Engine Sideplate Removal.

J

j_radcliffe

Active Member
Does anyone have experience in removing the right engine side plate with the engine in the car. I suspect that I have a build up of sludge in the block, and I do not have access to lifting equipment to remove and replace the motor. The other option I am thinkng of is to remove top and bottom radiator hoses, take out the thermostat, and then remobe the drain lug in the rear of the motor and flush the block with the water hose down the thermostat housing hole.

James.
 
Personally, I'd avoid removing the side plates without taking the engine out first. This is because I did the same job on an engine on my garage floor and managed to sheer two of the fasteners. Drilling out and retapping new threads would have been impossible with the engine in the car.
Perhaps I was just unlucky. Anyone else had similar problems?

There was about an inch of sludge in this one, so it was a job well worth doing.
 
I've never removed the engine to do either of the sideplates, but they are a bit restricted for access, especially behind the oil pump housing on the RHS. I've never sheared a bolt either, but I know it happens. Personally I'd do them in situ, and only remove the engine as a last resort if a bolt shears which you can't get at to drill out. They are a bit of a back-breaking job though.

I don't think you'll get the sludge out by flushing.
 
I've never removed the engine to do the side plates, I did support the weight of the engine on a frame and trolley jack so as to make replacement easier, it's a bit fiddly in places but be patient and you'll get it done in the end. It is worth doing as a lot of sludge does build up, I used bottle brushes and brake cleaner to get rid of it. My one needed a smear of sealant onto the block side as it was weeping a touch.
Hope this helps.
 
Willy Eckerslyke said:
Personally, I'd avoid removing the side plates without taking the engine out first. This is because I did the same job on an engine on my garage floor and managed to sheer two of the fasteners. Drilling out and retapping new threads would have been impossible with the engine in the car.
Perhaps I was just unlucky. Anyone else had similar problems?

There was about an inch of sludge in this one, so it was a job well worth doing.
Click to expand...


Yes I've had the snap, when I was taking them out! @ 37 years old they go like plasticine. Replace them all with new high tensile bolts. :) I was rebuilding my engine and so had it in the spare bedroom so a retap was easy. :)
 
I Have done the side plates both in an out of the car.

I would not remove the engine from the car to do them again nor would I remove the oil pump again.

It is fiddly but overall easier and you wouldnt be wondering what you forgot to reconnect when you are finished.

Bolts can shear so try and use spanners instead of ratchets especially when tightening.

I am not sure if this photo will be displayed.( for some reason my photos become unrecognised?)
53690510ef1e717fea1bf179715afd2481ec73a01e69d6fee866b5cd65597fc5c2fee4f2.jpg


If there is a blank then check them out on the album, There is about 6/7 photos of the different stages.http://photos.orange.co.uk/album/28712699

If you do it in situ I would remove the front wings as it will save you from scuffing them.

Oh and get them on Ebay from rolydoublesix sells the S&G Walker ones which are what is used in the photos. these are the BEST available and the ONLY ones I would consider buying as I have seen all the available ones. There is also a guy selling the gaskets but has them listed as bottom end gasket set 350135096407 or JRW.

Colin
 
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