Old Deis:

I drained the engine oil (hot), removed oil filter, and drained trans fluid but only from the trans to keep ATF spilling out the back seal to a minimum and did not drain the torque convertor (not too long before I R&R'd my engine I'd replaced trans fluid and filter). Left the torque convertor full so it would be easier to fill trans with fluid after the engine started-up. But, you have to keep the torque convertor level or nearly so to prevent fluid from seeping out when it is not connected to the trans (I put a rag over the shaft and propped in an unused area until I needed it). Some may want to drain the convertor to start off with all fresh fluid - up to them.

There is a fair amount of clearance when R&R'ing the engine with the trans attached. Having a sling that rotates will really be a plus - I had to guess where to attach the sling to the hoist and was off a bit when removing (not enough angle) and going in I had the right angle (attached at a point mid-way between the oil filler cap and throttle linkage, but I ended up attaching closer to the oil filler cap). The weight of the trans helps with getting the right angle. As the engine is moved I walked (moved) the trans a bit to help with clearance and adjusted the hoist to clear everything. One thing I did was to use a piece of 1/4" plywood to protect the AC condensor using stretch cords to hold it in place - I needed the protection coming out since the angle was off a bit and the belt pulley and then the lower oil pan rubbed against the plywood. I should have dropped the engine back in and re-attached the sling to get the right angle, but nothing was damaged in any way. Also, my sling split into a Y to connect to the factory connections at the back of the valve cover - this kept the engine from tilting to the side when R&R'ing.

I completely agree with you, I do not want to R&R the engine again unless I have to. That's why I am trying to convince Jim/Anon to make sure he finds all damaged parts and replace/repair to avoid having to do the job twice (or more). With the engine out of the body it sure is a lot easier to inspect, replace, repair, etc. to ensure a successful rebuild.

Tom

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1977 300D: 300,000+ miles

American Honda: Factory Trained Technician & Honor Grad.
Formerly:
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