Simplified Engine Removal and Refitting

R H Johnston

The recommended method for engine removal and replacement is by lowering the engine, and removing it from beneath the car. Without a pit this is relatively difficult and dangerous as the car must be raised very high. It is also unnecessary, as the engine (without gearbox) can be removed through the bonnet, though the bonnet has to be raised higher than normal. (The stay can be rested on the top of the fresh air heater box, if fitted.) The engine and gearbox can also be removed as a single unit through the bonnet: this is fairly easy with the A30, but is very much harder with an A35, because the remote gear linkage housing fouls on the toeboard bodywork.

When replacing the engine alone, it is easier to make sure that the engine does not hang on the input shaft of the gearbox if the car is level on the ground and free to move forwards and backwards. The engine itself is supported using the two eyes provided, but they are linked by a strong bar with holes which enables the lifting point used by the hoist to be adjusted so that the engine is exactly level. The gearbox is supported by a trolley jack, or any other method which gives support while at the same time allowing the car to move backwards and forwards. With this arrangement it is easy for one person to refit the engine without risk of damage to the gearbox bearings, by moving the car forwards to engage the input shaft of the gearbox onto the suspended engine.

Whilst great care is taken to ensure that the technical information and advice offered is of the highest standard, neither the author, nor The Austin A30/A35 Owners Club, or the Officers of the Austin A30/A35 Club accept any liability at law for any death, injury or loss whatsoever arising from the use of advice contained in this article.