[Big Tom]

I was in need of a 2nd vehicle and came across a '02 Taurus with a blown 3L Vulcan engine (8th digit U for the VIN)

The car is in great shape, low miles only 70K or so, but yeah there is a piece of a piston ring sticking out the front of the block so obviously got some issues. I've skimmed your forum a little and it seems like you can either remove the engine out the top or else drop the entire subframe so I wanted to get some peoples input which is easier.

I do have access to a shop that has a car hoist and cherry picker, and I've done 2 vehicles before that required dropping a subframe so I have a decent idea how it goes. But I've also done a few vehicles taking the engines out the top and it's pretty easy also.

So what's the verdict from guys who've done or tried it both ways? Given you have all the tools is it easier going up and out, or down?

Any tips or tricks to doing a engine pull on these vehicles? Anything I should replace or inspect while it's out to make my life easier for the future?

 

[loudsho92]

You can do it either way. If you go out teh top remove the hood. If you go out the bottom you will need to disconnect everything and lift the car up pretty high.

 

[Big Tom]

Is there any preference though? The hoist can raise the car almost 6' in the air so that's not an issue


I don't mind doing it either way, I just want the quickest/simplest way to go about it.

 

[dbfruth]

Dropping the subframe is the only way to go. I just reinstalled my engine this weekend and my friend and I were able to get the powertrain back into the car and back on its own suspension is less than an hour. Hooking up the wires hoses and stuff took a few more hours. Removal is even easier. Disconnecting the accessories, hoses and wires are what take the longest.

 

[Big Tom]

After reading hundreds of posts using the search fuction yeah it seems dropping the subframe is favoured especially if you have a hoist.


So next question that I'm sure I'll get flamed a bit for since it's been asked hundreds of times, mine is a '02... car-part.com and the like show ONLY '02 Taurus/Sable engines will interchange, reading posts sounds like the block is the same for the last what... 20+ years? So basically any would work, but is there a somewhat range where mods are minimal? ie mine is a '02... I think there was some changes around '01 from some posts I read so maybe I should focus on finding an engine from '02+?

Just curious is all, I've seen a couple vehicles at the wreckers that were newer then mine is all so considering all possibilities without making myself to much more work.

Thanks

 

[jw89sho]

The interchange info is based on the complete engine assembly, as they sell it when you ask for an engine. The long block is compatible from 86 to 07, need to change accessory drive, sensors, etc. as needed, take them from your original car. Likewise, use the original harness.

 

[Big Tom]

Well I got a parts car, '03 Taurus SE with nearly identical KMs, runs like a champ so I'm in the process of ripping it apart and dropping the subframe to get the motor out.

Couple quick Q's though for you guys hopefully someone can answer for me


Do I need to remove the rad and coolers or can they stay in the car? It looks like there should be plenty of room but thought I'd ask just in case.

Can you remove the AC compressor and move it off to the side? I don't want to have to recharge the system if I can help it, almost all the cars I've done I've been able to remove the compressor and move it out of the way, this one seems a smidge tighter then I'm used to.

 

[Dubeckyj]

Rad and coolers stay where they are, and AC compressor unbolts with 4 bolts to the motor mount bracket. On my '97 there's power steering line in the way, but I don't know what an '02 will be like. Hang it out of the way with wire and go about your work.

 

[Big Tom]

Rad and coolers stay where they are, and AC compressor unbolts with 4 bolts to the motor mount bracket. On my '97 there's power steering line in the way, but I don't know what an '02 will be like. Hang it out of the way with wire and go about your work.

Yeah there is a black steel line for the power steering that goes overtop of the tranny and along the front of the engine, unfortunately it's fished in amungst the big wiring harness plug. I'm un-decided if I'm going to just remove the line completely or just try to remove the one end and drop the line with the subframe. We'll see today how it goes, should be able to get the engine out/off of the parts car then get working on the good car!