The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Do you have to remove the cab to swap the engine?

I have a '46 - 2 ton Chevy COE with a stuck engine. I have a running 216 that I could put in this truck. If I am just swapping the engine only, do I have to pull the cab or can I just remove the front clip to make the swap? Or is it too much work to swap the engine with the cab in place?
Thanks,
Chevman

Chevman,

You don't have to remove anything except the engine to remove the engine...huh!

If you disconnect the transmission and pull it back, take the hood off, your cherry picker will yank the old one out and stick the new one in.

Stuart

You're talking about a COE right?

I doubt the motor will come out through the hood opening. I don't own a COE of the same style, my oldest is a '47 2nd. I know the motors have been replaced in both of mine, but I didn't do it and don't know how it was done. I'm wondering if you remove the grill and radiator, and maybe the bumper, if it could come out the front. I've managed that approach on a 70's Chevy van.

Otherwise I'd investigate dropping it out the bottom... But to do that you'd need to remove the transmission, clutch, and bellhousing first, and then maybe tilt it backward to clear the front crossmember. And then you'll need to lift the truck to get the motor out from under it.

I'm really just guessing here, so hopefully someone who knows will come along and give some solid information based on experience. Isn't pooling ingorance fun!

YIKES.......I didn't see COE! belay my last Capt'n!

Stuart

This is what Id do... Or at least try to do...

Pull the front sheetmetal off your COE. This is what mine looked like when I did it.

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/...nt/?action=view&current=PICT0309.jpg

Remove anything that can be removed, generator, intake manifold, fuel pump, etc. Take the valve cover off and pull the whole rocker arm assembly with pushrods off. You may need to remove the oil pan to gain clearence. This should give you the few needed inches of clearence needed to lift the engine up and over the front cross member from inside the cab. Shim it with wood blocks, gently pulling it forward at the same time. It may take several tries but it should just squeak through until you can get it from the front with the engine hoist at an angle.

Worst case is to pull the head and that should give you the needed clearence.

TAKE PICTURES!!! Im interested to see what I have to go through at some point!

Jeff

I just did this on my '39; next time I think it's best to remove the front axle (just 8 nuts on the springs). This will make it much easier to roll the engine back in (or out).

I've got a COE too that's gonna get a bigblock someday. I was going to pull the body off anyway to recondition it all. But, couldn't you unbolt the front of the cab and loosen the rear and tip it back several inches?
Scott

take the head off. it isn't all that hard, and you will have tyhe clearance, with a short chain, to yank the engine. all sheetmetal from the cab forward comes off as well. do it likethat, and you will have few problems.

been there, done that.

good time to take the head in for a check too. i would bet money the head is cracked. most all of them are........

I had most of my sheet metal off the front and thought it looked like I could pull it out through the front - but I did'nt measure, just eye balling it. I am sure I will have to do it too some day :-) Like the truck, they sure crack me up how small they are inside. Good luck with yours Tom.