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| | | Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 32 | So I'm trying to make a list of tools I would need to disassemble and reassemble an engine. I have the basic socket and wrench sets. But my question lies with any specialty tools I might need for the bottom and top end of an engine.
For my first project I'm sending off my 235 to get machined and reassembled due to my lack of tools in the garage. But in the near future I would like to rebuild engines on my own so I can learn more and save money.
This weekend I am buying an engine hoist and stand to start off. So if you guys can think of some things your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
"Start living your dream now no matter what the sacrifice, and everything else will fall into place."
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,251 "Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!! | | "Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!! Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,251 | You'll need measuring tools, feeler gauges, etc. A good torque wrench. If you assemble heads, a valve spring compressor, maybe a head stand. That's just a few things off the top of my head. If you will be building a lot of engines, the more tools you should have. If it is an occasional engine just for you, you will buy some tools that will just sit until the next time you build a motor. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 | Rotating engine stand is key. Solvent tank is nice to have. Air compressor, good set of wrenches and sockets, torque wrench, digital temp gun is nice after a rebuild to check temp at all cylinders/thermostat, drip pan, good sturdy work bench, grease and some hand cleaner. If you do modern engine repair I recommend an adhesive spray to keep gaskets and stuff in place during installation, like valve cover gaskets and the like. Works on older vehicles also.
Last edited by Hollow65; 10/24/2013 1:54 PM.
I can explain it to you, I can't understand it for you.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 434 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 434 | www.goodson.comLast engine I disassembled (GMC 305 V6) I needed a ridge reamer http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-36500-Ridge-Reamer/dp/B000P0ZK1O to pull the pistons out without breaking any rings, other than that, I don't recall any special tools for taking things apart...except pretty sure I needed a pulley puller for the front crank pulley, and some 12-pt sockets for either rod bolts or rocker arm bolts... Can't think of anything else for the take-apart side. Is quite a bit easier than the assembly...
R-Bo
1959 Apache 1/2 ton Big Window, Short bed Fleetside (under reconstruction)
1966 GMC 305V6 in the family
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 | Cylinder hone and piston ring compressor for re-assembly.
I didn't check R-Bo's links, but they're probably in there.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | Make sure you have some 1/2" drive sockets for the head bolts and main cap bolts along with a breaker bar that is long enough so you can get the bolts loose. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,596 | Just a caution on the stand, opt for more than a bargain basement model. 216/235 engines are long and heavy. You need a good stable stand to work on them. It has been covered a bit on here as people have had engines tip on them. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | | | | | | Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 32 | Wow guys thanks for all the input. This is a really big help.
"Start living your dream now no matter what the sacrifice, and everything else will fall into place."
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 | The picture didn't come up for me, but I want to warn Los59 not to get a 3-wheel job. I had one once, and even a 'bolt 6 made it real unstable. It scared the bejeebers outta me so I got the engine off of it PDQ. I sold it at a garage sale for 10 bucks. (the stand, not the 6) 
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 32 | Ill be sure to remember that thanks.
"Start living your dream now no matter what the sacrifice, and everything else will fall into place."
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