help replacing engine!

[Jrs2000]

Hello,

I live in Phoenix NY and have a 2000 2.5L MTX Cougar with a spun rod bearing...

I have a 1999 parts Cougar that has a good engine.

I have been working 10 hours a day and haven't found the energy to get this done...

I was wondering if there was anyone around here that could help or someone who knows where I can get it done for under $500

[DanG]

Well, I'm nowhere near syracuse... But you can definitely find experienced help here. What part(s) are you having trouble with? Easiest thing to do as a shadetree mechanic is to pull the entire powertrain out of the top using an engine hoist, swap everything useable from your old engine to the new (unless the two are from the same year/fuel system type), swap the transaxle to the new motor, and put the whole thing back in from the top.

[Jrs2000]

the problem right now isn't as much not knowing what I'm doing but not having motivation/time.

I am currently working full time working 50-60 hours a week...

[DanG]

Well that's definitely a problem.

Anyone here in Western NY who wants to help a fellow owner out?

[Jrs2000]

i have the dealership service manuals...

I have all three of them!

I should be able to do it on my own just it'll take awhile since I don't know what I'm doing...

[Jrs2000]

In I go!

I found a buncha racers that are going on a tour for the next 3 weeks leaving their garage to be worked in...

Good luck to me, I'm going to try to do it myself!

[nadthomas]

Good luck, its a pretty straight forward process just be sure to label all of the hoses and electrical connections if this is your first time you will inevitably forget where something goes. Also if you get lost somewhere along the way next weekend don't be surprised if no one posts. The boards are normally pretty dead during the weekend of cougarfest.

[Jrs2000]

Hello Everyone,

So I started the work again...

My boss is helping me do the work... Last week we were talking about me getting to work on time and I was like "Sorry I'm late 10-15 minutes everyday but I am subject to the whim of my transportation, once I get my car on the road I'll be on time"...

He was like "In that case when are we going to get together and fix the car?"

Needless to say he came over Saturday and we prepped the pull of the blown engine...

I have a couple question for the more knowledgeable people around here =)

1) Is there a difference in the bell housing between a MTX engine and a ATX engine or will a MTX bolt right up to a ATX engine?

2) I left my 'good' engine with the hood off and everything including the throttle body disconnected... My boss told me its probably shot because moisture probably messed up the engine...?

Additionally, on Saturday we were stumped for almost an hour trying to get the drivers' side axle out until we found WadeSpencer's write up telling you to tap it out with a screwdriver...

Is there anyone out there that knows what they're doing that can gimme their phone number so I can call if I have a question or two?

[wadespencer99]

1) Is there a difference in the bell housing between a MTX engine and a ATX engine or will a MTX bolt right up to a ATX engine?

No, the engines are the same. You will obviously need to replace the flex plate with a flywheel and clutch kit (or vice-versa), but other than that they are the same.


2) I left my 'good' engine with the hood off and everything including the throttle body disconnected... My boss told me its probably shot because moisture probably messed up the engine...?

Has it been raining in it or something? :ugh: If so, yeah...it's probably done.


One other question...You said your car is a 2000, therefore it is a returnless fuel system...was your 99 donor car built after 5/99?

If not, it's a return style fuel system, and you'll have a few extra things to change.

Glad the screwdriver trick worked on the axle, btw.

[Jrs2000]

Hey Wade,

They're both returnless...

The only problem I have right now is that I didn't pull the A/C compressor Radiator or radiator fans... But I can't get the engine past the brake booster... I thought I could get away without taking out the radiator...?

[Jrs2000]

Alright.

I have a progress report!

Both engines are pulled and the good engine is only about 3 feet from where it needs to bed :-p...

The only problem I have right now is that the wiring harness on the good engine is for a ATX and the car is going to be a MTX... I feel like I'm going to have to pull the wiring harness...

[wadespencer99]

Yes, you will need the wiring harness that goes with the car. Be aware of fuel system differences as well.