The Rover-Landers of BC

just a quick question for those of you who have removed the 3.9 out of a range rover. Has anyone found a less difficult way to get to the upper bell housing bolts for removal? I'll be removing the engine outside in the snow so I want to be in and out asap :P

Thanks,
Zbiggy.

Just thinking out loud here but if you are using an engine crane how about taking the weight of the engine, removing the motor mounts and then lowering the unit a little to give you more room at the rear?

Hi,
We did a swap a little while ago and although it was tight, once you drop the exhaust out of the way the bolts are fairly easy to reach. Like John says, it helps to lift the engine a little, remove the engine mounts then it can be dropped back down lower than before and making more room to get at the top bolts.
Cheers,
Andy
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq11 ... wap027.jpg
Hooked up and ready to lift up
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq11 ... wap022.jpg
Empty engine bay showing transmission connections
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq11 ... wap020.jpg
Side by side- the old and the not so old!

Oh, one other good tip, those two heater hoses that you can see in the 2nd photo with the engine removed.... change them while the engine is out!

They are just about impossible to reach the bulkhead end clamps with the engine in place!

I wish i had thought of that ...they failed on me about a month after the engine swap. :cry: ..DOH!

Thanks, i'll put that on my list of things to do. When I remove the engine mounts to give me that room wont it put more stress on the tranny mounts and bell housing bolts? Just a thought.

Removing the engine mounts is the easiest way. The tranny mounts are fairly flexible so shouldn't be any problem to drop the engine down without the front mounts in place. And it definitely gives you the room to work.

Dave

ohh right, Forgot about that... Thanks. going today to do it, wish me luck!