Editing How to rebuild an engine

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== Summary ==
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== Requirements ==

=== Tools and work area ===

'''What tools are needed?'''

You will need a basic set of hand tools, such as end wrenches,ratchet and socket set, screwdriver set, and a gasket scraper. This basic set of tools will get you through the disassembly steps.

You will need a few special tools when it comes time to build or reassemble the engine. A torque wrench, Plastigauge [http://www.plastigauge.co.uk/],and a cam bearing installing tool (unless machine shop installs cam bearings). Also you may need a ridge reamer, A ring groove cleaner, a ring expander, a ring trimmer, a ring compressor, and a good cylinder hone.



How to choose the proper tools?

'''Where to buy?''' 

Sears (Craftsman tools), hardware stores or home centers, such as Home Depot, or companies such as Matco Tools, Snap On, and Mac Tools.

How much will they cost?

Work area?

=== Skill level ===
Who can do this?

== Deciding on an engine ==
What are your needs? What's the application? How much can you afford?

== Locating an engine to rebuild ==
This section should cover the basics of where to find a potential candidate for an engine rebuilding project. How to search junkyards, classified ads, the internet, etc.

Locating an engine can be as easy as ordering a shortblock crate engine from Edelbrock on the phone, or removing an old rusty flathead from a totalled car in a junkyard. 

'''Classifieds'''
Probably the best way to go if you dont have an engine hoist, a cherry picker, or some device to pull the engine out of the car yourself. Most papers have an Auto Parts section in the classifieds, often the engines get a section for themselves as well. Usually, the engines sold in classifieds are either pulled already or the owner will pull it for you. This saves quite a bit of work, time and costs. Care should be taken however, to buy a fairly complete engine. The alternator, ac, wiring, intake, carb, fan etc. will all add up to a real big sum if purchased separately later. Its advised to buy an engine that already comes with all the necesary accesories to make it run. The transmission is another important part when buying an engine in the classifieds. Be sure to check if the engine comes with a transmission, unless you already have one or will be adquiring a different one (before doing this, you should check if the tranny and engine your buying can be adapted with the proper bellhousing). The disadvantage to buying from classifieds: you often dont get to hear the engine run (as its pulled already in a mayority of cases). 
Another good way of finding an engine in the classifieds is by browsing through the car wrecking section. Often time people will sell cars for parts, or as beaters, or for wrecking. These cars can be had for as cheap as $100, and if your lucky the engine in them might be half decent yet. Often times these cars are no longer roadworthy because the body is literally falling apart due to rust, but they're mechanically sound. An advantage to buying a complete donor car is that you get to hear the engine run, the engine is already mated to a working transmission, you can use all the accesories and wiring of the existing car to make the engine run, and if your lucky you might even find a good use for the rear-end. Sell the interior and seats on eBay or your local classifieds and get a small portion re-embursed. The drawback to buying a donor car is that the engine has to be removed, and the car takes up space (which a lot of us just dont have). 




'''Junkyards'''
Junkyards can be a great resource for locating missing car parts, or locating an engine for your hot rod. Junkyards are full of cars from the 1970's and 80's waiting to donate their mechanical heart. Junkyard shoppping might be a good idea in order to find the best prices in town. A majority of the cars from the past 3 decades came equipped with a v8 as motorvation. Now tons of old cars are forgotten and throwin into junkyards. 



== Acquisition ==
This section should cover what to do after you've decided what engine you're going to use. It might need to be removed, hauled in your vehicle, shipped, etc.

=== Removal ===
How to safely and properly pull an engine.

=== Transportation ===
How to ship an engine through a third-party shipping service. And, how to safely load, secure, transport, and unload an engine.

== Disassembly==
Step-by-step.


== Machining ==

=== Deciding what machine work to do ===
What will the engine be used for?

==== What to expect to pay for machining work ====
List of specific procedures and average prices.

=== How to select a machine shop ===
Cleanliness, experience, referral from trusted sources, etc.

== Assembly ==
Step-by-step engine assembly process.

== Testing and break-in ==
Testing, tweaking, tuning. How to break in an engine.


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