Eventually, every engine that has enough miles on it or that is losing power due to internal problems will have to be replaced or rebuilt. Rebuilding an engine is a rewarding way to make sure that the engine has the components that can make it the powerhouse you want. Rebuilding your own engine is also a good way to become more familiar with your car's engine and how it works as well as saving a good deal of money.
Drain the cooling system. Disconnect all of the hoses in the cooling system by loosening the clamps with a straight screwdriver. Remove the hoses by twisting them back and forth while pulling them away from their connections. Remove the radiator, drive belt(s) and cooling fan. Disconnect and remove the driveshaft. Disconnect and remove the starter. Drain the oil and remove the oil filter.
Label and disconnect all electrical connectors and vacuum connections. Label and disconnect fuel lines and any oil or cooler lines. Remove the hood by removing the four bolts securing it to the hinges. Disconnect and remove the air intake hoses and air filter box. Remove the power steering hoses by turning the flare nut fittings with a flare nut wrench counterclockwise, loosening the clamp on the return hose and removing the hose from the nipple. Drain the hoses into the same pan the engine oil was drained into.
Remove the air conditioning condenser without disconnecting the hoses. Remove the bolts securing the air conditioning compressor to the block and lift the condenser and compressor clear of the engine. They can be set on a fender cover to protect the paint. Remove the battery and cables. Remove the throttle cable from the throttle body or carburetor.
Remove linkages, vacuum hoses, electrical connectors, speedometer cable and rear transmission mount from transmission. Disconnect and remove the driveshaft. Remove the exhaust manifolds. Place the block of wood on the jack pad and place the jack under the engine oil pan. Raise the jack to support the engine. Remove the bolt securing each motor mount to the frame mount. Connect either end of the hoist strap/chain at the front and rear of the engine, clipping the strap/chain into the hoist hook.
Raise the engine out of the vehicle. The front of the engine will need to be higher than the rear to allow the transmission to be removed with the engine. Remove the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and any brackets from the front of the engine. Remove the bolts securing the transmission to the engine; separate and lower the transmission. Attach the engine stand to the rear of the engine with four bolts. Remove the lifting strap/chain from the engine and move the engine hoist out of the way.
Disassemble the engine and clean all of the parts thoroughly. Inspect the pistons, crankshaft, camshaft and valves to determine what needs replacement and what can be reconditioned.
Reassemble the engine, paying careful attention to proper torque specifications and sequences.
Reinstall the engine, reversing steps 1 through 5.
