I have a 1974 VW. How hard is it to remove the engine?

Question

I have metric tools. Can get more if need be. Where can I find free directions for removing the engine. Old engine being replaced with DC motor. Is it something an amateur can do? What should I do with the old engine?

Answer 1

The engine is easy to remove.

Four bolts hold it to the transmission and then there are the assorted cables and wires that connect the heater boxes, the carb., and the ignition.

Most engines can be dropped in about 30 to 60 minutes by two people and a beer apiece.

You will also need a floor jack and some jack stands.

1) Jack up the car so that there is about 2.5 feet of clearance between the bottom of the auto's skirt and the ground

2) Use jackstands to secure the car

3) Disconnect the electrical wires and tuck them out of the way

4) Disconnect the throttle line to the carb. If you have a manual choke for some reason disconnect that too.

5) Under the car, find the heater boxes and disconnect them.

ok.. you are ready to disconnect the engine.

6) Look for the two 17mm nuts and bolts on the bottom that hold it on. They are easy to find and easy to take off.

7) Found those? OK there are two more on the top. One of them is part of the starter and on the other side there is the hard one. Figure a 1/4 turn at a time for that one, but it will come off.

8) Got the nuts off.. ? Place a small square of wood on a floor jack and put just a bit of pressure on the bottom of the engine at the oil drain.

9) Grab on to the tail pipes and start pulling and wiggling.

10) From here on its a case by case basis. One of you wiggles and balances while the other manipulates the floor jack up and down to let the engine slide right out.

11) Once it clears the transaxle, drop it down and off the jack and walk it out from under the car. The engine only weighs a few hundred pounds or so..its easy to lever around by the tail pipes.

12) Go enjoy those beers now

Ta Da.. you're done

Does the old engine run? If so, put an add in the local craigslist and you can likely sell if for $300+. Leave it in the car and sell it first.. for two reasons

1) The buyer can hear it run
2) The buyer can help you pull the engine.

ok.. ?

Answer 2

to the jackass that said parts are hard to find, all you have to do is look. every thing is cheap and easy to get ahold of. why the heck do you think there are so many old school bugs still on the road? parts are easy to get, the problem is, sometimes, the quality is not great on aftermarket stuff. just get good brands, and they are pretty good old cars. lots of fun to drive, as well.