Planning Engine Out Job - what 'while I'm in there jobs?'

Hi guys, I've recently bought a 182 which I'm intending to do some refreshing of. The belts were last done 10 years ago! so need attention right now. I'm not a mechanic but plan on doing this myself with the genuine tools.

I've also got a slightly crunchy third gear so plan to remove the engine from the car, remove the gearbox and get that repaired.

I'm hoping for a list of tasks to do while I'm in there, and ideally the best place/brand of parts to buy.

I'm thinking;

Engine Mounts (OEM)
Clutch - Valeo?
Intake gaskets?

Many thanks. it's my first time taking an engine out.

Every sensor you can.

It would make sense before you remove it to do the usual checks of plug condition, compression test and so on to make sure all is well.

Once out, look over it before cleaning and find any leaks which should be addressed whilst out. If you're doing the cambelt you'll need to do the two blanks above the gearbox which often weep.

If you're doing the clutch, worth doing the crank oil seal behind it, but check carefully for how far in to press it as it doesn't go all the way in. Also the release bearing.

Easily done with the engine in, but easier still with it out - check the radiator condition - they're all getting long in the tooth.

White two part bush on the gear selector on the underside of the gearbox

Check and replace battery and engine earth straps

check the whole wiring loom careful whilst you have access

You'll need to disconnect the exhaust, so replace the gasket and hardware on the manifold to exhaust joint.

Check around the engine bay for corrosion and treat accordingly

Check/clean all wiring plugs/terminations

Nissens Radiators are pretty cheap if yours is looking a bit worse for wear

New starter, it's a b**ch to do so while you've easy access why not? Rust treat anywhere that's showing signs of going brown.

Deep rabbit hole this 😂

I’m not saying this off the cuff - I speak with bitter experience. Doing jobs ‘whilst you’re there’ will get silly.
Whilst I was having a £900 diff fitted, may as well get new shafts, new clutch. Nothing wrong with the old one but ‘whilst I’m there’. That £900 diff cost me £5k.

Then my ph1. Started off as a quick £1500 refresh. No more. I stopped counting at £3500. And I could have got a LOAD deeper in to that.

If you want a garage queen then absolutely go for it. Fair play.
But if you want a useable car, Just do the big jobs (cambelt and clutch) plus any repairs it needs and just fix it whenever it breaks.

Advikaz said:

Deep rabbit hole this 😂

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Yeah probably best to set a budget and stick to it. Don't be like Daniel.

Clio_fool said:

Yeah probably best to set a budget and stick to it. Don't be like Daniel.

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There was no need for the first sentence. The second sentence covers all eventualities.

And I say that as I am in the process of refreshing the suspension on my clio.

Ooh while the hubs are off I could get them powder coated, and that arb looks a bit dirty, and that oil leak looks like an engine rebuild with supercharger is needed and...

Clio_fool said:

And I say that as I am in the process of refreshing the suspension on my clio.

Ooh while the hubs are off I could get them powder coated, and that arb looks a bit dirty, and that oil leak looks like an engine rebuild with supercharger is needed and...

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You rang?!??? 😂

Thanks for the feedback guys. I inspected the timing belt today by removing the engine mount and cover. It looked ok but it's hard to really see. The aux belt was showing signs of cracking so I'm very nervous to drive the car until it's done.

I'm now leaning towards as Bluebeard has said to just do the basics. It's a new to me car but still an unknown. The car has very good bodywork, and fortunately as it's a second car / project I think i'll do just the basics. All belts and fix any oil leaks.

I've read that cam seals are worth doing if doing the de-phaser pulleys? Any other small things like that? I'm intending to replace both engine mounts, but with OEM mounts. I've a poly dogbone for the gearbox which the car came with but thats about as much NVH as I want to live with.

Rawhide said:

I'm now leaning towards as Bluebeard has said to just do the basics.

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Sorting out the mechanicals is key to ensuring the car is reliable - neglect them, and that’s where you’ll come unstuck. Things like paintwork, corrosion, and the interior can be tackled as you go, but if the fundamentals aren’t right, you’re in for trouble. If you get a gut feeling something needs changing, do it because I can guarantee you it'll bite you on the arse.

I replaced almost everything on mine except for a couple of parts - and, predictably, it was those that eventually let me down.

I still have a big box of restored parts to fit in the spring, as I’m planning a drive to the Nürburgring (what could possibly go wrong?). Old cars are full of surprises - unfortunately.

If you have a weekend free, have a read of mine - https://cliosport.net/threads/restoring-little-bluey-my-182-ff-cliosport-in-racing-blue.840322/

I priced up a starter motor while my engine was out, decided against it then 4 weeks later had to roll about on the floor trying to replace the starter, I will never refit an engine to a 2.0 Clio without replacing an old starter.

If there's a place nearby you might be able to get the starter rebuilt fairly cheap.