How to Put in a New Crate Motor

Crate motors are exactly what the name implies: a pre-assembled motor that comes shipped in a crate. They are an easier alternative to rebuilding an engine yourself and provide better performance gains. Rather than pulling out an old engine, shipping it away to be rebuilt and then having to complete the assembly yourself, you simply take a crate motor out of the crate and drop it into place in your vehicle. Many crate engines come with factory warranties. Some items will be easier to install on the new crate engine before it's installed in the vehicle, such as brackets, oil filter, manifolds, sparkplugs, accessories, water pump, etc. Also, some general knowledge of auto repair is practical before attempting to install an engine.

Things You'll Need

• Socket set
• Pry bar
• Ball-peen and dead blow hammers
• Floor jack
• Mechanics creeper
• Engine hoist
• Flat tip and Phillips screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Drill
• Scanner tool/timing light
• Lady slipper/line-up tool
• Torque wrench
• Crate engine
• Shop rags
• Drain pan
• Vehicle service/repair manual
• Engine oil
• Anti-freeze
• Sparkplugs and wires
• Drive belts
• Brake parts cleaner
• Abrasive pad

Instructions

Preparation

1. Clean all of the engine mounting surfaces with brake parts cleaner and an abrasive pad. Some new engines have paint on the gasket surfaces; it is important to have these surfaces clean for proper gasket adhesion.

2. Fill the crankcase with 5W-30 motor oil for use in the first 50 to 100 miles of initial break-in. Pre-fill the oil filter and pressure lube the internal engine parts before cranking the engine. To pressure lube the internals, rotate the oil pump shaft with the drill, turning the same direction as the engine rotation.

3. Check the firing order on the spark plugs and wires to ensure they are in the right location before start-up. Also check the static timing with either a scanner tool or a timing light, depending on the make/model/year of your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle's operator's manual for the specifications of your vehicle.

4. Secure the vehicle on jack stands and set the emergency brake. Chock the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.

Installation

1. Raise the engine from the floor and lower it into the vehicle using the engine hoist. Align the motor mounts and the transmission bell-housing. Use a lady slipper to align the motor mount and bell-housing bolt holes. Tighten the motor mount and bell-housing bolts to torque specifications as outlined in your vehicle's service manual.

2. Install the fan and all of the accessory pulleys. Tighten the bolts to torque specifications. Install the new drive belts onto the pulleys. Route all hoses to their proper locations (see service manual for routing information) and tighten the hose clamps.

3. Reattach the throttle cable or linkage. If the transmission is automatic, reattach the kick-down linkage. Reconnect the throttle return springs.

4. Install a new fuel and air filter. Flush the oil cooler. Change the coolant. Refill with a 50/50 mix of new anti-freeze. Long life anti-freeze is recommended for maximum protection in new engines.

5. Check the oil dipstick for correct oil level. Fill to the proper level if needed.

6. Connect all the wires: make sure the connectors are free of dirt and corrosion. Check that the connections fit tightly and that all wires are properly routed away from heat sources and spark plug wires.

7. Check that the battery is fully charged and replace if needed. Make sure the battery cables and the engine ground strap are clean and tight. Replace if necessary.

Before Engine Start-up

1. Check and double check that all hoses, wires, vacuum hoses, fuel lines and emission hoses are all in place.

2. Double check that the throttle cable and return springs are connected. Check the A/C hoses to ensure that they are connected and not leaking.

3. Check the engine ground straps and tighten if necessary. Now you are ready to start the engine.

Engine Break-in

1. Start the engine.

2. Run the engine at 1,500 to 2,500 RPM for 20 to 30 minutes by applying pressure to the gas pedal or the throttle lever on the engine. Vary the engine speed to break in the camshaft and lifters properly.

3. Allow the engine to idle after the break-in period. Observe that all parts are running properly and make any engine adjustments necessary. Check that the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

4. Test drive the vehicle. Be sure to check for any hesitations in acceleration.

5. Check that all the accessories are working properly: A/C, cruise control, heater. Return to garage.

6. Restart the engine a few times after the test drive to make sure it starts with no problems. Recheck the fluid levels. Look under the vehicle for leaks. Change the oil and filter after the first 100 miles.

References

• The Gray Line
• Crate Motors as an Alternative to Rebuilding