Engine Pictures

[coptertom]

Can anybody possibly send me photos of their L81 engine compartments? I removed the radiator, alternator, power steering pump, water pump and smog pump about three (3) months ago so that I could replace my harmonic balancer and timing chain.

Now I have to figure out or should I say, try to remember how to put it all back together. I am planning on not re-installing the smog pump.

I am hoping that with your pictures and advice that I will be able to get my engine back together and take it out for a spin before I start on the front suspension. Truth is.............My wife is ready to tow my baby out of the garage if I don't get it up and running soon! She views it as an eye sore and not as a journey, as I do!

Thanks,

 

[minifridge1138]

Hey,

I did all of that on my 1982 about a year ago. I'm going from memory, but here is what I can remember.

Here is the order i would do things in.
Install timing Chain.
Install cover.
Raise oil pan (you had to lower it to get the timing chain cover off).
Install harmonic balancer.
Install power steering pump (guessing to do it now. I didn't remove mine).
Install water pump.
Install pulley on crank and cam.
Install alternator.
Install AIR pump.
Install radiator and hoses.
Install shroud.
Install fan and clutch.
Install belts.

Honestly, an assembly and instruction manual would be worth its weight in gold. A service manual would also be useful. The actual GM books, not a Chilton or Haynes (they're good, but not as good).

If you have any trouble with any one of those, ask the forum.

Also, as a note for next time, when you remove a part, put it and all of the mounting hard ware in a container. When you remove the next part, put it in a separate container. This way you know which parts go where.

Good luck. Maybe your wife will change her mind after she gets to ride in it.

 

[coptertom]

Minifridge,

Thanks for the quick reply and an idea of which order to put everything back on. I've already installed the oil pump, new timing chain and cover, oil pan and balancer. I will install the Power steering pump next then go onto the water pump, pully and then the alternator. I am not going to put the air pump back in. That is if I can figure out how without having the extra pully for the air pump (smok pump). Then onto the radiator, shroud and fan clutch.

I would welcome any engine pictures under the hood would be a great help........

 

[Peer81]

I can take pictures this weekend, just tell me from where and what you want to see

Groeten Peter

 

[6880 Mike]

It goes back together the way you took it apart. Do you have the assembly instruction manual? AIM helps a lot.

 

[coptertom]

It goes back together the way you took it apart. Do you have the assembly instruction manual? AIM helps a lot.

I have the 1981 GM Manual but not the assembly manual. I prop should have continued the work I was doing but got real busy at work. (That will teach me)! I took the hood off to make it easier to access the engine then removed the parts in order to clean it up a bit while I was replacing the balancer and timing chain. I had true duals installed with headers so the Air Pump (smog) does me no good and if I can leave it out I will. I can't remember if the Air Pump bracket is used to attach anything other than the pump. (not to mention that the Air Pump braket was broken).

I removed the brackets for the alternator, water pump and Air Pump in order to clean them up and paint them. Now I have to figure out where and how they go onto the engine. The GM Manual shows how to rebuilt but not how to assemble.

Should I but the Air Pump back in even though it is not functional or can I leave it out?

I figure that if I had pictures of where the parts are installed and a look at the brackets, I should be good to go since I do not have the assembly manual.

Maybe I should stick to flying and leave the engine work to the experts..................Naw, I am having too much fun!

Thanks guys for your help and hope I don't get to be a bother.

 

[6880 Mike]

...I have the 1981 GM Manual but not the assembly manual.....

Order the AIM. It has diagrams of how everything was installed on the assembly line. It would go a long way toward reassembling your engine and engine compartment.

 

[coptertom]

I was thinking about that............found a Corvette Assembly Manual for $20 and change on Eckler's. It looks like it is a reprint of the 1981 GM Assembly Manual. It appears as though it will be a valuable asset to have.

Thanks

 

[Peer81]

You have to put some shims between the right forward exhaust stud to attach the airco bracket. If I remember correctly the airpump brackets goes behind another point of the airco bracket so you have to shim that one to. Also look at your ps pump when you reinstall it if it aligns correctly. When I put the ps pump back on I had to shim it for about 3/8".
Some pictures I have online...

If you need more, just let me know.

Groeten Peter

 

[Tritium007]

Let's see if I still remember how to post photos....

 

[coptertom]

Great Pictures Guys, Thanks....................They will help. I also ordered an Assembly Manual this afternoon. Between your photos and the Assembly Manual, I should be able to get the vette back together! I'll keep you posted

Thanks,

 

[Emtmike]

I hope this picture of my engine compartment will also help with your adventure :cool