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I'm looking at replacing the engine mounts on my fb(front and rear), aswell as a new sump gasket.
Can this be done with the engine still in the engine bay, or am I better off lifting it out.
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

cheers Rob

Can't say I've ever replaced a grey motor sump gasket with engine in the bay but I'd guess it could be done. Undo all engine mount nuts bolts etc and put a trolley jack under the sump with a wide flat piece of wood so as not to dent the sump.Jack the motor up and see how high you can get it.Just make sure when you are jacking up the motor that a trusted assistant watches things in the engine bay just to make sure nothing stretches and snaps or bends etc (things like wiring,radiator hoses,linkages etc).
Have a look and see how much clearance there is between sump and crossmember and work out if it looks like there's enough room to get the sump out.
Engine mounts can be replaced at the same time.


However after fiddling with replacing sump gaskets in later holdens (red 6 and V8 and Chev V8's and other makes) whilst the engine is still in the bay I can say that sometimes there just isn't an easier way to replace the gaskets than to pull the motor out and do it on the ground as some multiple piece gaskets can be a pain in the rectum to do.
The old greys are very easy to pull out and refit and it would be an easier job to replace the gaskets with it out of the car than in the car.

Hope this helps,

Terry.

Have to agree with Terry, I have done a red 6 whilst still in the car. Much easier to pull it out, not too mention if you are doing mounts you're halfway there...

Yeah I'm pulling the gearbox out to replace seals, so I'm half way there. I think the motor may have more than a sump leak anyway

I'd like to pull the subframe out and replace rubbers and tidy up,but where do you stop, considering my original plans were to get the old girl ready for rego and thats it.

But I've got the FB bug and I'm a fussy buggar

cheers Rob

You will most likely find in addition to your sump leaking that your rear main rope seal will also be leaking so if you've got the engine out of the car do that as well (you will have to pull the crank out though...or at least partly out to be able to replace/refit the rope seal).Check all welch plugs as they are a pain in the arse to replace with engine fitted.Also check clutch wear.

I've got an accident damaged (I didn't prang it,previous owner did!) EK that I was just going to repair for rego and drive but once I pulled the front guards off and found front inner/outer sill rust, the subframes coming out now and of course so is the engine and when I have a good look at the engine I'll probably find I should replace this and that while its out I'll replace the clutch.....and.....and...... yeah.....I know what you mean by where does it end!!...however whilst it may cost time and money you may as well fix it there and then because sure as sh#t you'll have to repair it soon anyway!

Terry.