Step 1: Remove the valve covers and inspect the rocker arms to see if you even need to take the engine out and apart. This became the new Step 1 after Lisa, in the course of the summer, pulled two engines out and started disassembly before finding the problem with both engines was loose rocker arm nuts. Mario just went to Florida for Spring Break, and 12 miles down the road the Orange Hippie (73 Type II) started running on 3 cylinders. He knew what it was right away; he'd forgotten to tighten one of the rocker arms.

Step 2: Drain the oil. It is much easier to do in the vehicle than on the bench. You'll make a mess if you wait to do it on the bench.

Step 3: Clean off the work bench REAL WELL, including sweeping the floor in the immediate area so you will be able to find the little parts as you drop them.

Step 4: Drain the gas tank, otherwise it will drip and drip and ruin the asphalt drive or pollute the environment or else go bad while the engine is getting redone.

Step 5: Disconnect the battery. No need to start any fires.

The rest is easy.

Click here to see a pic of Carolyn after she pulled and replaced her engine twice in one day.

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