Hi all-
First post.

I inherited a one owner 86 190e with the 2.3. I have yet to pick it up, but I've been told it has ben diagnosed as "needing a motor".
145k on the odometer.

How difficult is the R&R? I've done several domestic V8 swaps, but never this kind.
Are special tools required?

Any advice appreciated.
Thanks!

 

Hi 190,

If you are just swapping engines, a mechanics average metric tool box will be fine. I think the most important thing you will need is time and patience. Most of the devices and controls on the engine are separately wired to their own lug, so that means a lot of labeling and unhooking all over the engine. It might take you six hours to label and unhook all the wires and hoses. And PLEASE label or number them.

Try to buy as close to the exact same engine as possible. If you get too different of a motor you will end up buying new linkages, mounts, manifolds etc, and that will be discouraging. How will you find a "good" runnnig engine that old? How will you know it runs well? Every junk engine has an owner that says, "it was running great when I parked it", which usually means it needs an overhaul.

Blue

 

Thanks Blue-

I have located an engine w/79k at a junkyard.
May not even need it. Have to get the car home first to diagnose.

The worst job I've done to date was not an engine swap, but a heater core in an A/C equipped 88 GT Mustang.
Lots of tagging / bagging and specialty tools.

-Rob