Hi all,
I’ve got to replace the engine on my project 5, I’ve located a standard 1.8 to replace the 1.8 thats already in there but wondered if there’s any advice particular to the MX5 for replacing the engine?
I’ve done engine’s before, done gearboxes before too but all on transverse engines. I was planning on removing the engine with the gearbox in place but removing the radiator etc to allow me full access. I can then flush the radiator through as well whilst it’s off. The new engine will have a waterpump, cambelt, crank and camshaft seals replaced as well as the input seal on the gearbox replaced.
I plan to clean the engine bay whilst I’m in there and deal with any surface rust as well, but plan on retaining the existing clutch as it seems fine in operation and I don’t mind dropping a gearbox on a weekend if needed later down the line. The new block will get a lick of black engine enamel and the rocker cover a good going over with a colour of my choice (the car is going to have it’s very own theme).
So, any special tips? any known “DO NOTS”? anyone in the Gatwick area want to lend a hand in return for a packet of crisps and some auto-electrical wizardry 
Thanks again,
Dan
Hi Dan, personally I prefer to remove the gearbox first then pull the engine out as it makes the slinging a bit safer.
Be prepared to snap the exhaust downpipe studs (can happen) while splitting the exhaust and make sure you have all the correct gaskets and O rings to hand to put it all back together.
There is a small pair of water hoses coning from the back of the head to the oil-cooler behind the oil filter, the other hose leads to a conector on the bottom of the throttle body- its a very good idea to replace them while the engine is out of the car as it is a bit tricky to do when they split and the engine is in the car.
Also make sure you replace the rear crankshaft oil seal and the pilot bearing in the flywheel and if the clutch is anywhere near 50% worn, nows the time to replace it.
There is a chap, Rael, from Gatwick who is coming on our Nurburgring 2012 Trip on his lonesome-he might come around to help you and learn a bit himself, you never know…
…if you get on you might even be able to go with him to the Nurburgring???
Can put you in touch if you like?
Dr. Eunos
I usually split the downpipe from the cat, leaving it connected to the manifold then unbolt the manifold from the head and take the whole shbang (is it a word?) out, up through the engine bay.
Hi Dr Eunos,
I’ve already started soaking the exhaust nuts with some maintainance spray for the time being, I’ll get the blow torch on them when it comes to that! The waterhoses look like they weren’t long replaced tbh, so I’m hoping they’ll be ok. I’m planning on taking a week of evenings to complete the swap including a good clean up etc.
I’ve ordered a rear crank seal but not a pilot bearing, is it worth doing whilst apart or can it wait till the clutch lets out? (I’ve just brought the car and keep finding that it’s just had a new this or a new that and the clutch has a lovely action low down on the pedal so not rushing to change it unless it shagged on removal).
I quite fancy the Nurburgring tbh, I’ve already go plans to go with some friends on convoy but if we can all end up joining up I’ll see how people are fixed for dates. (They’ll be in e-types so not too bad company). Might be worth pm’ing him my name and see if he fancies lending a hand for the refit day, it’s always handy to have another set of hands about to align things properly.
Ta,
Daniel
Well I started stripping today in a break from work.
Took off the airbox, exhaust manifold, PAS pump and the charcoal canister before shooting off to work again. All came off surprisingly easily, having found that the garage who did the supposed headwork to the car before I brought it forgot to refit the bolt between the downpipe and the transmission! what a result, meaning it all came away without issue!
It’s loosing water and oil through all 4 exhaust ports so I recon they just used a rubbish headgasket or fitted the head wrong. The engine has also had a replacement raw plug, so without further waiting the engine that I collected on wednesday will be going in next week, along with an engine bay detailing to make it nice and shiney for the summer.
I’ve ordered new seals and o rings and things from the guys down at mx5 parts which hopefully will arrive tomorrow or monday. I havent ordered a rear main seal, gearbox input or pilot bearing as I’m going to keep the clutch thats in there, if it starts leaking oil or slipping then I’ll just drop the tranny to do the lot. A cost affective compromise me thinks!
Eitherway, this time next week I’ll have an MOT able MX5!