Engine removal query

[steve.thomas]

Hi,
Does anyone know if it is necessary to drain the sump before removing the engine? Both the workshop manual and Brian Buckland's book recommend to do so, but it's not clear why. Will the oil overflow from the dipstick hole or elsewhere due to the angle of lift needed, or is it simply an assumption that you are probably going to dismantle the engine anyway having gone to the trouble of removing it? (In my case i'm only removing it to change the clutch).
Thanks
Steve

[512BB]

Steve,

Brian who??????

If you can get oil to come out of the dipstick tube when removing your engine, I will give you a tenner.

Drain it because 1. Its easier with the engine in the chassis.
2. With the engine at a steep incline, it will submerge the rear oil seal and housing, and probably leak. 3. The engine will be lighter for removal.

Good luck with it.

Mr X

[types26/36]

Steve,
Brian who??????
3. The engine will be lighter for removal.

[elanman999]

Steve,
If I'm not dismantling the engine I don't drain the oil. As stated it makes the engine a tad heavier but it's not a big deal.
Just my 2p.
Cheers
John

[Hawksfield]

Hi Steve

Leave the oil in for a clutch change its not a problem

Drain it because 1. Its easier with the engine in the chassis.
2. With the engine at a steep incline, it will submerge the rear oil seal and housing, and probably leak. 3. The engine will be lighter for removal.

:lol:


If it was susceptible to leaking at that angle it would be leaking in use

[512BB]

The workshop manual and Brian someone or other, recommend draining the engine oil when removing the engine.

Two other folk say it will be fine left in, and roll their eyes, apparently because if it does not leak when the engine is in the horizontal, it won't leak when its at a 60 degree incline.

Its a 5 minute job to drain the oil Steve...............you make your own mind up. You have heard the experts !

Leslie

[gjz30075]

I drain it because it's slightly less weight to lift.

Greg Z

[steve.thomas]

Thanks for the replies. As opinion differs I'll drain it as that seems the safest thing to do.