with the engine in the car? How hard is it? Is it easier just to pull the entire engine first?

Thanks!

 

Its not TOO hard but time consuming. Mainly because you got two major parts to remove which is the front and rear timing cover.

Then depending on which head you want to pull you talking about the piping with the coolant and all that jazz as well.

Not to mention the powersteering pump, AC compressor, Alternator all have to removed.

It can be done, but time wise, Im thinking it might be the same to pull the engine and do it on a stand not to mention many many saved bruises.

Dixit

 

Thanks, Dixit, just as I suspected. Second question, while I have your attention - is it easier to pull the engine out the top or bottom?

 

Stephen: With having done about 10+ engine swaps (two on my car), I vouch that pulling from the top is the easiest. I just used a regular chain and used two timing chain cover bolts on front/back, one TB screw, and the screw on the grounding wire under the coolant temp radiator hose thingie.....

Just a quickie, are these questions in regards to your engine???

 

Unfortunately, yes. I used a borescope we have at work to look down some spark plug holes, and what I saw wasn't pretty. My engine still has great compression (maybe a little too good) and it runs great, but I saw what looks to be pretty extensive detonation damage to a couple of piston crowns (I was running pretty lean for a while). I've located a fairly low mileage engine for cheap, and I'm thinking about either pulling the front head to see if what I saw is for real, or going ahead and swapping engines now according to my own schedule rather than maybe having to do an emergency swap later.

 

Well if you have access to a lift, there is no question dropping the tranny out from the bottom is the easiest. I mean you dont even have to remove the tranny, just the axles and drop it. But most people dont have access to a lift so everyone pulls it from the top.

Dixit

 

Well, I personally would say to just replace the water pump on the "new" engine, clean it up, and drop the whole thing in. From personal experience, it is SO MUCH EASIER to just replace the engine rather than to fully tear apart the engine while in the car and put it back together. If you need any help whatsoever, please let me know. For as you have guinea-pigged alot of the stuff I have now done, it is the least I can do to help you now lol. Good luck and keep us posted.....

 

I wish I had guys as experienced as you dudes living near me. Keep up the good work.

 

I was under the impression you pulled your engine before I guess that was Ereet or someone else? Pulling the engine is not hard trust me on this one. I have pulled and dropped the engine the same day and finished up the very next morning within two hours. Remove your hood and pull it from the top. You can get a hoist from Harbor freight for about $159 out the door if not less.

 

Also do the trick of leaving the AC compressor there on the floor with the lines connected (but not pulling the lines too much and stressing it) that way you dont have to worry about charging the AC again and getting moisture in your system and basically having to replace the pump and crap.

Dixit

 

You might be thinking of ejj (Eric).

I have done engine swaps before, just not the Maxima. I used to be able to pull the engine out of my air-cooled VW hippie van in about 40 minutes, and that was taking my time. That's not really saying much, though. I pulled the engine out of my Explorer, that was a bit more of a challenge.

Thanks guys for all the support, guys, I can just feel da luv!

 

As everyone else said, swapping it would be easier IMHO. And, I have only pulled it from the top, but it was easy.

Just take the hood off. But, I am sure you knew that

And like erik said, water pump is a great part to change and CHEAP.. the oil pump may be a thought as well. I almost went with the 2k2 oil pump, I just did not want ot fork out the money.

Good luck.. and I have only pulled 2 motors, but if I cna help, I will.