Repair 7

How to Lift an Engine Out of a Truck

There are a number of reasons to completely remove a truck engine, including refurbishing, replacing and general repairs. Each size and style of engine will have small differences, so the exact process of removal will be slightly different, but the basic procedure will remain the same regardless. The vehicles owners manual will provide the specifics for attachment locations and any model-specific tools that may be required. The procedure requires more than one person to work the overhead winch because the weight of the engine makes it dangerous for one person to handle.

Instructions

1

Park the truck on a level surface and set the parking brake. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the retaining bolts from the hood hinges and remove the hood from the vehicle.

2

Place a bucket under the radiator drain valve. Open the valve with a socket wrench and drain all of the fluid. Disconnect the radiator hoses and electrical connections from the engine.

3

Place a bucket under the engine oil drain plug. Remove the plug and allow the engine oil to drain completely.

4

Disconnect all of the sensors from the engine. These may include, but not limited to the crankshaft sensor, temperature sensors, oil pressure sensor and throttle position sensor.

5

Disconnect the throttle cable. Disconnect the cruise control cable. Remove the ground straps connected to the starter and engine.

6

Disconnect the starter and alternator. Move them out of the way or remove them from the engine compartment depending on their location and whether they are inconvenient to the larger project.

7

Jack up the front of the vehicle and place jack stands under the axles for stability. Disconnect the exhaust pipes and crankcase breather. Disconnect the fuel lines and fuel injectors. Remove the throttle body and intake pipes.

8

Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. Remove the fan shroud, fan, coolant pump and water lines. Disconnect the vacuum lines. Disconnect any additional connections.

9

Remove the bolts from the engine mounting brackets. Depending on the model of engine, there could be anywhere from three to six mounting bolts. Remove the torque-converter and all of the belts.

10

Attach the overhead winch to the engine using heavy chains and hooks. Raise the engine slowly while one person steadies the engine to keep it from damaging anything. When the engine is completely clear of the engine compartment, swing it to one side and lower it to the ground.