Lifted spirits
Applying a bit of Google magic helps prise the E-type engine out
With an invitation from Jaguar parts specialist SNG Barratt to have the Built By Many E-type on their Classic Motor Show stand, we needed to strip the car down and be ‘show ready’. First up – engine out! Head technician at SNG Barratt, Peter Stant, would support us but we had to plan the work via Google Hangouts. A pair of lifting eyes, a brass tool for removing US wheel spinners and a Thor hammer arrived as a workshop gift – time to get cracking.
The bonnet was freed, photo taken, shims bagged and labelled, and the process repeated for each part. The E-type was put on axle stands, its fluids drained and the radiator was removed.
Next, the engine damper. It always helps to remove the locking washer before cracking off the nut, but no amount of effort would shift the damper from its conical shaft. Fingers crossed the engine would clear the front picture frame with it still on. Back under the car, the gearbox mounting plate, gearbox damper and exhaust heat shield were removed, then back inside to access and remove the four T-rated propshaft bolts. Surprisingly, these were only finger tight…
Gymnastic routine
Things were going well. At the heart of the E-type suspension are the front torsion bars, which terminate at the rear, in something called a reaction plate. This is neatly sandwiched between sump and gearbox. To release the bars the upper ball joint needs to be removed so the bottom wishbone can float freely and then the nuts and bolts holding it all together can be removed. One stubborn bolt on each side of the reaction, however, was trapped under torsion.
Okay, time to remove the front wheels, steering rack and both sides of the anti roll bar to allow the uprights to fully droop. Still no joy – the bolts were firmly jammed. I pinged Peter Stant and all became clear. I was heading in the right direction but had to do a little gymnastics. ‘Sit on the wheel and rest your foot on the bottom wishbone and gently apply pressure,’ he said. ‘With your free hand reach down and, as the pressure comes off the torsion bar, pull the bolt free.’
The gymnastics worked and the bolts were soon out. Off with the engine mounting bolts, and after lifting the engine a little to remove the rear engine stabiliser, the engine was free. There is a very small window where the engine hangs freely with enough space to move it ‘up and out. As with the reaction plate it was down to experience.