I'm thinking of performing an intence engine repair myself. Any Tips?

I'm getting tired of the ingine noise that I get. And I've been doing minor repairs to the engine like taking out the intake to reach the heater hose and others. But I'm thinking of going in deeper so I can replace the heads, rods, and maby even the camshafts or the crankshaft.

Has anyone ever done this themselfs. Is this possible to be a do-it-yourself kind of project? I've read many repair manuels, and everthing looks pretty basic to me. Anyone can give me any tips before I start?

I've rebuilt a couple small block chevy's and a 231 buick v6.

I'd say the most important things are organization and attention to detail. Make sure to label all the wiring connections and hose routings. Taking pictures is great too.

Once the engine is out and on the stand make sure to lay all the pieces and parts out on a clean bench where the can stay until they go back on the engine. There are tons of things to pay attention to such as the arrangement and orientation of pistons, rod and main caps, timing marks, etc..

Plan on spending lots of time cleaning parts. Things like the power steering pump, oil pan, starter, and throttle body should all be cleaned up so the are in good shape to go back on the rebuilt motor.

Get in touch with your machine shop to make sure you deliver the motor in the state that they like to see it in. The block will most likely have to be completely stripped of every nut, bolt, and fastener before the machining is done.

Pay special attention to everything during reassembly. Torque specs, bolt tightening orders, gaskets, timing marks. Everything is very important.

I'd recommend getting a book specific to rebuilding the engine in question. Every engine has its own specific details and requirements that, if overlooked, can lead to failure. There might be a few special tools required as well. I don't know about the 4.6 in particular.

Also, check into the price differences doing your own rebuild and buying a proffessionally rebuilt engine. A lot of times it seems like the prices turn out to be really close to the same, and the remanufactured unit will probably come with a warranty. I will say that nothing beats the satisfaction you get from smacking the go pedal to the floor and hearing the engine that you built with your own hands wind up and scream down the road!

Good Luck!

I will say that nothing beats the satisfaction you get from smacking the go pedal to the floor and hearing the engine that you built with your own hands wind up and scream down the road!

Thats exactly what I'm hoping and aiming for!

Plus it was a good tip to take pictures. I had that in mind but never thought of it helping when taking everything apart. I'm even thinking of posting the pics here. So if anyone else browsing around here as the same problem can see what the cause could be.

I'll won't start yet, but I'll post my first pic of the engine from the outside without anything pulled apart yet.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2154/enginerc6.jpg

The 4.6 requires a camshaft lock tool(almost $200), a rocker-arm installation tool, dial indicator, positive stop tool, degree wheel, and feeler guages just to degree the cams. The mod motor is a little more complicated than pushrod motors, but anyone can do it. As with ant build, figure out how much it will cost and how long it will take and double that, even triple for time. ___B is right about the satisfaction from your own work, but the feeling when you go through a lot of time and trouble and forgot to tighten a bolt or put a gasket on wrong or some stupid little thing is indescribably sucky. That warranty means a lot on your daily driver. Just weigh your options and be true to yourself.

Well the warranty is long gone. And I actualy got my car from an elderly lady who just wanted to get rid of it. A very ridiculously low good price for it too. Just needed a little tune up, and a couple of filters to be replaced and was as good as new. Plus I suspect this car was an undercover cop used in the early 90's. It has a antenna similar to a CB radio's and a special slot for it in the dash or for something else. I know where to get some loaner tools. Advance Auto Parts is just around the corner to me and they sell loaner tools for every job, once I'm finished with them, I'll get a full refund for them. I'll try to keep all the bolts in place and remember where they all go.