It won’t go back in!

[mm1000]

I was feeling quite chuffed as I had pulled the engine out of my 1974 1800. I cleaned and painted the block with new rings, bearing etc and put on a new clutch. Putting the block back in however has been a nightmare. I have got the block and bell housing bolted together, eventually but I cannot get the engine mounts to line up. The engine seems to have grown wider by about 3cm. The engine will no longer turn over by hand but I’m hoping this is just an alignment issue as the top engine to bell housing bolts aren’t tightened yet.

My next plan is to pull the motor and then take out the gearbox. Put the engine back in and then put the gearbox on but space is limited in my garage so I’d rather not have to go to such extremes.

I’d be might grateful for any suggestions

Ben

[focodave]

Loosen the motor mount nuts from the underside of the cross member.
Don't remove the nuts completely -- just loosen them enough so the motor mounts can slide up and down in the slotted holes in the cross member.
The bolt heads are hard to reach, but it can be done through the holes on the underside of the cross member -- you will need a u-joint on your socket at the end of a socket extension.
Raise the motor just enough to allow the motor mounts to be slid in their slotted holes in the cross member, allowing you to get everything aligned properly.
Lower the motor and tighten all bolts up.
It WILL go back in -- I have done it myself just like thousands of others have also done in the past.

[mm1000]

Great - I’ll give it a go this weekend and let you know how I get on!
Thanks

[mm1000]

Thanks very much - it worked a treat! Strange how it doesn't mention that in any manuals I have.

[focodave]

Ben,

Your very welcome -- glad it worked out for you!

Happy motoring....

Dave