to fix the mess you will put yourself in!

Answer 8

Technically, yes I think you could. However, if you needed someone to hold a tool or needed another pair of eyes to watch your back should something break, fall, etc., don't you think it would be wiser to have someone there?
By the way, I think your knowledge should be commended. Women are ace mechanics and we need more of them. Good for you!

Answer 9

It's a simple task for any person who is inclinded to do so.
With a engine hoist on level ground, it's a simple task, should take about 2 hours for you to do. Don't for get to ask questions and have someone standing by just to help pull or hand you a wrench. It's makes life easier.

Answer 10

My father has been a hot rod enthusiast most of his life. He replaced an engine in a 31 Studebaker with a hoist and I just helped him guide it in. So, it can be done, and with patience anyone can do it. He is an engineer by day and mechanic by hobby.