OK i now have a problem on hand. I have a dry camshaft bearing and it is/was squealing like crazy. I have found an engine at a junkyard that has 104,000 miles on it and it is guaranteed for 30days. I have bumper, grille, a/c condenser, radiator, a/c compressor, alternator and bracket off the truck and need advise has how to easily remove the engine(318) with out taking the fenders off. I assume that i will have to get the truck on stands, remove the wheels and inner fender wells to get to some of the bolts. any advice would appreciated.
Thanks,
BIGKAT

 

You should have your bolts for your motor mounts and then unbolt it from the trans and lift it out. Easiest way would be to have a hoist that will go high enough to lift the engine straight up and out.

 

I just did a motor swap on my 95 318 and all i took off was the hood and radiator. Comes out really easy. I had the heads off when I pulled the old one and I used the 4 corner head bolts to lift it out, then when I put the new one in, it was fully assembled, so I loosened the manifold bolts, looped the chain around the exhaust manifolds and tightened the bolts back down. Worked great, but try to get the motor at the proper angle before it goes in as it will make bolting up to the tranny smoother.

 

is it a real PITA to get to the bellhousing bolts on the back of the engine block?

 

I've done that twice now, and the easiest thing to do by far is remove the inner fender wells like you questioned in your first post! In fact, if you have to get to ANYTHING at the back of the engine, the easiest thing to do is remove those inner fender wells.

If you have an impact gun, removing the inner fender wells takes about a minute, and saves a huge headache.

 

Cant they be replaced?

 

this is what i have done so far wont beable to get much done until tuesday and wednesday of next week..

 

I figure if i have to replace the camshaft bearings that means a rebuild and it would be cheaper to throw a $300.00 engine in it thats guarenteed for 30 days and swap it right quick. I will then have the original motor to rebuild over time and then swap it back after performance mods over the winter.

 

What are your plans with the engine your putting in now after that

 

Probally a spare for my grandpas 84 ram or something..