Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Engine removal

[ewcmr2]

With the lifting eye way back under the windshield just hooking a chain to it doesn't look like it's going to work. What's the usual method of lifting the engine out?



Will a chain pulled taut between the factory lifting eyes clear the cowl? I'm thinking about making a lifting bar (pipe/square stock) to hook under the rear eye and then have a chain link in the middle to grab it with the engine hoist.



The FSM says remove the transmission. Is that really necessary? Usually I put a jack under transmissions to support them and leave them in place.



Eric

 

[ewcmr2]

Ok, since our Cummins engines last so long and apparently not many people have ever removed one I'll answer my own questions (now that I've done it)



A chain pulled taut will work. I drilled a 1/2" hole below the hole in the rear lifting eye to gain a little more chain clearance.



You CAN remove the engine with the transmission in place. I used a ratchet strap between the frame rails to hold it up. With that being said I'll be removing the transmission to re-install the engine. With a normal car engine (Miata-Tundra) you can push/pull on the engine to get everything to line up. With the weight of the Cummins engine when you push/pull it barely moves. With a couple strong helpers I'd leave the transmission, by myself, it's coming out.

 

[Grizzly]

My hats off to you. I'm impressed. Now that you pulled it, what are you going to do with it?

 

[moparguy]

I had a series of post back in 06 (or so) on my engine rebuild of a 98. I fabed a lift/leveling bar in order to balance the engine during the removal process. I strongly recommend a leveling bar.



Also left the transmission inplace. No big issues, just work.



Good luck.



RR

 

[champspa]

I put 2 straps around the engine and pulled mine.

 

[ewcmr2]

Now that you pulled it, what are you going to do with it?

Back in '04 I receivied an oil analysis stating coolant in oil. A new head gasket and oil cooler didn't change anything. The cross contamination was never bad enough to see oil in water/water in oil so I just started doing oil changes before every big trip to get by for a while.



Now, five years later, after getting home from a Nebraska trip I was thinking I've pushed my luck long enough. Used Cummins prices have come down quite a bit since '04 so I bought a 94k mile replacement.



I haven't decided what to do with my original engine. With 270k and a internal coolant leak it not worth much as is. Pull the head and hope it's cracked then overhaul and sell. Keep 215 pump and turbo for spares and get rid of block. Put the whole thing in the corner of the garage for a rainy day...