Grenade Posted July 14, 2015 Share Posted July 14, 2015 I recently have removed the stock broken VG30E from my 1992 SE-V6 4SP Auto 4x4 Pathfinder. I did some research before I even bough the vehicle to see what was all required to complete this task. I did find some good information, but nothing that was concrete. I have access to ALLDATA style online manual, which did help, but was in itself somewhat confusing and missleading. I have also ordered the FSM but am still waiting on that to arrive. Here's some information that I was wondering and now have an answer to. YES, you can remove JUST THE ENGINE WITHOUT removing the transmission or transfer case, OR the front differential. I did this without removing the drive line as well. Remove the Transmission Crossmemeber and use a Transmission jack or motorcycle jack to support it. This will also allow you to change the AXIS of the driveline for easy bolt access. For the Lower bolts, Lower the transmission/transfer case and this will allow some easier access. A 14mm ratchet wrench will be a life saver for you! If you can, try and have both a long and a short one. This will save you time. For the Top (two top ones, and one drivers side one) raise the transmission/transfer case. This will pull them away from the firewal. On the DS top bolt, I laid across the DS fender, and for the one directly below it, I pulled off the DS wheel and reached past the mud flap/fender. This was to break them loose. The PS Top bolt can be accessed from directly ontop of the engine. I laid across the manifold, and was able to easily get my hand with wrench in there to break it free. The Starter Bracket must be removed to seperate the engine/transmission. There is an "inspection cover" that is pinched between the Engine and the Transmission. All bolts must be removed to seperate the two somewhat and the cover will unbolt. This MUST be removed to get to the flexplate/converter bolts. There are 4 of them, and they are small. The best way I found was to use a long extension and impact that was at the front of the engine bay, where the radiator/fan would be. I removed the first one, then took some spray paint, and sprayed into the area, marking the two. This is becuase they are balanced from the factory. Then rotate engine, and remove the other 3. I was able to remove the engine with out disconnecting the PS / and AC compressor. Just move them nicely to the sides. There are many bolts that hold the Engine to the Transmission. They are different lengths and they go different ways. Try your best not to mix them up. I used a template to keep mine in place hopefully. Now is a GREAT time to change your engine mounts, headers, transmission lines, add a cooler, rebuild your starter, or anything else thats in the engine bay. I have not installed the new (used) engine yet, but I will try and update this post with any information I find that may help. Thanks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedPath88 Posted July 15, 2015 Share Posted July 15, 2015 Congrats, that makes you at least the second person to do it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MY1PATH Posted July 15, 2015 Share Posted July 15, 2015 1" Body Lift:I reached all my bolts from the bottom before using the jack... ... I imagine its even easier with a 2" or 3" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmoore4512 Posted August 14, 2015 Share Posted August 14, 2015 Oh it is CAKE with a 3 inch body lift...Done a motor pull years back and two trans swaps!AS much as I hate the body lift I love it too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trexterra Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 There is an "inspection cover" that is pinched between the Engine and the Transmission. All bolts must be removed to seperate the two somewhat and the cover will unbolt. This MUST be removed to get to the flexplate/converter bolts. There are 4 of them, and they are small. The best way I found was to use a long extension and impact that was at the front of the engine bay, where the radiator/fan would be. I removed the first one, then took some spray paint, and sprayed into the area, marking the two. This is becuase they are balanced from the factory. Then rotate engine, and remove the other 3. Can anyone help me with this part? I can't seem to get the engine out and I found this, just not sure what this inspection cover is referencing and I can't find anything in the FSM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 I just went through the starter hole to get the torque converter bolts. After you take the bracket the starter sits in off, there is a big hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trexterra Posted November 16, 2015 Share Posted November 16, 2015 I just went through the starter hole to get the torque converter bolts. After you take the bracket the starter sits in off, there is a big hole. ok i'll be attempting try #3 tomorrow to get the engine out. I'll look for this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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