Engine strip & clean
JOB INFO
TOOLS USED
Trolley jack Axle stands 8, 10, 13, 17, 36mm sockets and spanners Ratchet Screwdrivers (flat and cross head) Fuel hose clamp
MATERIALS USED
Primer and paint
SKILL LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5
TIME TAKEN
12-20 hours
COST
DIY: £300
Pro: £500-£600 approx. parts and labour
Whether you need to whip out your engine and replace your clutch, have a couple of oil leaks you want to address, or if you’re preparing to fit a new or used long block, this guide should really come in handy. Whilst you could just blindly swap everything over with a quick clean up and slap the engine in, why not take the time to make a few updates in the name of engine longevity, durability and ease of future serviceability while you’re at it? With our project ’71 Deluxe in full-swing, we decided to remove the engine to repair the battery tray and get rid of the chrome tinware but things just snowballed from there. Do it once and do it right is the mantra.
01 Prep
Before you can begin stripping the engine, you’ll need to remove it. The ideal time to drop the oil and sort out the strainer gaskets is before you remove it from the Bus. To remove the oil strainer, first, undo the 21mm oil drain plug (if fitted) and drain the oil. If you don’t have a drain plug (Mexican strainer plate), then it might be more convenient in the future if you fit a plate with the drain plug in – I chose to also fit a magnetic drain plug from my stash. The strainer plate is removed by undoing the 10mm nuts and dropping the plate, oil strainer
