Swapping in new/used 617 motor: really going to do it this time
 

I posted my intent many years ago, approx '07:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/203265-putting-116-617-into-my-126-a.html

Got some excellent advice from LUVMBDiesels in that one and this previous thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/193633-116-3-liter-into-126-a.html

Yes, I too am a project-aholic. My landlord at the warehouse where I rent the space that has patiently contained my rig and the donor engire (in the hidding parking in front of my unit - Google Earth shots later) from heaven that I found and let sit languishing for 5 years is issuing motivation for me to get it running and registered. I should probably thank him.

At any rate, the engine was well covered (mostly) during its himbernation. Thick plastic with a layer of good blue tarp above that and a layer of trashy blue tarp above that. Sun was never on the plastic. One time though, in a mostly dry season, I discovered the tarp off. Couldn't have been more than a couple of weeks but there is a chance it got rained on slightly.

My Beemer parts guy tells me I should take the tranny out along with the blown engine, hook the tranny and starter up to the donor engine and crank it for an audible inspection - this after removing the oil pan, inspecting and renewing, and with new oil.

I'm guessing its easier all in all to put in the engine/tranny as a unit than trying to leave the tranny in while pulling the old engine, and putting the new one in with tranny already in place. Seems like trouble could come from the that. I can imagine that one might ought to raise the front end of the car an extra foot or so off the ground to have room for the tranny hanging down low if installed as a unit.

With an engine hoist and a tilter-thingy you should be able to get the engine & tranny out as a unit, so long as the radiator & fan are out.

What's a tilter-thingy? A google search didn't help. :)

Tilt Bar - Engine Hoist Bar.

It allows you to more securely remove and install an engine by allowing you to tilt the engine. As always, safety first.

You'll see pictures of a load leveler / load balancer in this thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/289886-how-i-took-out-my-1981-w123-300d-euro-non-turbo-engine.html

Harbor Freight under $40 for 2 ton load leveler