How to Replace a Car Engine Like A Pro

If you ever find yourself needing to replace a car engine, you’re not alone. The time and cost involved can seem pretty daunting at first. But the truth is, the process of replacing a car engine is easier than you might think.

While the cost of replacing a car engine varies with the number and type of components and the type of engine being replaced, the focus of this blog is to inform you of the step-wise process to replace a car engine that will help you achieve the best results at minimum cost and time.

What is the Engine Replacement Process in a Car?

Part I: Removing the old engine

• Remove the hood of your car to expose the engine. This will enable you to remove the old engine safely and with ease.
• Start by draining the oil through the oil drain plug, followed by draining the coolant through the radiator petcock. The coolant will still be in the system as you disconnect the coolant lines, even after draining the radiator. Both the fluids should be collected in two different containers to be later recycled, though it is crucial to remember that neither of the fluids can be reused in the new engine.
• Disconnect the intake pipe from the throttle body and the coolant pipes, and unbolt the exhaust. You should expect the coolant pipes to drip because the coolant remains in the pipes even after the radiator is drained. To avoid the coolant from spilling on the ground, place a container underneath.
• Disconnect all the appropriate wiring from the connectors. Be careful not to break the connectors, though, since they are usually made of plastic. If your car’s new, then you will have more wires to contend with.
• Remove all the bolts from the transmission and remove the engine carefully from the transmission. Once the transmission is out of the way, you can start disconnecting the three motor bolts. Now, you can either raise the engine using a cherry picker or raise your car. If you are removing the engine at home, raising the engine is preferable.

Part II. Installing a New Engine

Before installing a new engine, ensure that it is exactly like the old engine so that it will bolt in perfectly. Then lower or raise the engine into the engine bay carefully and secure it with the mount bolts before releasing the pressure of the cherry picker. Finally, secure the new engine to the old transmission.

Once the engine is in place, connect all the wires, sensors, and connections to it, including the coolant pipes. Then, reinstall the intake and its components, and connect them to the radiator. Connect the coolant lines with the radiator and run a final look over the engine to see if anything is being missed. Finally, refill your radiator with a 1:1 ratio of water and coolant and add the appropriate amount of oil to the engine.

This is how you replace a car engine. Now, all you have to do is to break the engine in! This means that you have to drive at varying speeds for some 100 miles, then repeat this with medium and then heavy throttle accelerations. Change the oil and repeat this pattern for the next 500 miles to smoothen out the performance and prolong the life of the engine.

Final Thoughts | How to Replace a Car Engine Like A Pro

Replacing a car engine requires grit and Google, whether you DIY or hire your car service provider like AutoWorx DE. But the million-dollar question is, is replacing the car worth it? The simplest answer is that you’re the one to decide if you want to rebuild, buy from a donor, replace, or just buy a new car! You can consult AutoWorx DE to help you navigate through the engine replacement process in a car without a headache.