Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Engine removal

1997 contour zetech 2.0 manual transmission

do you think its easier to remove the engine from above or remove it with the transmission through the bottom...or with the trasmission and out from above. any help appreciated thak you

I would say that for the majority of vehicles out there removing the hood then removing either the engine or both engine and tranny from above would be the easiest method IMHO. This also helps if you have a garage with open rafters and can pull the engine with a come-along and just roll the vehicle back and out of the way, then lower the engine to bolt to a stand. This is how I did my 4x4 and will probably follow the same plan with any other vehicle I overhaul.

I have seen it done by removing the whole subframe out the bottom, struts too, and others have done it out the top. These url's show both approaches:

out top

out bottom

There is 3.0 liter section and Duratec section in our site too.

pulled mine from the top while it was in garage. allowed to keep car out of site.

Bob

Pulled mine from top with the tranny. Just make sure all cables are disconnected, radiator out, ac compressor, front exhaust manifold and coil box. Should be a breeze from there.

i did mine from the bottom..only because i couldnt get the shift rods to disconnect from the tranny...

i have only removed engines from the top but have never removed a front wheel drive engine. i would like to remove just the engine leaving the transmissision in place. has anyone done this? does anyone not recommend this? thank you

Removing the engine and leaving the tranny is not going to work. Reason being is that the tranny must come back away from the engine to clear the flywheel. In order to do that the tranny has to be lowered IE the sub frame has to come out so you can lwer it enough to clear the inner fender skirt. I have removed my tranny from the bottom, and its a big job.Removing the sub frame and all the suspension is a PITA. If I had to do it again...I would remove the engine and tranny as one, and take it apart once you get it from the top. If you have a garage you can use the over head beams with a couple of supports added to pull the whole thing out as one. I doubt a cherry picker lift will give you enough room to clear the car, allthough it might. Best way is take it out the top...then roll the car outside so you can work on the engine. I tell you...taking it out the bottom, you need lots of tools and gear and its a ton of work...been there done that!!